Final answer:
The ideal hand position when spotting the lat pull-down exercise is with hands ready near the lifter's armpits, ensuring the spotter can promptly assist the lifter while maintaining safety and proper form.
Step-by-step explanation:
When spotting the lat pull-down exercise, the ideal hand position is D. Hands ready near the lifter's armpits. This positioning ensures the spotter can provide assistance to the lifter in case it becomes necessary. The spotter should remain alert and be prepared to help the lifter maintain proper form or to aid in case of muscle fatigue. It is important for the spotter to avoid close grip on the wrists or any overhead grip on the shoulders, as this could interfere with the exercise form or cause injury. Instead, the spotter should focus on being prepared to guide the lifter's elbows or assist in controlling the weight if it becomes too challenging for the lifter to manage.