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No intimidation "gyms"
Replies
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This post made me laugh. I just joined a really cheap gym that has mostly cardio equipment. I only need the treadmill because mine is broken and it's dark in the morning so I don't want to walk alone (my dog was my walking partner and she passed last month). So people actually do have legit reasons for joining these types of gyms that have nothing to do with judgment (not that I would actually care if someone was judging me, that's their issue, not mine).
I suspect I will drop the gym if I get another dog or someone buys me a treadmill for Christmas.21 -
Noreenmarie1234 wrote: »I have never heard the "no intimidation gym" term. What does this even mean and why is planet fitness one? This is probably a stupid question but I googled it as well and can't seem to find anything explaining fully.
I have never belonged to a gym, but do people usually comment on your workouts at most gyms? I always thought no one would talk to you unless you asked for advice and everyone just did their own thing. At most gyms it is the norm to have someone approach you every time and tell you how/what to do? I am genuinely curious because I never thought this was how gyms were but I have no clue since never been to one lol.
I've been in and out of gyms since I was about 15/16 years old. I've never received unsolicited advice or had anyone comment on my workout.
"Gymtimidation" is basically PF marketing thing...that marketing gives people the impression that if they go to other gyms, the "lunks" will be judging them and whatnot...also not anything I've ever experienced.
As to the OP...I'm not big on PF marketing, but fitness centers like that are adequate for the vast majority of people to achieve a reasonable level of health and fitness. While I do prefer free weights, compound movements, and Olympic lifting, most people just trying to get a little fitness will do fine at a place like PF if they go regularly. I had a membership way back in the beginning of this little safari I'm on namely because it was cheap, down the street from my house, and I mostly needed it for cardio equipment in the winter. I also wasn't sure how much I'd use it and had gotten tangled up in long term contracts before, so it seemed like a safe bet starting out. I ultimately outgrew it in regards to what I wanted to do...but it was fine starting out, and probably fine for the vast majority of people out there who just want to get in a little regular exercise.8 -
I workout at a small local 24-hr. gym (code access). There is a guy who is sometimes there and he groans extremely loudly whether he is doing any activity or not. It is not a big place and if he is on weights in the back and I'm on the treadmill in front, he will make an effort to walk all the way to the front grunting loudly every few steps as he walks past and then returns to the back for his next set. I assume he was a jock in high school because his license plate says "85CHAMP" and 1985 was HS based on age estimate.
That is exactly the type of jerk that makes some gym-goers uncomfortable. I shouldn't be able to hear him groaning through my earbuds at full volume unless he is lifting a whole lot more than his legs to walk past. I try to ignore him and avoid showing any signs that I even notice he is there, but it is still very annoying.17 -
This post made me laugh. I just joined a really cheap gym that has mostly cardio equipment. I only need the treadmill because mine is broken and it's dark in the morning so I don't want to walk alone (my dog was my walking partner and she passed last month). So people actually do have legit reasons for joining these types of gyms that have nothing to do with judgment (not that I would actually care if someone was judging me, that's their issue, not mine).
I suspect I will drop the gym if I get another dog or someone buys me a treadmill for Christmas.
Sometimes my dog is the only thing that gets me out of the house and moving. Yay for dogs.
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comptonelizabeth wrote: »This post made me laugh. I just joined a really cheap gym that has mostly cardio equipment. I only need the treadmill because mine is broken and it's dark in the morning so I don't want to walk alone (my dog was my walking partner and she passed last month). So people actually do have legit reasons for joining these types of gyms that have nothing to do with judgment (not that I would actually care if someone was judging me, that's their issue, not mine).
I suspect I will drop the gym if I get another dog or someone buys me a treadmill for Christmas.
Sometimes my dog is the only thing that gets me out of the house and moving. Yay for dogs.
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I’m not a fan of chains like PF however I don’t blame people for joining PF because of the low cost.
I personally know people that used PF as a stepping stone, and eventually joined gyms where building muscle was the primary focus.
Here’s my problem with PF ... They throw pizza parties every month and hand out candies at the desk. Now that really gets my blood boiling. I also hate the commercials they use... They say they don’t judge but they do, through their marketing.
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Mmmmm pizza, nothing wrong with pizza! They do have candy at their front desk, little tiny tootsie rolls, one does not have to take them.8
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Tacklewasher wrote: »comptonelizabeth wrote: »This post made me laugh. I just joined a really cheap gym that has mostly cardio equipment. I only need the treadmill because mine is broken and it's dark in the morning so I don't want to walk alone (my dog was my walking partner and she passed last month). So people actually do have legit reasons for joining these types of gyms that have nothing to do with judgment (not that I would actually care if someone was judging me, that's their issue, not mine).
I suspect I will drop the gym if I get another dog or someone buys me a treadmill for Christmas.
Sometimes my dog is the only thing that gets me out of the house and moving. Yay for dogs.
And they don't - shock, horror - force you to eat pizza!2 -
After perusing this thread I just remembered the first Friday of the month is free pizza day at my Planet Fitness. And it's good pizza with plenty of pork toppings.
So I'm going there now for as many slices as they'll give me and I'll eat them at the small glass tables right by the front door, in front of the employees and everyone walking by. With a bottle of full sugar Pepsi from the Planet Fitness fridge. And it will be okay.
Then I'll sashay to the ladies' locker room to take a few selfies. After that, to the vibrating hydromassage beds. Then I'll leave without exercising at all and no one will so much as look askance at me and my rubenesque frame.
OP, I'm so glad you and your ilk won't be there.28 -
Sunrain2018 wrote: »...Here’s my problem with PF ... They throw pizza parties every month and hand out candies at the desk. Now that really gets my blood boiling. I also hate the commercials they use... They say they don’t judge but they do, through their marketing.
That's the one reason I would actually consider joining. I could easily eat 20 bucks worth of tootsie rolls and free pizza in a month.
Now if they just weren't so douchey and judgmental with their advertising....12 -
comptonelizabeth wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »comptonelizabeth wrote: »This post made me laugh. I just joined a really cheap gym that has mostly cardio equipment. I only need the treadmill because mine is broken and it's dark in the morning so I don't want to walk alone (my dog was my walking partner and she passed last month). So people actually do have legit reasons for joining these types of gyms that have nothing to do with judgment (not that I would actually care if someone was judging me, that's their issue, not mine).
I suspect I will drop the gym if I get another dog or someone buys me a treadmill for Christmas.
Sometimes my dog is the only thing that gets me out of the house and moving. Yay for dogs.
And they don't - shock, horror - force you to eat pizza!
They do make me drink sometimes.....3 -
After perusing this thread I just remembered the first Friday of the month is free pizza day at my Planet Fitness. And it's good pizza with plenty of pork toppings.
So I'm going there now for as many slices as they'll give me and I'll eat them at the small glass tables right by the front door, in front of the employees and everyone walking by. With a bottle of full sugar Pepsi from the Planet Fitness fridge. And it will be okay.
Then I'll sashay to the ladies' locker room to take a few selfies. After that, to the vibrating hydromassage beds. Then I'll leave without exercising at all and no one will so much as look askance at me and my rubenesque frame.
OP, I'm so glad you and your ilk won't be there.
Thought you couldn't use your phone at PF?0 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »After perusing this thread I just remembered the first Friday of the month is free pizza day at my Planet Fitness. And it's good pizza with plenty of pork toppings.
So I'm going there now for as many slices as they'll give me and I'll eat them at the small glass tables right by the front door, in front of the employees and everyone walking by. With a bottle of full sugar Pepsi from the Planet Fitness fridge. And it will be okay.
Then I'll sashay to the ladies' locker room to take a few selfies. After that, to the vibrating hydromassage beds. Then I'll leave without exercising at all and no one will so much as look askance at me and my rubenesque frame.
OP, I'm so glad you and your ilk won't be there.
Thought you couldn't use your phone at PF?
Only in the locker room when no one else is in there. Technically you're not supposed to.1 -
Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.34 -
Referencing the OP. It's breth-takingly ego-centric to assume that anyone who has fitness goals that differ from yours is basically a fat lazy slob, especially the part about blaming anyone who isn't up to your standards as being part of what's wrong with the country. I'm not even getting the association between gym environments and body positive movements (even the fringe ones) - if a fat person wants to become more fit that's not OK? Fat people who go to a regular gym should be shamed until they lose weight? If your goal is to maintain strength and not add muscle why even bother?
For the record, I belonged to a women's only gym for a couple of years long ago (Linda Evens, for you old-timers ) It had cardio equipment, machines and dumbbells. My goal was to maintain upper body strength and improve cardio, the environment was low-key and suited me. At the same time, I was riding 100 mile cycling events so I wasn't exactly out of shape. If PF had been around at the time, I might have considered it too intimidating (in spite of the judgey "no judgement" ads). 24 -
Referencing the OP. It's breth-takingly ego-centric to assume that anyone who has fitness goals that differ from yours is basically a fat lazy slob, especially the part about blaming anyone who isn't up to your standards as being part of what's wrong with the country. I'm not even getting the association between gym environments and body positive movements (even the fringe ones) - if a fat person wants to become more fit that's not OK? Fat people who go to a regular gym should be shamed until they lose weight? If your goal is to maintain strength and not add muscle why even bother?
For the record, I belonged to a women's only gym for a couple of years long ago (Linda Evens, for you old-timers ) It had cardio equipment, machines and dumbbells. My goal was to maintain upper body strength and improve cardio, the environment was low-key and suited me. At the same time, I was riding 100 mile cycling events so I wasn't exactly out of shape. If PF had been around at the time, I might have considered it too intimidating (in spite of the judgey "no judgement" ads).
When did I EVER say that a fat person wanting to become fit is not okay? Or any of that shaming *kitten* you referenced?
I said the "no intimidation" gym thing is not okay. First off, it blatantly discriminates against those who have worked for months or years to attain a high level of fitness. The advertising shames those people as absolute morons. Shouldn't those people be looked up to in the fitness world, or at the very least be given a begrudging respect for the work they have put in?
There is a difference between fat shaming, and giving an honest assessment as to someone's fitness, weight, and health. If someone is in a gym they obviously at least want to give some modicum of a *kitten* about it. Is teaching someone how to properly lift, eat for a goal, and educating them on BMI and body fat%, and telling them "no, 20 minutes on the elliptical did not earn you a trip to dairy queen" evil just because it is bluntly true?
instead of fostering a mentality of victimization with the whole "intimidation" thing, maybe they should be educated on why the gym bro in a stringer carries a gallon of water (to stay hydrated), and grunts (he's putting out max effort) "drops" weights (you aren't setting a 450 deadlift down without noise), and looks angry (he's probably listening to music to bring out raw emotion he probably doesn't always like that he uses to fuel his lifts). He looks good because he has been disciplined about his training and diet for years - and if that makes someone feel inadequate with their diet and exercise choices, that is something they should face and maybe ask themselves why they feel that way, not go run and hide in a "gym" that those types of people are discouraged from going to.
Lastly - I say this all as an overweight person. I used to be what you would call a "gym bro" - for a bunch of BS excuses I used to call reasons, I gained near 100lbs in 2 years. I have been back at it for a good while now, but I still have a minimum of 40lbs to go. It is NOT wrong for someone to call me overweight. When I was close to 300 and hadn't trained or ate right in 2 years, it would not have been wrong to call me fat. It was true - and I knew it. About 4 months after I started lifting again, I was complaining that I hadn't lost any weight one day, and someone said to me "Stop whining - I've seen what you used to look like - you know what to do. Clean up your diet, and eat less calories than you burn." He wasn't being hateful, he was being honest. That is not the type of mentality that these types of gyms promote - and I do think that is a problem.35 -
youcantflexcardio wrote: »Referencing the OP. It's breth-takingly ego-centric to assume that anyone who has fitness goals that differ from yours is basically a fat lazy slob, especially the part about blaming anyone who isn't up to your standards as being part of what's wrong with the country. I'm not even getting the association between gym environments and body positive movements (even the fringe ones) - if a fat person wants to become more fit that's not OK? Fat people who go to a regular gym should be shamed until they lose weight? If your goal is to maintain strength and not add muscle why even bother?
For the record, I belonged to a women's only gym for a couple of years long ago (Linda Evens, for you old-timers ) It had cardio equipment, machines and dumbbells. My goal was to maintain upper body strength and improve cardio, the environment was low-key and suited me. At the same time, I was riding 100 mile cycling events so I wasn't exactly out of shape. If PF had been around at the time, I might have considered it too intimidating (in spite of the judgey "no judgement" ads).
When did I EVER say that a fat person wanting to become fit is not okay? Or any of that shaming *kitten* you referenced?
I said the "no intimidation" gym thing is not okay. First off, it blatantly discriminates against those who have worked for months or years to attain a high level of fitness. The advertising shames those people as absolute morons. Shouldn't those people be looked up to in the fitness world, or at the very least be given a begrudging respect for the work they have put in?
There is a difference between fat shaming, and giving an honest assessment as to someone's fitness, weight, and health. If someone is in a gym they obviously at least want to give some modicum of a *kitten* about it. Is teaching someone how to properly lift, eat for a goal, and educating them on BMI and body fat%, and telling them "no, 20 minutes on the elliptical did not earn you a trip to dairy queen" evil just because it is bluntly true?
instead of fostering a mentality of victimization with the whole "intimidation" thing, maybe they should be educated on why the gym bro in a stringer carries a gallon of water (to stay hydrated), and grunts (he's putting out max effort) "drops" weights (you aren't setting a 450 deadlift down without noise), and looks angry (he's probably listening to music to bring out raw emotion he probably doesn't always like that he uses to fuel his lifts). He looks good because he has been disciplined about his training and diet for years - and if that makes someone feel inadequate with their diet and exercise choices, that is something they should face and maybe ask themselves why they feel that way, not go run and hide in a "gym" that those types of people are discouraged from going to.
Lastly - I say this all as an overweight person. I used to be what you would call a "gym bro" - for a bunch of BS excuses I used to call reasons, I gained near 100lbs in 2 years. I have been back at it for a good while now, but I still have a minimum of 40lbs to go. It is NOT wrong for someone to call me overweight. When I was close to 300 and hadn't trained or ate right in 2 years, it would not have been wrong to call me fat. It was true - and I knew it. About 4 months after I started lifting again, I was complaining that I hadn't lost any weight one day, and someone said to me "Stop whining - I've seen what you used to look like - you know what to do. Clean up your diet, and eat less calories than you burn." He wasn't being hateful, he was being honest. That is not the type of mentality that these types of gyms promote - and I do think that is a problem.
It's true that you didn't say its not OK for an overweight person to get fit. You did, however, make reference to overfed, overly pc, lazy American culture which I think is why people are taking issue with your post. And I speak as someone who isn't and never has been overweight but works out at home precisely because of that kind of attitude22 -
Awwww... the poor gym bros are offended by the PF ads!
But they're not displaying victim mentality...no, no.
THEY"RE not complaining about American PC culture.....
Not just because the poor babies post a PF hate thread here every single frickin' day to say how offended they are...
I'm going to very non-PC here to make you guys happy...The "Pick Stuff Up and Put Stuff Down" ad is hilarious!
I want a t-shirt with that on it.
ETA: and I find all the other PF ads hilarious as well....35 -
Sunrain2018 wrote: »...Here’s my problem with PF ... They throw pizza parties every month and hand out candies at the desk. Now that really gets my blood boiling. I also hate the commercials they use... They say they don’t judge but they do, through their marketing.
That's the one reason I would actually consider joining. I could easily eat 20 bucks worth of tootsie rolls and free pizza in a month.
Now if they just weren't so douchey and judgmental with their advertising....
My sister in law worked at a Planet Fitness for a while. She would tell me that a significant number of the people who had memberships only showed up for free pizza day and they never missed it.6 -
annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
Also FWIW believe most women only gyms are out of business or hanging on by a thread at least national chains.7 -
Packerjohn wrote: »annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
So you feel that because they haven't, no other woman could have?26 -
annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
So you feel that because they haven't, no other woman could have?
I'm sure some men and some women have been given unsolicited advice and some of both sexes haven't.
I reported on my experience and experience of some close to me, just like you did.11 -
annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
So you feel that because they haven't, no other woman could have?
I, too, have been given unsolicited advise many times over the years. I have shoulder impingement and I need total replacement(I 'm too young) but some dude, as he was walking by, told me to lift heavier. Hell, I would love too. Jerk.21 -
Packerjohn wrote: »annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
Also FWIW believe most women only gyms are out of business or hanging on by a thread at least national chains.
The fact that 2 women you know (who by your admission are regular gym users and therefore possibly less inclined to feel intimidated) have never experienced unsolicited advice doesn't mean that *no one *ever receives it.
The point is, it is people's perception - whether objectively real or not - that they are or might be intimidated, that might prevent them from using certain gyms and no amount of telling them it's not true will make any difference12 -
comptonelizabeth wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »annaskiski wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »I'm not sure I entirely get the post, but what is wrong with gyms targeted to people who do want to be bothered by strangers giving them unsolicited advice they didn't want or didn't ask for? There are plenty of different gyms for different type of people. But the gym going experience can be intimidating for a lot of people, made worse by wanna be experts who think they are personal trainers because they go to the gym every day.
It's not "PC culture" to not bother people who don't want to be bothered. It's basic decency. Let those who want to train in peace do so. There are plenty of other gyms to do other things at.
My sample of 1 experience.
I've been going to gyms for over 40 years. Everything from college rec centers, YMCAs, local clubs, powerlifting gyms, national chains and had day passes at 2 places that make most lists of the most hardcore gyms in the US. I have never received unsolicited advice (although I have received good advice when politely asking someone).
So... you're a guy?
Because I've definitely been given unsolicited advice....
Women-only gyms exist for a reason. Planet Fitness gyms exist for a reason.
The OP's rant is exactly why some people don't want to go to 'bro' gyms.
FWIW, I asked my wife and sister in laws (all have been regular gym goers for years and attractive by most people's standards). None have been given unsolicited advice at a gym
Also FWIW believe most women only gyms are out of business or hanging on by a thread at least national chains.
The fact that 2 women you know (who by your admission are regular gym users and therefore possibly less inclined to feel intimidated) have never experienced unsolicited advice doesn't mean that *no one *ever receives it.
The point is, it is people's perception - whether objectively real or not - that they are or might be intimidated, that might prevent them from using certain gyms and no amount of telling them it's not true will make any difference
If you READ you will notice I never said nobody experiences intimidation in a gym.
Specifically said myself and some relatives I asked.7 -
youcantflexcardio wrote: »Referencing the OP. It's breth-takingly ego-centric to assume that anyone who has fitness goals that differ from yours is basically a fat lazy slob, especially the part about blaming anyone who isn't up to your standards as being part of what's wrong with the country. I'm not even getting the association between gym environments and body positive movements (even the fringe ones) - if a fat person wants to become more fit that's not OK? Fat people who go to a regular gym should be shamed until they lose weight? If your goal is to maintain strength and not add muscle why even bother?
For the record, I belonged to a women's only gym for a couple of years long ago (Linda Evens, for you old-timers ) It had cardio equipment, machines and dumbbells. My goal was to maintain upper body strength and improve cardio, the environment was low-key and suited me. At the same time, I was riding 100 mile cycling events so I wasn't exactly out of shape. If PF had been around at the time, I might have considered it too intimidating (in spite of the judgey "no judgement" ads).
When did I EVER say that a fat person wanting to become fit is not okay? Or any of that shaming *kitten* you referenced?
I said the "no intimidation" gym thing is not okay. First off, it blatantly discriminates against those who have worked for months or years to attain a high level of fitness. The advertising shames those people as absolute morons. Shouldn't those people be looked up to in the fitness world, or at the very least be given a begrudging respect for the work they have put in?
There is a difference between fat shaming, and giving an honest assessment as to someone's fitness, weight, and health. If someone is in a gym they obviously at least want to give some modicum of a *kitten* about it. Is teaching someone how to properly lift, eat for a goal, and educating them on BMI and body fat%, and telling them "no, 20 minutes on the elliptical did not earn you a trip to dairy queen" evil just because it is bluntly true?
instead of fostering a mentality of victimization with the whole "intimidation" thing, maybe they should be educated on why the gym bro in a stringer carries a gallon of water (to stay hydrated), and grunts (he's putting out max effort) "drops" weights (you aren't setting a 450 deadlift down without noise), and looks angry (he's probably listening to music to bring out raw emotion he probably doesn't always like that he uses to fuel his lifts). He looks good because he has been disciplined about his training and diet for years - and if that makes someone feel inadequate with their diet and exercise choices, that is something they should face and maybe ask themselves why they feel that way, not go run and hide in a "gym" that those types of people are discouraged from going to.
Lastly - I say this all as an overweight person. I used to be what you would call a "gym bro" - for a bunch of BS excuses I used to call reasons, I gained near 100lbs in 2 years. I have been back at it for a good while now, but I still have a minimum of 40lbs to go. It is NOT wrong for someone to call me overweight. When I was close to 300 and hadn't trained or ate right in 2 years, it would not have been wrong to call me fat. It was true - and I knew it. About 4 months after I started lifting again, I was complaining that I hadn't lost any weight one day, and someone said to me "Stop whining - I've seen what you used to look like - you know what to do. Clean up your diet, and eat less calories than you burn." He wasn't being hateful, he was being honest. That is not the type of mentality that these types of gyms promote - and I do think that is a problem.
What does the 'honest assessment' you keep going on about look like in a gym environment? Do you bring a scale and body fat calipers to the gym with you and calculate body fat % for random strangers? Do you follow them home to make sure they don't stop at Dairy Queen? This mythical 'honest assessment' requires detailed knowledge about a person's life that you absolutely could not glean from just going to the same gym. So yes, if you are giving 'honest assessments' to random strangers in the gym you are making a lot of assumptions about their life and it is most definitely unwelcome. People who need guidance can seek that out from books, websites, and paid professionals. They don't need Johnny McSwole bothering them when they're on elliptical.20 -
This thread is delivering.16
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youcantflexcardio wrote: »Referencing the OP. It's breth-takingly ego-centric to assume that anyone who has fitness goals that differ from yours is basically a fat lazy slob, especially the part about blaming anyone who isn't up to your standards as being part of what's wrong with the country. I'm not even getting the association between gym environments and body positive movements (even the fringe ones) - if a fat person wants to become more fit that's not OK? Fat people who go to a regular gym should be shamed until they lose weight? If your goal is to maintain strength and not add muscle why even bother?
For the record, I belonged to a women's only gym for a couple of years long ago (Linda Evens, for you old-timers ) It had cardio equipment, machines and dumbbells. My goal was to maintain upper body strength and improve cardio, the environment was low-key and suited me. At the same time, I was riding 100 mile cycling events so I wasn't exactly out of shape. If PF had been around at the time, I might have considered it too intimidating (in spite of the judgey "no judgement" ads).
When did I EVER say that a fat person wanting to become fit is not okay? Or any of that shaming *kitten* you referenced?
I said the "no intimidation" gym thing is not okay. First off, it blatantly discriminates against those who have worked for months or years to attain a high level of fitness. The advertising shames those people as absolute morons. Shouldn't those people be looked up to in the fitness world, or at the very least be given a begrudging respect for the work they have put in?
There is a difference between fat shaming, and giving an honest assessment as to someone's fitness, weight, and health. If someone is in a gym they obviously at least want to give some modicum of a *kitten* about it. Is teaching someone how to properly lift, eat for a goal, and educating them on BMI and body fat%, and telling them "no, 20 minutes on the elliptical did not earn you a trip to dairy queen" evil just because it is bluntly true?
instead of fostering a mentality of victimization with the whole "intimidation" thing, maybe they should be educated on why the gym bro in a stringer carries a gallon of water (to stay hydrated), and grunts (he's putting out max effort) "drops" weights (you aren't setting a 450 deadlift down without noise), and looks angry (he's probably listening to music to bring out raw emotion he probably doesn't always like that he uses to fuel his lifts). He looks good because he has been disciplined about his training and diet for years - and if that makes someone feel inadequate with their diet and exercise choices, that is something they should face and maybe ask themselves why they feel that way, not go run and hide in a "gym" that those types of people are discouraged from going to.
Lastly - I say this all as an overweight person. I used to be what you would call a "gym bro" - for a bunch of BS excuses I used to call reasons, I gained near 100lbs in 2 years. I have been back at it for a good while now, but I still have a minimum of 40lbs to go. It is NOT wrong for someone to call me overweight. When I was close to 300 and hadn't trained or ate right in 2 years, it would not have been wrong to call me fat. It was true - and I knew it. About 4 months after I started lifting again, I was complaining that I hadn't lost any weight one day, and someone said to me "Stop whining - I've seen what you used to look like - you know what to do. Clean up your diet, and eat less calories than you burn." He wasn't being hateful, he was being honest. That is not the type of mentality that these types of gyms promote - and I do think that is a problem.
But eliminating a victim mentality involves the need to take personal responsibility.10 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »
Still waiting for mine dammit4
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