Working in between sets?

kwaz29

So I just joined a new gym and I am going to be starting the Stronglifts 5x5 program today, and I am half excited, half nervous. This is not my first time lifting, but I began lifting as part of Crossfit, so I think that lifting by myself is a whole different experience. I am comfortable with the lifts, but worried about lifting on my own in the general gym area instead of the Crossfit room as I did in my old gym. This new gym also only has one power rack, so I'm thinking that I may run into the need to work in to other peoples sets...and I don't know why, but this makes me more nervous than anything else about this new thing I'm trying! Probably the whole being the girl in the weights section, not wanting to make a fool of myself thing...

How does one exactly work in between sets? In my case I'll probably be lifting less than anyone else using the rack, so would I take off all of their weights every time, and then put them back on when I'm done? Is it really that simple? Any other etiquette I should know about?

Int3rceptor

I can see you getting a lot of grief if you try to work in between someone else's sets! Most people work to strict rest times and need to go again once that time has passed.

The best thing to do is politely ask how many sets the current user has left and either wait or do another exercise in the meantime.

gotolam

So I just joined a new gym and I am going to be starting the Stronglifts 5x5 program today, and I am half excited, half nervous. This is not my first time lifting, but I began lifting as part of Crossfit, so I think that lifting by myself is a whole different experience. I am comfortable with the lifts, but worried about lifting on my own in the general gym area instead of the Crossfit room as I did in my old gym. This new gym also only has one power rack, so I'm thinking that I may run into the need to work in to other peoples sets...and I don't know why, but this makes me more nervous than anything else about this new thing I'm trying! Probably the whole being the girl in the weights section, not wanting to make a fool of myself thing...

How does one exactly work in between sets? In my case I'll probably be lifting less than anyone else using the rack, so would I take off all of their weights every time, and then put them back on when I'm done? Is it really that simple? Any other etiquette I should know about?

Just ask. It's not a big deal. Ideally you don't go up to the guy that's squatting 300lbs because the switchout between sets is a pain. But when I work with someone else, you just stack the small weights on the inside and the heavier plate on the outside. That way, you just slip off the bigger plates in between sets.

mulecanter

Yes, you ask to work in. Don't be surprised to get some angry looks. When someone works in it is a pain if you are resetting the machine/weights. If you are just working on a bench with your own dumbbells--not so bad. I'd encourage you to do your best to avoid working in if at all possible--just wait the folks out. If they know you are waiting for them to finish that might help speed them along as well.

kwaz29

thanks everyone! good to know that it's not something everyone is doing...i dont have a problem waiting around, but i just thought it was a common thing!