Clueless people in the gym

bostonwolf

I noticed the other day as I was working out that of the 10 or so people I saw lifting weights, only eight of them (myself included, of course) appeared to have any idea as to what they were doing. By this I mean using proper form, avoiding machines, etc. Seems to me like my gym could be doing their members a favor by just stationing a trainer over there whose job is to show people how to do things correctly in order to avoid injuries and loss of motivation because they aren't getting the results they expect.

I've done a lot over the years to try to educate myself on how to do things right in terms of form, and I think that is why I've only been injured twice in 20 years of gym time. Seeing people get all fired up about squating their body weight and then doing about 1/4th of the squat motion and calling it a set can be kind of annoying after a while.

Also, every Smith machine should be taken outside and put out of its misery.

And don't even get me started on people who text between sets in a gym that has only two squat racks.

OK, rant over.

hungrywhodat

Wait. What's your problem with a smith machine?

likitisplit

Gyms make most of their money from people who pay every month but never show up.

kidtachyon

I use both machines and free weights - whatever I feel like doing.

And if the other people are not in my way, I don't really care if they do things "right" or are texting or whatever.

debrag12

Wait. What's your problem with a smith machine?

http://www.2buildmusclefast.com/2011/02/smith-machines-good-or-bad.html

http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/henkin6ttt.htm

http://stronglifts.com/smith-machine-squats-power-rack-free-weights/

rduhlir

I have a better idea....how about you worry more about yourself and your workout, rather than anyone else's...just a thought.

Zekela

I have a better idea....how about you worry more about yourself and your workout, rather than anyone else's...just a thought.

Lol! This is the same thing I was thinking...

mazdauk

And THAT's why I don't go to the torture chamber....er....gym.

Tricep_A_Tops

I think each and every one of us were clueless at one point.

billsica

I pay a lot of money to sit on a bench texting between my 50 reps on the crunch machine. You know what, next time I'm curling in the squat rack, wile texting.

Tricep_A_Tops

I have a better idea....how about you worry more about yourself and your workout, rather than anyone else's...just a thought.

And this! I couldnt tell you what the people around me are doing.

Capt_Apollo

What makes you think you know what you're doing?

quiltlovinlisa

A gym is there to make money. They're not going to offer training advice for free.

redhead1910

You should just respect them for even showing up and working on their health. Everyone starts somewhere, and you have absolutely no right to judge how someone else does THEIR workout. Just mind your own business.

SarahBeth0625

I do my elliptical and pushups (and I know I have good form there), but I truly am clueless on how to do squats or any of that stuff involving barbells, so I stick to the Cybex machines. I am afraid of looking like an idiot and I don't want to bother the staff to have them show me, so I just do what I know. LOL.

FitandFab33

I think each and every one of us were clueless at one point.

YEP. Everyone starts somewhere. It'd be great if gyms gave free training sessions (and some gyms do) but that's not always the case.

I do hate the smith machine though. It just feels so wrong!!! hah

rachelklewis3

Did you walk in to the gym knowing exactly what to do and how to do it the first time? Wow, you are just awesome! I understand gym etiquette- ie. not texting etc.... but give us lowly people who are just starting out a break, would ya?

DesireeAshley90

Completely agree with the importance of proper form!

Can someone please educate me on why "machines" are bad?


I have a trainer and we rarely work with machines. Just wondering...

ArroganceInStep

DYEL?

maillemaker

Many people are intimidated at the gym and afraid to admit that they don't know what they are doing.

It's unlikely that you'll find a gym with trainers stationed around the gym offering free advice to people working out. It's expensive, and people don't like being put on the spot.

A better approach would be for the gym to offer free classes on how to use its equipment once a month.

just_fur_luck

What makes you think you know what you're doing?

Because 20 years of gym time = ultimate authority regardless of results.

DojoMaster888

And THAT's why I don't go to the torture chamber....er....gym.

ignorant

Rude and unnecessary.

Some gyms have some very judgmental members- that's who I would call ignorant. Who are they to judge someone else's level of fitness or knowledge. If they have a problem with it, help them out or keep their mouths shut. It can be rather intimidating for newbies and particularly women in the free weights section when those kind of people are nearby and leering.

Having said that, to the original commenter: you have every right to be there as anyone else. And it's not a torture chamber- it will be what you make of it. Get in there, make the best of it, and don't be afraid to ask questions to the staff- that's what they're there for.

ETA: Not everyone in the gym is like that. I'm particularly friendly/receptive and attempt to be helpful to other members.

Think you misunderstood. Its ignorant for her to throw this post as an excuse to not put in the effort to go to the gym and learn. I am guessing that by her torture chamber comment that it wouldn't matter if the gym was full of understanding and helpful people, it wouldn't alter her opinion. I dont believe my comment was rude or unnecessary, just stating how it comes off. Besides I can safely say I do my part to help and make my gym a more comfortable place for all skill levels.

BTW: I have the absolute most respect for women who lift with free weights because they dont listen to the stupidity about becoming the Hulk after lifting.

DVaughan1975

I am not sure why you feel you have the right to judge people on a public forum or period for that matter. My trainer had me do the smith machine just last week. Why don't you encourage people at the gym instead of putting them down. At least they are there!! Good for you for being the God of the gym. How other people workout at the gym is really none of your business...unless you have something to learn from them.

timberowl

See, this is why I avoid the weight area--I'm scared of people realizing I have no clue what I'm doing...I work nights, so I don't go during staffed hours.

odusgolp

Just... wow.

tomg33

Son, I am disappoint

BurtHuttz

When people are recovering between sets they may only stare angrily at the weights! No texting!!
Derp.

hungrywhodat

Machines, including Smith, cannot be considered a 1 to 1 substitute for a free lift. A squat with a barbell is not the same as a squat with a smith, and a dumbbell fly is not the same as using the deck.

But anyone who says that machines should always be avoided as a matter of principle or that Smith machines are worthless does not know what they are doing. Some of the biggest and strongest people in the world use machines as part of their workouts. Doing the same lift over and over for years and expecting results is far, far dumber than anything you saw anyone do in the gym that day. Including your avatar. Hell, at least he's trying something new.*

The OP is self-contradictory.

*I do not actually recommend that technique.

rachael726

I think each and every one of us were clueless at one point.

I know I sure was! I think we all have pet peeves about the gym. Maybe you could offer them assistance if you happen to notice. I know you said trainers should do it, but in reality they arent always willing to.

Just my $.02

ArroganceInStep

Dorian Yates used the smith machine as part of his regular routine.

He wasn't successful at all.

Mother_Superior