Question for guys who frequent the gym...

bestbassist
bestbassist Posts: 177 Member
edited December 2024 in Motivation and Support
I'm not new to working out by any means as I've done cardio, calisthenics and light weight lifting consistently since the age of 18; however, in the past few months I have been trying to learn how to REALLY exercise. At the gym I see guys doing all kinds of stuff I never would have thought of to target different muscle groups. I guess I never really noticed or cared until the past year, when I decided to lose my over-35 yrs old weight gain. Now that I am 38 I've decided to be in the best shape of my life by the time I am 40. But because of past injuries when I've done stupid stuff as a result of not knowing proper form, I don't trust myself to just watch and imitate.

So the question is this - as a guy I totally understand not wanting to be bothered at the gym. I go to the gym on a very tight schedule and have a lot to do when I am there. But out of curiosity, I'm wondering how many of you would mind if some random, otherwise unwelcome dude asked you quick questions about form and what you are doing? Most people at the gym wear headphones which, when I do that, is definitely a cue to be left alone. So who would be pissed off if they were respectfully asked questions about their workout? I've thought about picking some brains at the gym but being the person I am, I value my alone time and try to respect that of others'. I've always been a loaner so having a buddy go with me and show me more ways of working out isn't an option. Most of my friends don't have the dedication I do, and moreover, not many of them even own gym memberships.

Any guys get asked questions much from other guys? Does it piss you off? Do you actually LIKE to help out other people at the gym? Thoughts? Comments?

Replies

  • bahlquist
    bahlquist Posts: 93
    I always have my earbuds in but I dont mind answering a question or two
  • BackTatJIM
    BackTatJIM Posts: 1,140 Member
    It wouldn't bother me at all, I work out alone 75% of the time and always have the head phones in but as long as I was between sets a question or 2 would not bother me. Keep in mine I do not go to a huge commercial gym, and I see a lot of familiar faces everyday.
  • trojanbb
    trojanbb Posts: 1,297 Member
    I'd love it if anyone talked to me at the gym, even for lifting advice. Rarely happens though. I probably give off the angry meathead vibe or something. I lift with and without headphones, I wouldnt mind if I had them in though. Just nod towards them like you want to work in a machine or need a spot or something to get their attention.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    Why just a guy? I know a lot and I like when people ask for help. Most people don't mind if they are between sets and you don't play 20 questions.
  • gp79
    gp79 Posts: 1,799 Member
    I don't like to be bothered. Get in, work out, get out.
  • tobnrn
    tobnrn Posts: 477 Member
    I'm not a guy, but if I have a question I don't hesitate to ask someone that I have seen complete that lift with good form. I haven't gotten any negative feedback from them.
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    I wouldn't mind. must say though a lot of people lifting in the gym have bad form! better to ask gym staff or maybe pay for 1 personal trainer session where they can show you and draw up a routine! x
  • Topsking2010
    Topsking2010 Posts: 2,245 Member
    Most people who frequent the gym often don't mind a question concerning weight training.
  • Superbritt2drescu
    Superbritt2drescu Posts: 273 Member
    Not a dude, but I have asked the dudes questions. I wait till they are done and usually stick with asking the regulars that I see often. Its usually a safer bet that they won't be jerks since they know they will have to see me everyday unless they change their schedules. If you see someone often with great form, why not ask.
  • tobnrn
    tobnrn Posts: 477 Member
    I wouldn't mind. must say though a lot of people lifting in the gym have bad form! better to ask gym staff or maybe pay for 1 personal trainer session where they can show you and draw up a routine! x

    I have seen trainers not teach proper form. I actually got into it with a trainer at the gym not that long ago. This guy was deadlifting with a rounded back pulling from his arms & back. The trainer wasn't interested in his form, just writing in his little book about what lift he told he guy to do. I don't trust most personal trainers.
  • XXXMinnieXXX
    XXXMinnieXXX Posts: 3,459 Member
    I wouldn't mind. must say though a lot of people lifting in the gym have bad form! better to ask gym staff or maybe pay for 1 personal trainer session where they can show you and draw up a routine! x

    I have seen trainers not teach proper form. I actually got into it with a trainer at the gym not that long ago. This guy was deadlifting with a rounded back pulling from his arms & back. The trainer wasn't interested in his form, just writing in his little book about what lift he told he guy to do. I don't trust most personal trainers.

    That's not good... the trainers in my gym have to have the highest qualification so I'd like to think they know what they are talking about... but who knows? x
  • allisonmrn
    allisonmrn Posts: 721 Member
    I am not a guy but I have had people come up and ask me questions before.. I usually have my earbuds in as well, but am happy to help if I can. I dont think you would have a prob if you just needed to ask a quick question. Good luck in your journey!! ;-)
  • ChrisGoldn
    ChrisGoldn Posts: 473 Member
    I wouldn't mind. must say though a lot of people lifting in the gym have bad form! better to ask gym staff or maybe pay for 1 personal trainer session where they can show you and draw up a routine! x

    I have seen trainers not teach proper form. I actually got into it with a trainer at the gym not that long ago. This guy was deadlifting with a rounded back pulling from his arms & back. The trainer wasn't interested in his form, just writing in his little book about what lift he told he guy to do. I don't trust most personal trainers.


    Oh i so wanna say it but ill let it go cuz i said i would LMAO
  • tobnrn
    tobnrn Posts: 477 Member
    I wouldn't mind. must say though a lot of people lifting in the gym have bad form! better to ask gym staff or maybe pay for 1 personal trainer session where they can show you and draw up a routine! x

    I have seen trainers not teach proper form. I actually got into it with a trainer at the gym not that long ago. This guy was deadlifting with a rounded back pulling from his arms & back. The trainer wasn't interested in his form, just writing in his little book about what lift he told he guy to do. I don't trust most personal trainers.


    Oh i so wanna say it but ill let it go cuz i said i would LMAO

    Go ahead G. You know you want to.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    I kind of think of it as "me" time, and want to spend it on "me"...but if someone asked me what I was doing, and what I expected to get out if, I wouldn't be bothered, as long as it didn't turn into a masters thesis about working out.l
  • Eagles802051
    Eagles802051 Posts: 54 Member
    Yeah as long as its not right in the middle of a set I don't mind helping someone who has a question or two.
  • CDG1013
    CDG1013 Posts: 106 Member
    My gym has a staff of personal trainers, so I would ask them. I read a lot from Men's Health fitness books and research online about how to properly do exercises. I see a lot of guys at the gym doing different things but also note that they have bad form and would rather ask someone who has education and training in the area.
  • swenard
    swenard Posts: 101
    The alternative I've always questioned... Sometimes I see some young kids who are serious about working out but are not lifting correctly.I want to go over and offer some advice but don't want to offend them. However, I wish they would come ask.
  • Maurice1966
    Maurice1966 Posts: 419 Member
    Listen to other's questions, you may also learn something new.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    This is helpful. There are a few lifts that I'd like to ask someone just to quickly check my form. I used to go to a smaller gym and everyone was so helpful and would offer to help if I forgot some detail and was out of alignment.

    For the OP: you can also watch youtube videos, read weight lifting blogs/websites, and also get some books about basic form.
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