Squatting At A Gym?
Dexy_
Posts: 593 Member
Okay so I've only ever used the gym for cardio because I honestly have no idea how to use the contraptions in the weight room.
I want to start squatting, and I really can't afford to buy my own squat rack, so naturally I'm looking to do it at the gym.
Can I ask the staff to show me how to load the bar ect, or do I need to hire a personal trainer for an hour to teach me? Not sure of gym etiquette!
I want to start squatting, and I really can't afford to buy my own squat rack, so naturally I'm looking to do it at the gym.
Can I ask the staff to show me how to load the bar ect, or do I need to hire a personal trainer for an hour to teach me? Not sure of gym etiquette!
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Replies
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Well, to load the bar you just put the weight on it. Obviously don't lump it all on one side then the other or it might overbalance off the rack.
Google to get technique. Watch youtube videos, and watch more than just 1 or 2 as some of them might not have perfect form themselves or might not explain it right. I like to watch loads and assimilate the information to make sure I get proper form.
If they have trainers walking about though, I'm sure they wouldn't mind giving you some help but if it's just reception staff I wouldn't expect them to be any more knowledgeable than you are.
A session with a trainer would be a good idea, but just mind that you get one that knows what they are talking about. As with my youtube comments - you don't want someone teaching you bad form.0 -
Yeah. I've been squatting with "barbie weights" for over a year now and I'm well and truly ready to move on!
I've been watching a few different videos on how to squat with the barbell ect and my questions aren't so much about form, more "where are the weights kept, is there a specific section of weights that are used with this barbell, how do I secure them?"
The more I think about it, the more I think it might be worth it to meet with a PT at least once so they can show me how to use the equipment and check my form.
Edit for spelling.0 -
Um, you are strong, yes, load the bar up yourself, if you cannot lift the weights you are loading onto the bar, then you shouldn't be lifting them LOL!
p.s. there are usually clips or sleeves to keep the weights in place. The weights are never far from the squat rack or the bench press area...0 -
At the gym I go to there are staff you can ask to help you out to start, but for more that "this is how to set up the squat rack" you'd need a PT. I hired a PT to get me started and I still see him once a week. You have to be firm though and tell them you want to lift, otherwise they assume you want Barbie weights.
By the way, I suggest starting with just the bar to get you started.0 -
You should ask the staff. If you pay gym membership this normally includes advice and a program. You will need help on what weghts to use and technique to get it right and make it effective.0
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I know at my gym you can just ask a member of staff and they'll spend 10 mins with you showing you the ropes, no PT session required if you don't want one. Worthing asking first0
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Thanks guys/gals! I'll go ask tomorrow
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Power Squat form:
- Low Bar
- Feet set outside shoulder width
- Chest up
- Root Lock
- *kitten* to grass
Conventional Squat:
- High Bar
- Feet shoulder width apart
- Chest up
- Depth down to parallel or below parallel.0 -
what is a 'power squat'? one you're supposed to do quickly?
Just a heads up - at my gym the bar itself weighs 20kg!0 -
what is a 'power squat'? one you're supposed to do quickly?
Just a heads up - at my gym the bar itself weighs 20kg!
Power Squat im referring to a specific form that most power lifters use. Not all, but my friends that are power lifters really advocate the low bar and the other techniques i describes so they can lift more weight. And same at my gym. You can always tell if a gym is worth the expense or not if they have Olympic bars.0 -
Okay so I've only ever used the gym for cardio because I honestly have no idea how to use the contraptions in the weight room.
I want to start squatting, and I really can't afford to buy my own squat rack, so naturally I'm looking to do it at the gym.
Can I ask the staff to show me how to load the bar ect, or do I need to hire a personal trainer for an hour to teach me? Not sure of gym etiquette!
I had this same issue about 6 weeks ago. I read books, then watched youtube videos...then I went in and asked the trainer on duty at the Y if he could please watch my squat to make sure I had my form right. He's such a sweet guy--he said my form was awesome, about once a week he asks me about what weight I am up to, and Friday he walked by and gave me a thumbs up while I was squatting. I can hardly wait til I have the cash to hire him!0 -
watch some vids on youtube on how to squat.
"so you think you can squat" would be a good start.
avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....0 -
what is a 'power squat'? one you're supposed to do quickly?
Just a heads up - at my gym the bar itself weighs 20kg!
thats the standard weight of a bar0 -
...avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....
He dose a excellent job of teaching low bar squats.
High bar squats are not what he teaches....0 -
He dose a excellent job of teaching low bar squats.
High bar squats are not what he teaches....
He comes out of the hole with his hips first (always emphasizes hip drive). Show a beginner to drive with their hips first, and they end up doing good mornings...........
I'd much rather learn how to squat from a lifter who has squatted a grand or more. Ripp wasn't a great squatter, he even admits it in SS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ME8gEN54Ao
And there are other vids out there with decent squat form. Just take some time and look around.0 -
Can I ask the staff to show me how to load the bar ect, or do I need to hire a personal trainer for an hour to teach me? Not sure of gym etiquette!
Yes, and you don't need an hour it should take 15 mins0 -
Ask the gym staff or a buddy.
if you ask a gym trainer, he will spend an hour making you believe that you cannot ever progress without him by your side, make you cry and feel weak and dependent and then all of a sudden you'll be believing him.
gym staff, buddy after reviewing on youtube first. youtube is great for getting a good idea in your head before you go into it with someone.0 -
watch some vids on youtube on how to squat.
"so you think you can squat" would be a good start.
avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....
He writes a good book, but he doesn't seem to notice in his videos when his students have really awful habits/form that are contrary to his own writing.0 -
OT: The title of this thread made me thinking of "squatting" like taking up residence illegally. You know, sleep under a bench with one of the yoga class blankets, drink muscle milk from the vending machine and take your baths in the pool...0
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The gym staff should get you started. Most gyms also offer 1 free training session that you might be able to take advantage of. The other thing you can do is ask another gym member to help you. Most lifters I know will always pause their workout to help out a fellow lifter.watch some vids on youtube on how to squat.
"so you think you can squat" would be a good start.
avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....
He writes a good book, but he doesn't seem to notice in his videos when his students have really awful habits/form that are contrary to his own writing.
Someone posted a YouTube of him squatting 315 for 10 reps that had me laughing for an entire week.0 -
My husband bought me 24 sessions with a PT and I have been having her show me all different kinds of things Last week was the Squat rack, how to use it, what form to use, and how to not kill myself. The bar at my gym weights about 45lbs with no weights on it, she show me how to put the weights on it correctly etc.
Honestly its very simple to figure out with youtube/or asking other people in the gym. Many times I have had fellow lifters show me things that improve my work outs. The only reason I got a PT in the first place is because I have a knee problem/shoulder injury from a car accident and I needed exercises around these injuries until I got stronger. My gym is family owned and many of the staff have been around for a long time, they will help when asked or you cant find something 0 -
Please get a personal trainer, even if it's only a session or two. It's risky and frustrating to try to start working with equipment you're unfamiliar with before you've talked to someone, and the risk of hurting yourself is high until you've established good form. Save yourself the headaches and spend a couple of sessions with someone who can condense the learning curve for you.0
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There are many places you can learn proper form.
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Squatting is a fairly technical exercise and will require some investment of time and education on your part. You can start by asking the gym staff for with some starting points, but it would also behoove you to do some reading about proper form, watch some videos, get coaching if possible.0
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The gym staff should get you started. Most gyms also offer 1 free training session that you might be able to take advantage of. The other thing you can do is ask another gym member to help you. Most lifters I know will always pause their workout to help out a fellow lifter.watch some vids on youtube on how to squat.
"so you think you can squat" would be a good start.
avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....
He writes a good book, but he doesn't seem to notice in his videos when his students have really awful habits/form that are contrary to his own writing.
Someone posted a YouTube of him squatting 315 for 10 reps that had me laughing for an entire week.
At least he ain't Medhi. 0 -
watch some vids on youtube on how to squat.
"so you think you can squat" would be a good start.
avoid anything with Mark Rippetoe, as he can't squat.....
aw come on
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVKEl4Wxoqc 0 -
This is one of my favorite sites recently with regards to weight training and form/technique for beginners.
http://startingstrength.wikia.com/wiki/Starting_Strength_Wiki0 -
i watched this vid to learn perfect squatting form.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPfRacm6Jxc 0 -
You can paralell squat with dumbbells0
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Can I ask the staff to show me how to load the bar ect, or do I need to hire a personal trainer for an hour to teach me? Not sure of gym etiquette!
I'm on limited time, so wasn't able to read to see if anyone had already said this, my apologies if I'm repeating what others have said
First off, congratulations on moving to the dark side of the gym. It's my newest addiction and boy do I get grumpy if I don't get my strength training in!
Secondly, I don't know about your gym, but at mine I can always go ask a staff member to check my form and/or give me a quick "how to" on one or more machines. I've even had a couple of them approach me to offer assistance, and one approach me when my form was just off enough that I wasn't going to be doing myself any favors. Obviously, there are also plenty of gyms where they'd expect you to hire someone to walk you through the process, so the best option is to ask the front desk person at your particular gym.
Good luck!0
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