Clueless people in the gym

bostonwolf
bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
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.
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Replies

  • hungrywhodat
    hungrywhodat Posts: 40 Member
    Wait. What's your problem with a smith machine?
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
    Gyms make most of their money from people who pay every month but never show up.
  • kidtachyon
    kidtachyon Posts: 32 Member
    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
    debrag12 Posts: 1,071 Member
    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
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    I have a better idea....how about you worry more about yourself and your workout, rather than anyone else's...just a thought.
  • Zekela
    Zekela Posts: 634 Member
    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
    mazdauk Posts: 1,380 Member
    And THAT's why I don't go to the torture chamber....er....gym.
  • Tricep_A_Tops
    Tricep_A_Tops Posts: 319
    I think each and every one of us were clueless at one point.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    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
    Tricep_A_Tops Posts: 319
    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
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    What makes you think you know what you're doing?
  • quiltlovinlisa
    quiltlovinlisa Posts: 1,710 Member
    A gym is there to make money. They're not going to offer training advice for free.
  • redhead1910
    redhead1910 Posts: 304 Member
    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
    SarahBeth0625 Posts: 685 Member
    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
    FitandFab33 Posts: 718 Member
    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
    rachelklewis3 Posts: 69 Member
    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
    DesireeAshley90 Posts: 137 Member
    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
    ArroganceInStep Posts: 6,239 Member
    DYEL?
  • maillemaker
    maillemaker Posts: 1,253 Member
    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
    just_fur_luck Posts: 141 Member
    What makes you think you know what you're doing?

    Because 20 years of gym time = ultimate authority regardless of results.
  • DojoMaster888
    DojoMaster888 Posts: 61 Member
    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
    DVaughan1975 Posts: 158 Member
    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
    timberowl Posts: 331 Member
    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
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Just... wow.
  • tomg33
    tomg33 Posts: 305 Member
    Son, I am disappoint
  • BurtHuttz
    BurtHuttz Posts: 3,653 Member
    When people are recovering between sets they may only stare angrily at the weights! No texting!!
    Derp.
  • hungrywhodat
    hungrywhodat Posts: 40 Member
    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
    rachael726 Posts: 202 Member
    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
    ArroganceInStep Posts: 6,239 Member
    Dorian Yates used the smith machine as part of his regular routine.

    He wasn't successful at all.
  • Mother_Superior
    Mother_Superior Posts: 1,624 Member
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