Clueless people in the gym
Replies
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Ah, another thread that reminds me why I workout at home.0
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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.
HOLD THE PHONE! You're complaining that 80% of gym goers know what they're doing?
I guess when you become an elite level pro mega lifter like yourself your standards get a little higher than us mere mortals.0 -
Instead of getting frustrated, why don't you see if they need help? I've had members (both male and female) offer help and I was glad to learn from them.
Texting though, that drives me insane.0 -
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.
I am the beastly man-hulk- hear me rawwwwr! :laugh:
I interpreted her post to mean that the dissidents intimidate her and that's why she referred to the gym as a torture chamber. I remember thinking before that I needed to get in shape so I could go work out! haha Catch 22 eh? :-) I certainly don't think it's a valid excuse (hence the last section of my post) and hope that she decides to venture in/changes her perspective, but it's not likely to happen based on an internet post. :-)0 -
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.
and members who think they know it all, and look down their noses at those of us that are just starting out. You are the reason more people don't go to the gym. I go, I work out and could care less what you think of me or how I work out. MYOB0 -
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.
I agree that we should just let people do their thing in the gym - I mean, hey at least they're out there and making an effort to better themselves. People will learn things on their own.
That said, for you to pay a trainer to put you in the Smith machine is a disservice to you. Your trainer should know better, it is is their profession.0 -
Also- I am on my phone in the gym. I use it to record weights/reps/failures when I forget my notebook. JUDGE MEEEEEEE DOOOOOO ITTTTTTT.
What I find particularly comical? The people taking pictures in the gym. :-) Doesn't bother me... I consider it a brief interlude of entertainment.0 -
I'd love it if someone offered to show me how to do things correctly...
On the same note I get what you're saying. I feel the same way, its more of a feeling of concern for those who aren't doing things right not a feeling of superiority or looking down on them for doing it wrong.
and texting at the gym, really? I can see maybe every so often for legit reasons (checkin in on your kid or letting your spouse know you have one set left and then you'll be home) but maintaining a conversation between sets is pretty obnoxious.0 -
Hmmm, I wonder how many people I piss off when I change my music, enter my sets, reset my timer, double check my next round of weights to add, answer a text, etc etc, on my phone all during my 3 (sometimes 4) minute recovery time between sets.
Oh, yeah, I just remembered....IDGAF.
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What seems to be your big issue with Smith Racks?? I happen to use one, ( I own one) so I can do squats, as I work out alone most of the time, and don't really feel like having 350+lbs on top of me should some unforeseen thing happen .........
Why don't you go and try giving some of your expertise to these people that bother you so much. ..... I know I sure don't belittle people in the gym. I try and help anybody that wants help.0 -
At my gym some of the members show me how do it properly if i'm not doing it correctly. This is why I love my gym, not everyone who starts out knows what they're doing, maybe instead of judging them you can help them by showing them.0
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And THAT's why I don't go to the torture chamber....er....gym.
I do get what you're saying, because every time one of these threads happens I think "who are these people that spend their gym time judging everyone and what are they thinking about me?" But you shouldn't let the possibility of being judged deter you from bettering yourself. Screw those people, just go and do your thing. It gets much less uncomfortable the more you go.0 -
My nephew is a personal trainer and he is always on his phone and texting...each to their own0
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True but I also wish that someone would have helped me- I like the idea of a trainer who cares!I think each and every one of us were clueless at one point.0 -
I am loving ALL of your gifs lately. I've stolen probably half a dozen from you since you've been back. :flowerforyou:0 -
At my gym some of the members show me how do it properly if i'm not doing it correctly. This is why I love my gym, not everyone who starts out knows what they're doing, maybe instead of judging them you can help them by showing them.
Obviously, OP was only referring to unattractive people. You're a blatant exception. :flowerforyou: JUST KIDDING, people. Don't ream me.
hah- Everyone needs help sometimes- I had to ask someone how to put the platform up to change the assisted dips/pullup machine from dips --> pullups. Apparently it was quite simple, but I still had to ask- and I'm no noobie to the gym :-)0 -
To anyone that is worried about the gym being a 'torture chamber':
Just go and see if your nearest gym will let you take in a guest workout. You'll quickly notice that everyone is too busy doing their own thing to really be judging you. I would say 95%+ of the people in there remember what it's like for a beginner so they're not going to bother you.0 -
People who think they know it all usually have the most to learn.0
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I wish I had time to pay attention/care about what other people were doing at the gym...the only time I get annoyed at another gym member texting is when they are doing it on a machine I am waiting for or leaning in the squat rack, in which case I do something else to fill the time or ask them to jump in. If they have time to text between sets, whatever, but I am on a mission to get 'er done.
I agree gyms could do a better job of having someone on the floor just walking around assisting people, at least during peak times.0 -
They have their place. Free weights allow you more ROM naturally because not every machine "fits" every type of body. Also, you have to incorporate more stabilizers with free weights. And IMO most important of all is that people who only rely on machines to work out are screwed if that particular machine gets monopolized, goes down, or is no longer available.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...
Kinda like learning to drive. If you can learn a manual transmission (free weights) then learning on an automatic (machines) will be easy. Much harder the other way around.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
We all have to start somewhere. I had HORRIBLE form starting out. I'm lucky I'm a young guy. I could of did some serious damage to my lower back doing some of the things I did back in my early 20s. I think anyone that starts lifting needs to have some guide or expert with them the very first day. I'm still not 100% HAPPY with my form but I no longer feel the pain I used to feel.
In a strange way your body KNOWS when your form is off. It may not tell you the first day...but if you keep up the bad form the body will tell you loud and clear
*Friends don't let Friends lift alone!*0 -
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.
this mind set is why I have yet to get the courage to go to the gym... there's only so much reading about it can help, it's much different to remember proper form when you've got the weight right there...
maybe i'll try to hit the gym when i'm smaller and a trainer is less likely to over look me because of my flab.0 -
People who think they know it all usually have the most to learn.
THIS0 -
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.
And how many times have you offered them some pointers so they could improve their form, get results, and avoid injury? Are you part of the problem, or the solution?0 -
This is exactly what prompted me to hire a personal trainer. I was able to learn proper form and then apply it to my own workouts. While I agree that free weights are the best way to go, I think sometimes it's just easier to go to the machines because you might not have a spotter!0
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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.
Ditto!!
I use the cardio and Cybex machines that I know how to use for that same reason! 0 -
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.
What would you like someone to do during a break between sets? I keep myself busy texting, I find it great. I'd rather do that than watch everyone else gym and critique behind their back on a website. If you're not helping them yourself, why complain?0 -
I almost certainly fall into the category of "that guy who doesn't really know what he's doing" - sadly, when I asked my gym for some sort of help, they told me their staff don't do that, in case something goes wrong.
In a way, it's put me off. I was of the mindset that "at least I'm not on the couch, I'm giving it a go", but knowing there's folks in the gym who are judgmental doesn't help.
Maybe go offer help to those guys. I know I'd appreciate it if it was me.0 -
To anyone that is worried about the gym being a 'torture chamber':
Just go and see if your nearest gym will let you take in a guest workout. You'll quickly notice that everyone is too busy doing their own thing to really be judging you. I would say 95%+ of the people in there remember what it's like for a beginner so they're not going to bother you.
Like the OP?0 -
That's what I was thinking... If a person is so "elitest" about the "right way" to do things, then maybe they should offer THEIR help!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.
ETA: Not everyone in the gym is like that. I'm particularly friendly/receptive and attempt to be helpful to other members.0
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