Clueless people in the gym

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

Meh, I was lazy and didn't read every post, but I wanted to add something here. I have an app that I use to track my lifts. So if I stop between sets and get on my phone, it's not b/c I'm texting, it's b/c I'm either updating my sets, or checking the weights for my next sets.

Just sayin' random generalizations are not always correct.

I don't care what people do when they are waiting between sets, just so long as they stay in the general area of their rack. Nothing is more annoying than walking up on a rack and seeing weights loaded, maybe a belt nearby and wondering if its free or not?

I also hate when a group of guys just hang around the general squat rack area, taking up space and bull****ting, but one out of the 7 will go and use the rack to make it look like they are doing something. This happens almost nightly which is why I go during the day.

The other day, I saw another girl doing deadlifts. I was like, awesome, another girl! Then I saw she had quite a bit of weight on the bar (about 120+ lbs), so I was like, awesome! Then, I saw her lift it and totally over extend her back upon standing and I was like, oh

While the Smith machine is not ideal, it is great for those just beginning. Learning proper form is essential, and if you don't have good form down you are doing yourself a disservice. Not every gym has a free standing squat rack. Sometimes you have to make due with what you have.

I'm proud of anyone who makes an effort to get to the gym to workout-cardio or lifiting-it's still exercise. Effort of any kind should be commended. And me personally, i'd love for anyone to come over and assist me with lifting. Hence, why I got a trainer.

The trainers do help people, but at my gym they just tend to help attractive girls, it falls on people like you to help the guys in there, if they don't watch you or you tell them it won't change.

Don't know why somoene would want to avoid machines, they are probably safer for them if you are in the Free weight area not helping anyone.


I was at the gym yesterday, texting between sets, then I looked in the mirror and one guy couldn't get his weight back on the rack, he just about managed in the end but I was the only one who got off their bench to even go over to him, so all the focused no texting guys were no help at all.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Remember at one point you didn't know everything.

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

Meh, I was lazy and didn't read every post, but I wanted to add something here. I have an app that I use to track my lifts. So if I stop between sets and get on my phone, it's not b/c I'm texting, it's b/c I'm either updating my sets, or checking the weights for my next sets.

Just sayin' random generalizations are not always correct.

1. What app is that?


2. I don't know how "normal" gym's work, we have a company gym which is all I know. Normally, do you get a tour and "this is how you use this machine" tutorial when you join somewhere? Or are you just on your own?

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

Meh, I was lazy and didn't read every post, but I wanted to add something here. I have an app that I use to track my lifts. So if I stop between sets and get on my phone, it's not b/c I'm texting, it's b/c I'm either updating my sets, or checking the weights for my next sets.

Just sayin' random generalizations are not always correct.

1. What app is that?


2. I don't know how "normal" gym's work, we have a company gym which is all I know. Normally, do you get a tour and "this is how you use this machine" tutorial when you join somewhere? Or are you just on your own?

Some places do and some don't. It really depends on the facility.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Remember at one point you didn't know everything.

Agreed. I'm starting NROL4W tonight and have only done a little lifting. Most newbies feel awkward enough being over there to begin with, and if they knew you were judging them like that, they would probably give up and stop trying to better themselves.

Maybe ask if they want a spotter, then you can help with form by sneaking it in? If they say no and aren't in your way, just learn to ignore them. It's not going to hurt you. :ohwell:

P.S. Not trying to be rude. I know it's hard to tell online and might come off that way.

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...

this...

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.

I agree, and I do try to be helpful to anyone who asks. I never say no to a request to spot someone, for example. I'm not perfect and don't know everything, but I tried to make sure I knew the basics and would ask someone if I didn't.

that said, where do I draw the line? There have only been a few times where I've interrupted someone during a workout to comment, and that was because they were doing "deadlifts" with very heavy weights and a completely rounded back and were really putting themselves in danger. And when that guy blew me off I grabbed a nearby trainer and asked him to watch this guy, he did and screamed "oh my god" and ran over to try to show him the correct way to do it. Said guy, of course, ignored us both and continued on the path to a slipped disc. So at the end of the day, trying to help didn't work.

Some people's kids. You can't help those who won't help themselves... the staff SHOULD be paying attention to people like that- but I know a lot of PTs who paid $50 for their "certs" and are flipping clueless.

My stance is geared toward those who ARE just starting out- I'm not new to the gym, I know what I'm doing, and I'm strong- and I STILL get a little nervous walking into the free weights area for the simple fact that I'm more often than not the only woman in there. There are those who ARE clueless... staring at a machine, pulling levers trying their darndest to figure out how to adjust it, or how the dang thing works... THOSE are the people I smile at (though I tend to smile at everyone like a dopey moron because I'm a little bit of a dopey moron :-) ) and offer encouragement/advice to given even the slightest prompt. The goose-monkey repeatedly deadlifting 500lbs two inches off the ground with a rounded back? I pretty much know better. I'll offer a tip here and there to the guys I see around all the time (if it's form, and they know me/respect me as a lifter) but otherwise, I go about my own business.

That's exactly why I won't go to a gym, I am deathly afraid of people judging me and critiquing me when I am trying to get fit. I would rather do it alone at home where I know no one can laugh at me or criticize me. I don't even like the fact my neighbors may be able to see me since my exercise machines are outside on the deck since they don't work well in the house with 4 animals.

Duplicate post.

I will judge you if you don't put away your equipment after you are done using it. Everything else gets a pass.

Agree 100%. The quarter-squatter I referred to in the OP walked away from the squat rack with the bar fully loaded.

I don't really care what people do to be honest. I just hate two things really. First, the guys that come in and act like a bunch of bad-*kitten* and do like 1/4 squats, 1/4 OHP's, etc. Those guys are ridiculous. I hate anybody that doesn't unrack their **** whether it's 405lbs or 95lbs, put your crap away I'm not your father. LOL