Clueless people in the gym

1. Smith machines are good for inverted rows and pull-ups if eveything else is taken.
2. Sometimes I text between sets - so what? All I'd be doing otherwise is sitting there judging people.
3. If I'm not texting, then I'm looking around the gym. Sometimes judging people on form/exercise choice (good and bad). I like doing it it give me ideas of new things to try.
4. It's human nature to be curious and, yes, to judge other people (positive and negative). You all do it, don't deny it.
5. If you let 3 or 4 stop you from going to the gym then you're going to fail, not only there but in life more generally. You can't let what other people think stop you from doing what you want.
6. If you're wearing weight gloves and never pick up anything heavier than a 2kg weight then I will judge you, sorry can't help myself (see point 4).
7. If the only thing you do all workout is variations on biceps curls and you do them by swinging your body then I will judge you (see point 4).
8. I would actually be willing to help and assist anyone who asked for it at the gym but won't approach random strangers because in my experience these advances are unwelcome. I do help friends who ask
9. I am well aware that I am not perfect but do take the time to educate myself in relation to fitness and health.

And this is why many people-- myself included-- don't like to go to the gym. I know I don't know what I'm doing. And I'm working on that. In the meantime, I focus about half of my energy on working out, and the other half wondering if someone is watching and thinking that I look like a moron.

If it was that easy, everyone would be jacked AF.

If you want to rant, do it with your meathead buddies who feel the same. Why would you do it on a forum of support? Instead of just ranting, why don't you point out some common mistakes people make at the gym, and offer people on here tips about how to do things properly? At least make the thread useful, is what I'm saying.

<< texts, crunches numbers on my iPhone, and basically stands around for 2-4 minutes between sets, depending on exercise. Also does my best to ignore everyone else unless they're struggling and then offers help. Clearly doing it wrong.

Edit: Does not grammar much, meh . . .

hahahah

Was this solved? Does everyone in the gym know what they are doing now?

I'm not new to fitness, but I am new to the gym. I would appreciate someone giving me tips on form...I'm just too shy to ask!

Are you doing some sort of exercises?

I already dont go to the gym because i dont know what im doing...now because of people like you...im even MOAR afraid to go :happy: :brokenheart:

I don't give a f**k what you think about my gym workout... I pay for it, just like you. Friggin Nosey Nellie, stay in your own lane!

I went out for a run last night and was totally amazed at how many people I passed who had no idea how to run. One guy had some sort of beast on a rope with him and he was stopping at every bush and metal thing sticking out of the ground so the beast could smell and then pee on them.
An older couple was even trying to run while holding hands, it must be very hard because they were moving very slow, maybe they were actually walking.
I saw a few kids on two wheeled contraptions that allowed them to move really fast but I wouldn't consider it running.
There were a lot of other people out there who had no idea how to run and it was obvious because they weren't doing it the exact same way I was.
Too bad they aren't as smart as me because they will never reach my goals doing things their way.

I love this<3

Going to the gym when you are still out of shape is tough. I have only been going a month and am very grateful for the help and advise of the trainers that are around but it is still hard to ask. Fortunately my fear of hurting myself is stronger than my pride.

I really don't have time to watch everyone else while I am working out because I am giving it all I have.

Maybe you need to challenge yourself a little more so you don't have to occupy yourself with everyone else failing.

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.

First world problems.

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 believe there are other ways to get fit, and my ticker proves it. I have no objection to people going to the gym, but that sort of exercise doesn't appeal to me. I enjoy my choices, you are free to enjoy yours. Just don't expect me to join in with yours, and I won't make you come to zumba.

Were the other nine people deadlifting?

If so, I hope you took notes.

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I believe there are other ways to get fit, and my ticker proves it. I have no objection to people going to the gym, but that sort of exercise doesn't appeal to me. I enjoy my choices, you are free to enjoy yours. Just don't expect me to join in with yours, and I won't make you come to zumba.
[/quote]

Hmmmm not entirely sure that your ticker says anything about fitness at all. Weight loss yes but fitness no

Diet to lose weight, exercise for fitness. Well that's the way it should be anyway

Normal weight does not automatically equal fit

How do you know they are texting and not just changing their Pandora station, or selecting other music, or even logging their sets?