Gym etiquette questions?
stevepax
Posts: 86 Member
Started weights today, first time ever, Stronglifts 5x5. My wife is doing it too, she started yesterday.
A couple of questions:
1. Wouldn't it be customary to re-rack all your plates from the bar when you're done? I mean, the squat rack wasn't being used, but there were 45 pound plates on each side of the bar. Since it was my first day on stronglifts, I had to use the bar only, so I took the plates off. But my wife would really struggle getting 45 pound plates off the bar, especially when it's racked up high. What's the deal?
2. What about when the equipment you're using doesn't have the plates you need on it? Like, if I'm going up 5 pounds next time I do squats and bench press, I'm going to need some 2.5 lb plates, right? They seem to be sparse. Can I take them from other weight racks on a different bench, or machine, or wherever I can find them? Is it just shared around?
3. What do you do if you just can't find 2.5 lb plates? Is it normal to just put a 5 lb plate on one side of the bar and then hold the bar slightly off-center to balance it for your squat? Or is that ridiculous?
4. Isn't it a total pain in the rear to work in on equipment someone else is using (like, share the squat rack and do my set while someone else is resting, then trade) if we are lifting significantly different total weights? How is that handled?
Thanks in advance for the advice from you regulars. I have decided not to look at anyone else who is lifting there, because it seems you just see some people doing some very strange movements in the free-weight area there! Also, I thought bicep curls in the squat rack were a myth. Nope!
A couple of questions:
1. Wouldn't it be customary to re-rack all your plates from the bar when you're done? I mean, the squat rack wasn't being used, but there were 45 pound plates on each side of the bar. Since it was my first day on stronglifts, I had to use the bar only, so I took the plates off. But my wife would really struggle getting 45 pound plates off the bar, especially when it's racked up high. What's the deal?
2. What about when the equipment you're using doesn't have the plates you need on it? Like, if I'm going up 5 pounds next time I do squats and bench press, I'm going to need some 2.5 lb plates, right? They seem to be sparse. Can I take them from other weight racks on a different bench, or machine, or wherever I can find them? Is it just shared around?
3. What do you do if you just can't find 2.5 lb plates? Is it normal to just put a 5 lb plate on one side of the bar and then hold the bar slightly off-center to balance it for your squat? Or is that ridiculous?
4. Isn't it a total pain in the rear to work in on equipment someone else is using (like, share the squat rack and do my set while someone else is resting, then trade) if we are lifting significantly different total weights? How is that handled?
Thanks in advance for the advice from you regulars. I have decided not to look at anyone else who is lifting there, because it seems you just see some people doing some very strange movements in the free-weight area there! Also, I thought bicep curls in the squat rack were a myth. Nope!
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Replies
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1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
^^This
And #1 is rampant at the gym I frequent. It's gotten to the point where if the equipment is loaded when I get there, I put it back exactly as I found it when I'm done.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Pretty much. Although every different gym tends to have it's own etiquette. You just have to learn from being there.0 -
1. If she can't lift 45 lb weights then it's not rude to ask someone for help. It's better to ask for help than to hurt herself trying to lift something too heavy from too high of a height.
2. Yes. Just make sure it's not being used by somebody.
3. Don't make one side of the bar heavier than the other. Even with just 5 lbs you can hurt yourself.
4. Honestly, I just wait til the other person is done. Most of the time we're using different weights and doing different exercises and it's just too much of a pain to switch plates and all that.
Bottom line: you and your wife have just as much right as anyone to be there as anybody else. If you have a question, just ask someone. The worst someone can say is no!0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed.0 -
Fabulous questions! Thanks so much for asking, and for the answers.
Best of luck to your and the Mrs. on your lifting.
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1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed. Another option for #3 is to go to Walmart and buy a couple of 2.5's to take with you, I'd just make sure to mark them and make sure the people at the desk know that you're bringing in some of your own so they don't think you're stealing them when you leave.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
yeppers0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed except number 4. Even if using different weights, it's very simple to swap weights between sets. I'm surprised no one else has done that.0 -
Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. I like the idea of just buying my own 2.5lb plates so I don't have to go hunting.
One more follow-up question - if you are doing deadlifts or barbell rows, can you just take the bar from one of the benches where it is sitting to go somewhere else to do them? I think my gym has one bar that just sits on the ground off to the side, but as it is only one, it's often in use, even at 5 AM when I go. Can I just take my bench press bar after I'm done doing the bench, do my deadlifts in front of the bench, and then put it back? I guess if I'm going to still just use that bench to sit on to rest between sets, I'm still just using the same equipment anyway, right?
I just don't want to upset anyone or call attention to myself while it's still obvious I don't know what I'm doing...
Thanks!0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed except number 4. Even if using different weights, it's very simple to swap weights between sets. I'm surprised no one else has done that.
I think it's a matter of personal preference. It's simple, sure, but to some it's still an imposition. Personally, I'd rather wait than have to work in. That's part of the reason why I go specifically when the gym is quiet.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed. Another option for #3 is to go to Walmart and buy a couple of 2.5's to take with you, I'd just make sure to mark them and make sure the people at the desk know that you're bringing in some of your own so they don't think you're stealing them when you leave.
That's what I was going to suggest, too. The 2.5 plates at my gym appear only at the full moon... or when the seeker has an exceptionally full bladder. Or something.
About working in: if you are in a huge hurry, you could make it work when your working weights are close. Just load the bar in such a way that swapping between weights takes little time. If you are working at 135 and the other person is at 115, load the bar with two 25 lb plates and add a couple of 10s, instead of using 45 lb plates. You get the idea. But I would just wait for my turn instead.0 -
Not so much when you're swapping plates around. On a cable machine, sure. But eh, if I've got two 20kg plates either side and someone needs a single 10kg on each side, it's not happening.1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed except number 4. Even if using different weights, it's very simple to swap weights between sets. I'm surprised no one else has done that.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed except number 4. Even if using different weights, it's very simple to swap weights between sets. I'm surprised no one else has done that.
I also agree except number 4. My guy and I use the same bench. It's especially helpful for me because as a female that doesn't have lots of upper body strength I really feel like I need a spotter for bench or I won't push myself to up my weight.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Agreed except number 4. Even if using different weights, it's very simple to swap weights between sets. I'm surprised no one else has done that.
in my gym there is one squat rack, and 5x5 with 3 min rest is full 20 minuts, so yes, we work in even with different weights0 -
yes in our gym you can take stuff from where ever it's stored and use it. I take weights from all over and use them and then re=rack them. I find that after a week I have to go re-organize stuff so that it's disbursed through-out the weight storage racks. (yes I work there) Just an FYI I hate when people don't re-rack. It bites for me to be unloading 300 lbs so that I can load 10 lol. Also make sure to wipe down the equipment after useWow, thanks for all the quick replies. I like the idea of just buying my own 2.5lb plates so I don't have to go hunting.
One more follow-up question - if you are doing deadlifts or barbell rows, can you just take the bar from one of the benches where it is sitting to go somewhere else to do them? I think my gym has one bar that just sits on the ground off to the side, but as it is only one, it's often in use, even at 5 AM when I go. Can I just take my bench press bar after I'm done doing the bench, do my deadlifts in front of the bench, and then put it back? I guess if I'm going to still just use that bench to sit on to rest between sets, I'm still just using the same equipment anyway, right?
I just don't want to upset anyone or call attention to myself while it's still obvious I don't know what I'm doing...
Thanks! I do it before too b/c I notice people don't wipe after use. 0 -
Sad how often people don't re-rack their weights. I understand leaving a 45 on for some of the machines (leg press for example) considering the majority of people using them are going to need more than that lonely 45 but then you've got twits who leave 400 on there which is just bull. Hey meat head! Yeah, you! The one breathing through your mouth! Be considerate before I throw a brick through your face!!!
BTW, the same applies to dumb bells. I can never find a 10 or 15# weight where they're supposed to be. They're ALWAYS on the other side of the gym. My gym has extra 10 and 15#'s but damned if i can find them before 830pm.0 -
1. Yep, generally people take their plates off. Part of me thinks it's a guy/strong thing when they don't, because when short wee me goes to the squat rack it's actually pretty common for the guy who last used it to offer to take it off.
2. Feel free to take weights, clips, whatever from anywhere. Gyms generally have less 2.5 lb plates because they're not used as frequently, so it's meant to be shared across different barbells, machines, etc.
3. Definitely don't make the bar uneven! Either go down in weight or up. Or, find someone who works there to find those plates for you. I usually like to find those plates before I even start working out in an area if I know or think I'll need them.
4. It depends. I tend to share because I take long breaks. There's plenty of time for someone to change the weight, do their set, then me to put my weights back on. Generally people don't like to share, but so long as their breaks are long too it works.0 -
Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. I like the idea of just buying my own 2.5lb plates so I don't have to go hunting.
One more follow-up question - if you are doing deadlifts or barbell rows, can you just take the bar from one of the benches where it is sitting to go somewhere else to do them? I think my gym has one bar that just sits on the ground off to the side, but as it is only one, it's often in use, even at 5 AM when I go. Can I just take my bench press bar after I'm done doing the bench, do my deadlifts in front of the bench, and then put it back? I guess if I'm going to still just use that bench to sit on to rest between sets, I'm still just using the same equipment anyway, right?
I just don't want to upset anyone or call attention to myself while it's still obvious I don't know what I'm doing...
Thanks!
I normally use the power rack to do my deadlifts and barbell rows because they have a lower rack that makes it easier to load the bar.0 -
Started weights today, first time ever, Stronglifts 5x5. My wife is doing it too, she started yesterday.
A couple of questions:
2. What about when the equipment you're using doesn't have the plates you need on it? Like, if I'm going up 5 pounds next time I do squats and bench press, I'm going to need some 2.5 lb plates, right? They seem to be sparse. Can I take them from other weight racks on a different bench, or machine, or wherever I can find them? Is it just shared around?
This is one that you can control. Buy a set of 2-1/2 lb and 5 lb plates and bring them with you.0 -
Wow, thanks for all the quick replies. I like the idea of just buying my own 2.5lb plates so I don't have to go hunting.
One more follow-up question - if you are doing deadlifts or barbell rows, can you just take the bar from one of the benches where it is sitting to go somewhere else to do them? I think my gym has one bar that just sits on the ground off to the side, but as it is only one, it's often in use, even at 5 AM when I go. Can I just take my bench press bar after I'm done doing the bench, do my deadlifts in front of the bench, and then put it back? I guess if I'm going to still just use that bench to sit on to rest between sets, I'm still just using the same equipment anyway, right?
I just don't want to upset anyone or call attention to myself while it's still obvious I don't know what I'm doing...
Thanks!
Yeah, it's okay to take a barbell from a bench for deadlifts if there is no free bar sitting around. You might want to use a power rack when you put the weights on it (once you get to a point when you do 135 lb or more), because otherwise it's hard to rack a bar that's sitting on the ground. At least I find it easier to rack it in a power cage and then lift it out to do my deadlifts.0 -
Quick word of advice!
When unloaded 45s off of a bar, make sure there are not too many on one side, do them one at a time, or you will flip that sucker. I usually do one at a time, because I am not sure what the limit is, like how many can be on one side before the balance is shot. I know this may seem like a simple thing to remember, but it has happened with plenty of people before.0 -
1. Yep, generally people take their plates off. Part of me thinks it's a guy/strong thing when they don't, because when short wee me goes to the squat rack it's actually pretty common for the guy who last used it to offer to take it off.
I actually find that it's the complete opposite. I usually have to take lighter weight off....
I just put it back on when I'm done now. I've given up.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but some people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
^^This
And #1 is rampant at the gym I frequent. It's gotten to the point where if the equipment is loaded when I get there, I put it back exactly as I found it when I'm done.
Yup0 -
Not so much when you're swapping plates around. On a cable machine, sure. But eh, if I've got two 20kg plates either side and someone needs a single 10kg on each side, it's not happening.
In that scenario, I would just switch it up, so use two 10kg plates each side, I really don't care about reloading and reloading the bar*.
*said the guy who never shares a lifting platform!0 -
Quick word of advice!
When unloaded 45s off of a bar, make sure there are not too many on one side, do them one at a time, or you will flip that sucker. I usually do one at a time, because I am not sure what the limit is, like how many can be on one side before the balance is shot. I know this may seem like a simple thing to remember, but it has happened with plenty of people before.
Hah, good advice. Thanks for a funny visual, too.0 -
1. You're supposed to re reck but MANY people are jerks and don't do this.
2. Yes.
3. Wait until you can go up a full 10lbs if you don't have smaller plates.
4. Only work in on machines or if the person is doing the same weight as you. Otherwise it's a pain in the *kitten*.
Fixed #1 haha
Good answers though0 -
Yeah, it's okay to take a barbell from a bench for deadlifts if there is no free bar sitting around. You might want to use a power rack when you put the weights on it (once you get to a point when you do 135 lb or more), because otherwise it's hard to rack a bar that's sitting on the ground. At least I find it easier to rack it in a power cage and then lift it out to do my deadlifts.
It IS hard to rack a bar on the ground....but then I find it even harder to lift the bar out of the rack considering the forward stanchions of the power rack are practically at chest height for me!!!!!0 -
Your maths sucks.Not so much when you're swapping plates around. On a cable machine, sure. But eh, if I've got two 20kg plates either side and someone needs a single 10kg on each side, it's not happening.
In that scenario, I would just switch it up, so use two 10kg plates each side, I really don't care about reloading and reloading the bar*.
*said the guy who never shares a lifting platform!
As to the unloading the bar and making it tip - I've tried it intentionally on the squat rack at my gym - if you have 30kg one side and 0 the other, that seems to be the tipping point :P0 -
Yeah, it's okay to take a barbell from a bench for deadlifts if there is no free bar sitting around. You might want to use a power rack when you put the weights on it (once you get to a point when you do 135 lb or more), because otherwise it's hard to rack a bar that's sitting on the ground. At least I find it easier to rack it in a power cage and then lift it out to do my deadlifts.
It IS hard to rack a bar on the ground....but then I find it even harder to lift the bar out of the rack considering the forward stanchions of the power rack are practically at chest height for me!!!!!
I find it good practice to rack it from the ground (a little bit of extra strength training
), however, you can also stack plates under the bar, which will also make this much easier to do. In fact, many people stack plates under the bar anyway if they are pulling from the floor so the bar is at least at the height it would be if it were loaded with 45s in order to pull DL and Rows from the same height, no matter what weight is on. 0
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