Young kid at the gym

There is this large young kid who trains at my gym..

Now its great that he trains and is trying to shed the weight, however his technique is terrible, he jumps from bicep curl to leg press, to the cross trainer, back to bicep curls, to a minute on the bike, onto bench press etc...he is all over the place, i seen him do 45 reps on the barbel bench press yesterday & over 100 leg presses in one set..!!

Sounds to me like he is just doing Crossfit.

I was going to say some Jillian Michaels routine, but sure.

If his form is going to cause him injury then ask if he wants help with form. Otherwise, leave him alone.

I agree with the helpful warning to avoid going to chat up a minor. There are whole TV shows devoted to that.

I realized I did something similar when my B-I-L was telling me all about his workout routines. His stated goals were not at all in line with what he was doing, and I told him so in great detail. Later on I realized that I am always critical of him when he tells me about that kind of stuff. I think he's a wonderful person and I'm happy that what he is doing is making him feel great, so I told him so and apologized for butting in.

And this was even in a conversation with someone I know quite well and my opinion was welcome, yet I was still wrong.

Also it's really none of your business. Unless he is in imminent danger of injuring himself or someone else (about to let a plate slide off his bar, etc.), it's probably best to busy yourself with something else to avoid getting cranked up about how wrong he is...

NOTE TO SELF:

Do not ask a question on the MFP Forum again.

See I could have told you that! :laugh: As soon as I read your opening post, my latent psychic powers told me that one or more people would say "You should be concentrating on your own workout. Duh. If you're working out hard, you wouldn't even notice what you noticed.." That's a standard response to questions like this and anything else about the gym that has to do with others. Been there, done that, have the souvenier to show for it.

And I for one do notice what others do at the gym. I have two good eyes. It has nothing to do with not working out hard enough.

I would bring this to the attention of the staff. It's their issue especially for liability reasons. I don't know if would approach the kid directly, but if you're up for it, why not. At the local YMCA I go to sometimes, they are very good about helping newer people use the machines, correct their technique and so on. However, because they are so busy with their duties, they don't always spot the people who need help and the staff appreciate it when someone brings a matter like this to their attention.

I am so sorry that so many people have chosen to burn you for your post. At the end of the day, most of the negative stuff that has been said to you says more about the person saying it than it does about you (who, it must be said, none of us actually know, and thus any judgements are made in ignorance).

What I see is someone who is genuinely concerned about a young person, and who genuinely wants to help. It is clear that you have experience in gyms, and that working out is your lifestyle choice. I am assuming that you have gained knowledge, regardless of whether you are "qualified" or not. It is clever to talk to the gym staff; this is their job, and in this litigious and suspicious age (point in case - look at the sarcastic responses to your post!) it is better to avoid situations that may cause conflict.

You are looking at this young person, pleased that they are here, and picturing yourself in his place. And you appear to be very sincere and compassionate. Both things I think are admirable, and not to be knocked. And I am sure that your fondest wish is to witness this young man turn his weight issues around, and possibly be one of those who cheer him on or at the very least pat him on the back in encouragement and support.

This is a gym where you are a member. The members need to be invested in their facility. If this means you need to give constructive feedback, then that is well worth doing. You can only benefit by doing this; be the proactive person you appear to be, and speak in the place where the most benefit will be gained. Keep watching this boy. We all need to be more involved in building a strong society, and that means reaching out and encouraging each other (pay attention, knockers). We need to be more like you.

Thank you for being so caring. Your question had merit; it did not deserve the negativity you have copped. In amongst it all, though, there is some great feedback and advice. Pay attention to that.

PS - to those knockers out there: each and every one of the people you mock has a story. You are arrogantly making judgements, and showing that you have not faced the kinds of challenges that lift you out of selfishness and ego. None of us are perfect, but you certainly can see the calibre of a person who easily jumps to conclusions about others, and lifts themselves up as the benchmark for perfection. Try being kind. One day you may need someone to be kind to you.

I am on my soapbox, here. I don't often venture into the forums, any more. But I feel strongly about having a say against negativity, especially in response to something truly positive and genuine.

You lost me at "I seen him," and then drove it home with "fat kid."