Advice at the Gym

Nope.
Unless I saw something borderline dangerous, I wouldn't.
I also don't see that as improper use. Maybe not the most efficient use, but not struggling or improper.

There are many programs and many theories to working out, some I agree with, some I don't. I decide for me what is "right" and I let other people do their routine.
I generally don't give out advice unless specifically asked.

This is the first time I've ever actually said something to someone working out. Usually, at the gym I"m focused, in my zone, and have no interest in conversations.

That being said, I saw a heavier girl (probably 260) on the leg press machine, just like jamming along at less than 100 lbs, and clearly had no idea what she was doing. When she realized I was watching her, she blinked awkwardly (I am the queen of awkward) and I mentioned that if she upped her weight, and did fewer reps, with 8,9,10 being fairly difficult, she'd have better results.

She looked at me, confused, so I mentioned that as far as legs go, you pretty much press your weight every time you stand up. So, start at your weight, and add a little from there, because she's a lot stronger than she thinks. The fog seemed to clear a little, I apologized for butting in, and went back to my own things.

I hope I at least offered her some food for thought, or maybe I just made a really awkward conversation.

Either way, I was wondering if anyone has had this happen to them (on either side) and if not, what you would do if you saw someone struggling with properly using equipment?

I would actually thank you, if it was me you were trying to help. Never happened to me, but I would hope someone would help me if I was doing something wrong.

20+ rep sets on leg press > 8 rep sets

I would never comment on someone's workout - that's just me. I honestly wouldn't be able to tell you if someone is doing something wrong because I don't look at one person long enough to notice. I once had a guy correct my pull-up form because I wasn't fully lowering myself to engage my lats (he was right), but I was still learning and didn't have the strength to fully lower myself. I still don't like that guy.

I am usually open to receiving advice from people at the gym but lately this one guy pretty much follows me around and criticises me. it happened twice last week and it's beginning to get just a bit annoying.

I will always listen to people's opinions, and particularly those of the gym employees but this guy is not one of those.
it makes me so mad, I know he's trying to help but when i'm doing what I am told to do by my trainer and it feels like I am doing it right based on what I have been told and which muscles I can feel it in, then it's irritating to say the least.

I don't offer advice to others as I don't feel it's my place unless asked.

Yeah,NO.

not your business.

There have been times when I am coming back from my back issues and need to go lighter, or am varying my workout and doing higher reps that day... I would hate if someone came up and started trying to school me.

People think there are special rules to conversation in the gym but that's just silly. As with the rest of life, if you are just trying to be kind and friendly I don't see anything wrong with it. I think the biggest issue in the gym is most people think they are doing it right and most people are wrong. You need to appreciate the fact that there is a good possibility that you know less than the person you are advising.

Personally I would probably make an observation like you mentioned at the water cooler or in the locker room and phrase it as a question to find out why she was doing her reps that way rather than telling her how she should be doing her reps. She might be recovering from an injury or following a specific program and in the end you could learn something or end up helping her out if she wanted it.

People think there are special rules to conversation in the gym but that's just silly. As with the rest of life, if you are just trying to be kind and friendly I don't see anything wrong with it. I think the biggest issue in the gym is most people think they are doing it right and most people are wrong. You need to appreciate the fact that there is a good possibility that you know less than the person you are advising.

Personally I would probably make an observation like you mentioned at the water cooler or in the locker room and phrase it as a question to find out why she was doing her reps that way rather than telling her how she should be doing her reps. She might be recovering from an injury or following a specific program and in the end you could learn something or end up helping her out if she wanted it.

Or you could just not say anything because it's not your business why someone is working out a certain way.

I have been tempted but I don't .

I did, however, GET some advice last night which I gladly listened to, processed and tried out.

If I see an attractive woman, I start spotting her without being asked

That happened to me once. On squats. :sick:

No. You don't know her program, or if she's working out with an injury.

I had to ask for a spot on my bench last week, and was excited that I got 90x5. Because I'm doing 5/3/1, I won't try for 95 until the end of August. The lady was trying to be "helpful" and told me to try for 95 next week. NO. Because that's not how this program works!

I do appreciate advice from people who know what they are talking about and who's goals align with mine. The problem is, far too any people *think* they know what's right.

This is why I wear headphones at the gym.

I have a hard time watching someone at the gym that could hurt themselves, mostly because I just love to help people, but it's hard to ignore. You know the type, we've all seen him. He's the guy who focuses primarily on his biceps (and usually has bird legs); he flings those dumbbells around so fast and jerky that you just KNOW he's going to end up pulling something... but I keep my mouth shut.

You see, 10 years ago (I was still in the Navy) I lifted and ran regularly. At 5' 10 I was a very toned 145 pounds. Now, I am 235 (ish) and far from that toned (young?) woman I was. Regardless of what I know about lifting safely and effectively, no one wants advice from someone who doesn't LOOK like they know what they are talking about. I was trying to be helpful once and made a suggestion to this young woman (she was obviously very new to lifting) about her form to prevent strain on her back. Well, she took one look at me, sneered and basically told me to F*** off and mind my own business.

I learned my lesson!

Now I just do my own thing. I still find myself occasionally watching others in between sets or while waiting for a machine, but I keep all comments to myself.