But....why would you want to get bulky?!

IamUndrCnstruction
IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
edited November 18 in Fitness and Exercise
This was just asked me by one of the gym staff members when I tried to explain to her why I do 5x5. She then proceeds to lecture me about why I should do more reps at lighter weights and so on....

I am now a bit put out. One, it is hard enough for me to even BE here, now I am judged by staff? Two, she should know better. Three, what the hell man?!?!?

Seriously though... I have lost almost 30 pounds now, 26 of which only happened AFTER I started lifting. Which is what I told her before I walked off to crush my squat PR.
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Replies

  • FitStrongHealthy
    FitStrongHealthy Posts: 220 Member
    HAHAHA!!!! Just ignore her ignorance. If she's a personal trainer I'd be worried for anyone she trains, but if she just mainly sits behind the counter then don't worry about it.

    I hear it from my husband all the time, "babe I don't want you to get too big, keep it light," I just smile and nod and keep on doing my thing. I've tried to explain it to him a few times but it was in one ear and out the other. He'll come around soon enough though.
  • PeachyPlum
    PeachyPlum Posts: 1,243 Member
    Way to take it out on the weights and hit a new PR!!!

    Honestly, I probably would have looked her right in her face, smiled, and said "I'm trying to look more like you" but then I'm kind of an *kitten*.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    @FitStrongHealthy She is a trainer who does the cardiac rehab at the Wellness Center, has a degree in exercise physiology. I think that's why at first I was confused by her attitude (and there WAS an attitude). I guess I should just try and find it funny. And your husband will see and love your results, I am sure!

    @PeachyPlum Ha!!! There were many things I thought of saying, none of them very nice. You can tell she is a cardio person, as a cardiac therapist probably would be.

    I guess it just rubbed me wrong as I try so damn hard and felt like I was finally getting over my "gym intimidation" issue. Ah, *kitten* it, it's not like she is going to stop me from going back or from lifting LOL!
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    edited May 2015
    Most people would probably be nicer than I would. I'd probably say something really snotty like, "You know, it's so odd that this gym hires people who know nothing about fitness," and then toss my hair as I walked away.
  • SonicKrunch
    SonicKrunch Posts: 192 Member
    PeachyPlum wrote: »
    Way to take it out on the weights and hit a new PR!!!

    Honestly, I probably would have looked her right in her face, smiled, and said "I'm trying to look more like you" but then I'm kind of an *kitten*.

    I would have said, "I'm trying to look better than you". To each their own. Some people think a Kelly Ripa body is perfection, some people would say a Jessica Biel body is.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    @LyndseyLovesToLift It's sad that she is not the first person there to tell me that. She was just a lot more judgey about it. I would go to a different gym, but I am kind of stuck at this one. I will just ignore her, I guess, or maybe I will just tell her off the next time I see her, I haven't quite decided yet.
  • skeo
    skeo Posts: 471 Member
    Ahhhhh this logic *facepalm* my husband and I have fought NUMEROUS times about this, the "5-8 rep range will make you bulky" "keep it light, do sets of 30+ reps to feel the burn"..OHHH how it frustrates me!

    A slight decrease in caloric intake, more heavy weights = lean and mean!

    P.S great job on the a new squat PR.
  • DirrtyH
    DirrtyH Posts: 664 Member
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    @LyndseyLovesToLift It's sad that she is not the first person there to tell me that. She was just a lot more judgey about it. I would go to a different gym, but I am kind of stuck at this one. I will just ignore her, I guess, or maybe I will just tell her off the next time I see her, I haven't quite decided yet.

    Why are so many people in your face about your workout? That's weird. No one gives a *kitten* what I do at my gym. I like it that way.
  • Metruis
    Metruis Posts: 60 Member
    Yeah, my pounds only started dropping off once I started lifting.

    She can suck it. Keep being awesome. I would've snapped, "Because that's what my dream body looks like. You work for yours and I'll work for mine." If she bothers you again, tell her off.
  • Willbenchforcupcakes
    Willbenchforcupcakes Posts: 4,955 Member
    Congrats on the squat pr!

    Comments on my programming at my old commercial gym were what made me change to my lifting gym full time - but my coaches are always seeing how I'm making out on my programming and making form corrections. The difference is, that is a big part of what I pay them for and they really know their stuff.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    @DirrtyH I can only think that they feel that it's ok to comment about my getting bulky because I am already fat. I worried about that at first too until I understood better what weight lifting would do. Now I have seen the exact opposite. Mind you I still have a long way to go, but I am seeing results with lifting and 1600 calories I never saw from cardio and 1200 calories.

    @Iron_Miss_Canada Ah! If only they someone would comment on my form, that's what I need, not someone telling me that I am going to "bulk up". I eat at a deficit and don't even lift heavy by most people's standards (though heavy is relative and it's damn heavy for me)

    To answer any who may wonder why I stay, I am on supplemental o2 and this is a hospital gym so I get to use their tanks, most gyms, I think, would consider me a liability? I honestly don't know.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    wow...it happens a lot...I walked into a gym once last summer to check it out...first words out of the front desk clerks mouth was "cardio equipment is upstairs"....I am not a member of that gym...

    ignorance can be fixed tho...did you explain how long you've been lifting etc? just curious.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    @SezxyStef I tried to explain a little, and that I had researched many different programs and the benefits and so on. I have only been lifting for about four months now, and have made, for me, much progress. She threw back something about endurance and slow twitch muscle fiber so that I can carry things....she does have a degree which makes this harder for me to understand her attitude.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    @SezxyStef I tried to explain a little, and that I had researched many different programs and the benefits and so on. I have only been lifting for about four months now, and have made, for me, much progress. She threw back something about endurance and slow twitch muscle fiber so that I can carry things....she does have a degree which makes this harder for me to understand her attitude.

    education <>intelligence...

    I know lots who feel this way too...until they see my results...and that's the best you can do...show the results.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    SezxyStef wrote: »
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    @SezxyStef I tried to explain a little, and that I had researched many different programs and the benefits and so on. I have only been lifting for about four months now, and have made, for me, much progress. She threw back something about endurance and slow twitch muscle fiber so that I can carry things....she does have a degree which makes this harder for me to understand her attitude.

    education <>intelligence...

    I know lots who feel this way too...until they see my results...and that's the best you can do...show the results.


    That is what I keep telling myself whenever they comment. I am sooooo bulky now that I can fit into jeans I haven't worn in almost two years ROFL
  • slp51
    slp51 Posts: 201 Member
    This is why I love Planet Fitness, my gym. They have in huge letters on the wall "NO JUDGEMENT ZONE." (If I told them they spelled "judgment" wrong, that would be judging them, wouldn't it?)

    Trainer Tom that I sometimes work out with at the gym is all over lifting. His philosophy is to lift first hitting the big muscles first, and then 20 minutes of cardio, "if I want." He explains that the muscles repairing themselves burns calories all day long, and cardio is really just good for your heart.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    slp51 wrote: »
    This is why I love Planet Fitness, my gym. They have in huge letters on the wall "NO JUDGEMENT ZONE." (If I told them they spelled "judgment" wrong, that would be judging them, wouldn't it?)

    Trainer Tom that I sometimes work out with at the gym is all over lifting. His philosophy is to lift first hitting the big muscles first, and then 20 minutes of cardio, "if I want." He explains that the muscles repairing themselves burns calories all day long, and cardio is really just good for your heart.

    I thought the "no judgement zone" actually didn't take kindly to serious lifters? Just the word on the street though, I've never tried PF myself.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    Ha. No judgement gym is the most fundamentally judgey gym out there.

    Whatever. Just tell her she's fu*king stupid and go on about your day.

    You get where you want to be.. Own it and no one ever questions you. . Okay no one is more likely rarely. . They hate on you but they rarely question how awesome you look lol. Keep at it and continuing crushing it.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    I have never tried another gym, I am not sure they would let me join, or I just join a straight up weight lifting gym where people don't look at you weird for deadlifting. But mostly it's the comments from staff that get me. All the guys that go there give me my space and respect what I am at least trying to accomplish.

    @JoRocka I am not there yet, not even close. But I am closer than I was yesterday. They can hate all they want.
  • CipherZero
    CipherZero Posts: 1,418 Member
    edited May 2015
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    This was just asked me by one of the gym staff members when I tried to explain to her why I do 5x5. She then proceeds to lecture me about why I should do more reps at lighter weights and so on....

    Tell her to go screw herself. Seriously. You're paying for gym space, not their inbred opinions.

    How did you not laugh in her face?
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    I don't have a very good poker face. I am sure she knew I was not amused. Might say something to her, might not.
  • ArtsyLaurie
    ArtsyLaurie Posts: 39 Member
    I started doing Stronglifts 5X5 a month ago. I'm down 5lbs already! If somebody asked me that, I'd tell them I'm planning to cosplay a female World of Warcraft orc. I dunno about any other ladies, but if I -did- get bulky, I'd be showing that stuff off!

    Good for you, shrugging her off & getting your PR!
  • slp51
    slp51 Posts: 201 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    slp51 wrote: »
    This is why I love Planet Fitness, my gym. They have in huge letters on the wall "NO JUDGEMENT ZONE." (If I told them they spelled "judgment" wrong, that would be judging them, wouldn't it?)

    Trainer Tom that I sometimes work out with at the gym is all over lifting. His philosophy is to lift first hitting the big muscles first, and then 20 minutes of cardio, "if I want." He explains that the muscles repairing themselves burns calories all day long, and cardio is really just good for your heart.

    I thought the "no judgement zone" actually didn't take kindly to serious lifters? Just the word on the street though, I've never tried PF myself.

    Actually, not true, at least in my gym. It is true they frown on people who slam down weights and walk around strutting their stuff. But there are guys (and women) who are seriously cut who work out in my gym.
  • morowinder
    morowinder Posts: 35 Member
    Most people who will hire a PT "don't want to get too bulky", this breeds trainers that don't know first thing about lifting. In my gym there is only one trainer I have seen touching the barbell.
  • AbsoluteTara79
    AbsoluteTara79 Posts: 266 Member
    She's ignorant and from her perspective she probably thought she was helping you. Ignore!
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    slp51 wrote: »
    This is why I love Planet Fitness, my gym. They have in huge letters on the wall "NO JUDGEMENT ZONE." (If I told them they spelled "judgment" wrong, that would be judging them, wouldn't it?)

    Trainer Tom that I sometimes work out with at the gym is all over lifting. His philosophy is to lift first hitting the big muscles first, and then 20 minutes of cardio, "if I want." He explains that the muscles repairing themselves burns calories all day long, and cardio is really just good for your heart.


    I have also the same experience with planet fitness, so it probably depends a lot on where you are, since I have read a lot of awful stories online. There is no sign, and the default program they give to everyone (no discriminations, men and women get similar advice) is high reps low weight on everything, but the trainers are very open to helping with lifting and encouraging women to lift.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    Is saw a personal trainer in my gym the other day (the woman I am ranting about is not a PT, she is a cardiac rehab therapist). She was instructing her female client on how to do squats. I know there is some debate over proper form in the "parallel" or "*kitten* to grass" schools of thought. I myself squat all the way down. This PT had her client barely even getting to parallel, telling her that she should not go any lower or she would hurt her knees. Is this true?
    (Oh, said PT, also had a very flat butt, which makes me distrust her on principle LOL)

    All of these things make me love this site even more, as I can ask questions of people who share the weight lifting passion.
  • LKArgh
    LKArgh Posts: 5,178 Member
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    Is saw a personal trainer in my gym the other day (the woman I am ranting about is not a PT, she is a cardiac rehab therapist). She was instructing her female client on how to do squats. I know there is some debate over proper form in the "parallel" or "*kitten* to grass" schools of thought. I myself squat all the way down. This PT had her client barely even getting to parallel, telling her that she should not go any lower or she would hurt her knees. Is this true?
    (Oh, said PT, also had a very flat butt, which makes me distrust her on principle LOL)

    All of these things make me love this site even more, as I can ask questions of people who share the weight lifting passion.

    You cannot know unless you know this woman's circumstances. It is common to ask a beginner or someone out of shape to not squat all the way down the first times, and it makes sense. I have actually hurt my knee in the past from squatting, so if this woman was trying to focus on form and get used to the exercise, it makes sense.
  • IamUndrCnstruction
    IamUndrCnstruction Posts: 691 Member
    Ahhh, I know, I just thought it was funny. The client looked to be in way better shape than I, however. Who knows, I was making light, not trying to offend. Though from the sessions I have seen of them, and I have seen a few, it is def. the high rep low weight variety.
  • Packerjohn
    Packerjohn Posts: 4,855 Member
    aggelikik wrote: »
    IamUndrCnstruction wrote: »
    Is saw a personal trainer in my gym the other day (the woman I am ranting about is not a PT, she is a cardiac rehab therapist). She was instructing her female client on how to do squats. I know there is some debate over proper form in the "parallel" or "*kitten* to grass" schools of thought. I myself squat all the way down. This PT had her client barely even getting to parallel, telling her that she should not go any lower or she would hurt her knees. Is this true?
    (Oh, said PT, also had a very flat butt, which makes me distrust her on principle LOL)

    All of these things make me love this site even more, as I can ask questions of people who share the weight lifting passion.

    You cannot know unless you know this woman's circumstances. It is common to ask a beginner or someone out of shape to not squat all the way down the first times, and it makes sense. I have actually hurt my knee in the past from squatting, so if this woman was trying to focus on form and get used to the exercise, it makes sense.

    I hope if the person was suppose to be working on form the trainer had them doing bodyweight squats. Squats with good form will not hurt health knees.

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