Not wanting to work out around bodybuilders?
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sunnybeaches105 wrote: »A friend of mine recently surprised me when she said, "Nothing de-motivates me more than having a bunch of big bodybuilders around while I'm exercising. I don't want to work out with those kind of people around."
This took me by surprise, perhaps because I can't really relate to that feeling. Does anyone else feel the same way about working out around these hardcore types? If so, why?
I can definitely relate!!
When I was a bodybuilder, I didn't mind at all. I was right in there with them. But then I got into cycling I haven't been into bodybuilding for years.
The last 3 gyms I've been a member of, I stuck to cardio because I very quickly grew wearing of being stared at, laughed at, yelled at, and shoved out of the way.
those guys weren't body builders they were jerks at the gym...probably not building much of anything other than a reputation...
I also think that people who feel stared at, laughed at etc are probably not being laughed at or stared at.
the yelling and pushing would result in expulsion from a university gym so why not address it....
Most of the time I would agree with you about the staring and laughing ... after all, that's what we tell new cyclists -- that no one sees them, no one notices them. But when a group of them are standing right there not even an arm's length away, looking right at you, and snickering, it's hard to convince yourself that you are not being laughed at or stared at. And when they start jostling and wrestling and pushing amongst themselves, and knocking into you until you are no longer standing in front of a mirror trying to do some curls ... well, again, it's hard to convince yourself that was all just coincidence. And when that happens 2 or 3 days in a row ...
Since there were so many of them, and just one of me ... and since I did want to continue to use the cardio in peace, I found it easier to just focus on cardio and not bother with the weights.
That gym was long ago and far away, and it's highly unlikely I'll ever have a need to use it again.
But that experience has diminished my desire to check out the gym at my current university. I have a look at the webpage and it does look more civilized, so one day I might.
The more recent two gyms I mentioned aren't as bad as that university gym ... they are actually pretty decent gyms (especially for the pool, cardio, and classes). However, in both cases, I suspect that if I had attended at a different time of day, or different days or something I might have had a completely different impression of the weight lifting area ... it could have just been a bit of bad timing.
Never let a *kitten* stand in the way of your own progress. You've let those guys live and thrive in your own head. They were there IRL for what? 30 minutes? Such a small sliver to still be affecting your fitness decisions. Remove them and go check out your current university gym.
Right now, the main things affecting my fitness decisions with regard to weight lifting are convenience and cost.
My husband and I have set up a home gym which is much more convenient, has cost significantly less than annual memberships for the two of us and, for the time being, meets my needs.
We actually didn't even think about the university gym (despite the fact that I've been going there for over a year now) until a couple weekends ago when we were debating what to do on a chilly, windy, drizzly day ... we decided to go for a bicycle ride which is where our main interest lies.
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Perhaps she is referring to the kind of people I sometimes get stuck in the gym with. It bothers me slightly, but drives my wife mad.
I hope I don't come over as stereotyping, but it's certainly not the bodybuilders, or the fitness buffs. I've been training with these people for over 25 years, and they're all incredible, each with their own story to tell.
I'm talking about the people only seem to be at the gym, so they can tell people that they were at the gym. They throw weights around, sometimes dangerously in my opinion, leave all the equipment they've used all over the place, never wipe down the machines, and don't really seem to know proper form.
Of course, some of this comes down to age and experience, and everyone has to right to train, but I just get the feeling that as soon as the finish they're final set, they're straight down to the pub and tucking into burgers!
Like I said, most of this behaviour doesn't really bother me, but it's definitely keeping some people out of the gym!2 -
I don't get intimidated by the "bodybuilders" and people who take their workouts seriously. What I do get intimidated by are the people (usually men) who grunt loudly, yell back and forth at each other, flex a lot, take gym selfies, and are generally obnoxious. I know I shouldn't let them get to me, but it's really, really distracting.1
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singingflutelady wrote: »I'm surprised they didn't get kicked out. My gym kicks people out for much lesser crimes
Agreed. The one real bodybuilder *kitten* hat I've ever run into was at a gym I belonged to a few years ago. He was a former pro but in his late 50s or 60s and he was just a real PIA. His MO was to load plates on a bench, walk off for 15 minutes and come back and yell at anyone who had cleared the station. Everyone largely ignored him until he crossed the line and yelled at a 70 something year old woman. He was thrown out permanently that day because every guy in the gym it seems said something. Commercial gyms are businesses and they make money by being inviting to their customers. If someone is a real jerk then say something to management. You not only help you but you help others by doing so. It's not the 5th grade school yard where you have to get into a physical altercation to solve the problem. No one wants that.0 -
RespectTheKitty wrote: »I don't get intimidated by the "bodybuilders" and people who take their workouts seriously. What I do get intimidated by are the people (usually men) who grunt loudly, yell back and forth at each other, flex a lot, take gym selfies, and are generally obnoxious. I know I shouldn't let them get to me, but it's really, really distracting.
What's funny is that it's the women at my gym who yell back an forth at each other over the noise of the machine they're using. Usually loud enough where my ear buds don't even drown them out.3 -
ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.0 -
I also don't want to work out in a gym with a bunch of body builders either, but it has absolutely nothing to do with them and everything to do with my own confidence and intimidation. I'd rather work out with the geriatric crowd of creepers on bikes at the Y than a bunch of men that look like they know what they're doing in the weight room. Maybe because they're more likely to ignore me. It's my issue, not theirs. I've personally never had a bad experience at the gym with anyone, rather the intimidation comes from not wanting to be noticed as the heavy person working out. Now that I've dropped 50ish lbs, I'm probably one of the more average sized people, but the head hasn't up with the changes in the body quite as well and old thoughts, having been so ingrained, are hard to change.
But I've been working on it for the last 6-7 months. I work out at a "bro gym" now (I've never even seen a cardio bunny there), but I always go when they're pretty empty. I chose a trainer that is a smaller, non intimidating kinda guy (which was a huge struggle in itself to even show up for the first month knowing that I was going to struggle in front of someone). We're working on building confidence through form and technique because the goal is to eventually "leave the nest." He forces me to push myself into that uncomfortable place in order to grow. Some of the things he says resonates outside of the gym as well and sharing that "win" with him makes us both feel good about what we're doing.
So that's how I read the OPs intentions - not that body builders are terrible people, rather that OP struggles with some of the same issues as I do.4 -
RespectTheKitty wrote: »I don't get intimidated by the "bodybuilders" and people who take their workouts seriously. What I do get intimidated by are the people (usually men) who grunt loudly, yell back and forth at each other, flex a lot, take gym selfies, and are generally obnoxious. I know I shouldn't let them get to me, but it's really, really distracting.
what's wrong with grunting, yelling and flexing?
and pictures?
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Do any of you own shares in planet fitness or its competitors?
Why so serious?
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I've belonged to a hardcore gym where lifting is the main course and Planet Fitness which has a completely different vibe. I've never felt uncomfortable at either place being a weights/cardio overweight woman. I guess it's all in how you view it.0
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I just don't like doing stuff in public in general. Too much anxiety for me. So I just stay home and work out alone. Much easier for me.1
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not only the most helpful but also the first ones to make a positive comment.singingflutelady wrote: »I don't know about bodybuilders but in my gym the powerlifters are the nicest people you can meet and are always very helpful
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ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.
Pompous jerks, as you've demonstrated.
I'm the pompous jerk yet you're the one stereotyping a group of people's mindset because they're planet fitness customers?
Yeah nice try, way to deflect.
Yet you see no issue with the stereotyping in Planet Fitness' marketing and commercials which deliberately portray people who are physically fit as being stupid and rude.
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do to protest the bad taste their commercials leave in your mouth lmao!
But I'm sure is heck not going to class folks that go there as having a lesser mindset.1 -
MalcolmX1983 wrote: »Do any of you own shares in planet fitness or its competitors?
Why so serious?
I found fault with his throwing shade at people who frequent planet fitness.
I have no interest in upholding the brand.
I don't think it's ok to stereotype bodybuilders nor planet fitness members.2 -
A friend of mine recently surprised me when she said, "Nothing de-motivates me more than having a bunch of big bodybuilders around while I'm exercising. I don't want to work out with those kind of people around."
This took me by surprise, perhaps because I can't really relate to that feeling. Does anyone else feel the same way about working out around these hardcore types? If so, why?
I hear there's a purple and yellow themed gym that your friend will LOVE!
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IMO, these types of feelings are nased on personal insecurities, not reality.
As a woman, I have found that if anything, the 'more buff' males and /or body builders will go out of their way to help people in the weight room.... - regardless of fitness level.
I once asked a guy to help me adjust a bench (the knob was jammed or stuck somehow) when I couldnt get it. He had trouble as well and pretty soon there was 5 guys who all stopped what they were doing (without being asked), to help him.3 -
that seems crazy. The body builders are awesome! PLUS, they'll spot if you need one, or give advice if you ask. We are all a big family at the gym. Esp. the regulars.2
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ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.
Pompous jerks, as you've demonstrated.
I'm the pompous jerk yet you're the one stereotyping a group of people's mindset because they're planet fitness customers?
Yeah nice try, way to deflect.
Yet you see no issue with the stereotyping in Planet Fitness' marketing and commercials which deliberately portray people who are physically fit as being stupid and rude.
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do to protest the bad taste their commercials leave in your mouth lmao!
But I'm sure is heck not going to class folks that go there as having a lesser mindset.
The problem is people who frequently buy into Planet Fitness marketing often feel victimized by others at other gyms (as planet fitness likes to perpetrate). It's frequent they feel superior because they don't judge other people.
When the reality is that gym is the judgiest most hypocritical gym ever.
If you buy into why that gym exists- you are supporting that mind set.
Being said_ i think PF is a great 1st time gym. Or a perfect 2nd gym - open all hours- less people- great for a quick workout at 2 AM. So it's one of those- you're mileage may vary- but anyone who goes there thinking that the gym is some how void of judgement or is a superior center b/c it doesn't have "meat heads" is contributing to the problem.5 -
A friend of mine recently surprised me when she said, "Nothing de-motivates me more than having a bunch of big bodybuilders around while I'm exercising. I don't want to work out with those kind of people around."
This took me by surprise, perhaps because I can't really relate to that feeling. Does anyone else feel the same way about working out around these hardcore types? If so, why?
I can definitely relate!!
When I was a bodybuilder, I didn't mind at all. I was right in there with them. But then I got into cycling I haven't been into bodybuilding for years.
The last 3 gyms I've been a member of, I stuck to cardio because I very quickly grew wearing of being stared at, laughed at, yelled at, and shoved out of the way.
those guys weren't body builders they were jerks at the gym...probably not building much of anything other than a reputation...
I also think that people who feel stared at, laughed at etc are probably not being laughed at or stared at.
the yelling and pushing would result in expulsion from a university gym so why not address it....
Most of the time I would agree with you about the staring and laughing ... after all, that's what we tell new cyclists -- that no one sees them, no one notices them. But when a group of them are standing right there not even an arm's length away, looking right at you, and snickering, it's hard to convince yourself that you are not being laughed at or stared at. And when they start jostling and wrestling and pushing amongst themselves, and knocking into you until you are no longer standing in front of a mirror trying to do some curls ... well, again, it's hard to convince yourself that was all just coincidence. And when that happens 2 or 3 days in a row ...
Since there were so many of them, and just one of me ... and since I did want to continue to use the cardio in peace, I found it easier to just focus on cardio and not bother with the weights.
That gym was long ago and far away, and it's highly unlikely I'll ever have a need to use it again.
But that experience has diminished my desire to check out the gym at my current university. I have a look at the webpage and it does look more civilized, so one day I might.
The more recent two gyms I mentioned aren't as bad as that university gym ... they are actually pretty decent gyms (especially for the pool, cardio, and classes). However, in both cases, I suspect that if I had attended at a different time of day, or different days or something I might have had a completely different impression of the weight lifting area ... it could have just been a bit of bad timing.
It sounds like a pretty negative experience!
Maybe it has to do with me being a mom of teenage boys, or that I've worked in education, or just that at 5'0" I've learned how to stand tall, but I would tell them, in my serious mom/teacher voice, to chill. And then give them the look. Seriously, most 20-somethings wilt under that, even when in a group. But, if you don't feel comfortable doing that, I can understand, too.
FWIW, I worked out at my university gym, as well, and never had real issues. Yeah, there are some boys doing the adolescent male thing, but never in the way. It probably helps that the staff shows little tolerance for goofing around like that.1 -
For what it's worth, as a bodybuilder, I couldn't care less who is working around me. People in the gym are only obstructions. I don't judge them because I don't care. I wait for my equipment, do my reps, and go home.
Maybe that'll help?
I believe that may be the first instance I've ever witnessed of someone on the internet using the phrase correctly.
You have restored my faith in humanity, @LaMartian.13 -
Also wanted to add, when I'm looking for a spot, I ask one of the guys who is doing the heavy lifting, even if it involves some grunting (sometimes that can't be helped). Of course, I wait until they're between sets, but every time, the guy I asked has been happy to help and encouraging me for that one last rep. In my experience, lifters are some really nice people.2
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I have been at gyms inhabited by 'roid rats. Some of those guys can be rude and intimidating.
I work out at a gym on a military base, and I don't see those kind of guys. Everybody in the weight room is respectful and helpful. I'm in my comfort zone there.0 -
ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.
Pompous jerks, as you've demonstrated.
I'm the pompous jerk yet you're the one stereotyping a group of people's mindset because they're planet fitness customers?
Yeah nice try, way to deflect.
Yet you see no issue with the stereotyping in Planet Fitness' marketing and commercials which deliberately portray people who are physically fit as being stupid and rude.
I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do to protest the bad taste their commercials leave in your mouth lmao!
But I'm sure is heck not going to class folks that go there as having a lesser mindset.
The problem is people who frequently buy into Planet Fitness marketing often feel victimized by others at other gyms (as planet fitness likes to perpetrate). It's frequent they feel superior because they don't judge other people.
When the reality is that gym is the judgiest most hypocritical gym ever.
If you buy into why that gym exists- you are supporting that mind set.
Being said_ i think PF is a great 1st time gym. Or a perfect 2nd gym - open all hours- less people- great for a quick workout at 2 AM. So it's one of those- you're mileage may vary- but anyone who goes there thinking that the gym is some how void of judgement or is a superior center b/c it doesn't have "meat heads" is contributing to the problem.
Well the people I know don't really care what planet fitness uses as propaganda to elicit more members.
They are there to workout. In a perfect world everyone would look behind the ethics or politics of everything we purchase.
However we don't all do that.
So I'm not going to say all planet fitness members buy into their agenda. The ones I know are there because it's affordable and accessible.2 -
A friend of mine recently surprised me when she said, "Nothing de-motivates me more than having a bunch of big bodybuilders around while I'm exercising. I don't want to work out with those kind of people around."
This took me by surprise, perhaps because I can't really relate to that feeling. Does anyone else feel the same way about working out around these hardcore types? If so, why?
My gosh no. The gym is almost my second home, well, next to work.0 -
But you're male, right?
When a relatively small middle-aged female walks into the midst of a group of 18 year old guys who are swearing loudly back and forth to each other, hogging all the equipment, wrestling each other in between the equipment etc. ... she's not going to be treated very nicely when she tries to take a turn at a weight bench or something ...
I've been a member of a lot of different gyms in two countries over the past 27 years, and most have been all right. But it probably didn't help that first one of the most recent 3 gyms was a university gym ...
I would have to strongly disagree with this. I've encountered nothing but politeness from these dudes at the gym. And I've been a regular for over 30 years.1 -
ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.
Planet Fitness markets to and attracts customers who are intimidated by other gyms. So based on PF's own marketing strategy, the mindset of their typical customers is one of being so easily intimidated that they talk themselves out of joining a gym based on the imagined possibility of maybe someday in the future someone doing something that might be interpreted as intimidating. These are people who go around imagining that everyone else is constantly "judging" them.
I pay $120/year at my gym btw.0 -
A few months ago I joined a wellness center that is also the secondary gym for college students. I have been lifting for about 2.5 years in a private gym setting, and I was a bit intimidated at first because of all the people, not to mention the "regulars". Many of which are college age and in amazing shape with a "bodybuilder" physique.
Usually everyone wears headphones because they don't play music in the gym, so if you talk to anyone there's a lot of "what? hold on. pauses music." Sometimes all the guys will stand in a little circle and talk, if I'm say squatting right there, I'll occasionally pause my music to listen in and see if they're making fun of me or something.
(Keep in mind I am a 5 ft tall, overweight, 22 year old female, who's face gets red and sweaty from literally anything that I do. I wear cut off shirts and leggings and based on high school gym class, I might get laughed at. So sometimes I screen the conversation..)
No one has ever said anything negative about another person at all. They usually talk about how many egg whites they're going to drink or what workout they're doing tomorrow. One guy moved a bench for me, one let me have the squat rack first when they were all full. One day I was squatting and someone mindlessly stood right in front of me and leaned over so his butt was a right in my line of sight, and someone politely told him to move out of my way. I have never asked anyone to spot me, but I'm sure they would do that too.
While it does still make me a little self conscious to work out side by side with these guys, I also enjoy it. It makes me happy to see other people that are going to the gym regularly like me, who care about lifting and not just there for social hour.6 -
Bodybuilders don't get jacked by giving a crap what other people are doing in their workouts.10
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ArmyofAdrian wrote: »ummijaaz560 wrote: »ArmyofAdrian wrote: »sunnybeaches105 wrote: »Planet Fitness created an entire business around those people. Nothing like viewing other's success as your own failure and resenting them for your own internal monologue.
I've always wondered if Planet Fitness revokes your membership if you get in shape? Although, given the mindset of their customers, it's probably never come up.
What exactly is the mindset of planet fitness customers? Care to elaborate? Prey tell oh wise one.
Everyone can't afford a 500.00 a year gym, and I highly doubt that dictates ones mindset.
Planet Fitness markets to and attracts customers who are intimidated by other gyms. So based on PF's own marketing strategy, the mindset of their typical customers is one of being so easily intimidated that they talk themselves out if joining a gym based on the imagined possibility of maybe someday in the future someone doing something that might be interpreted as intimidating. These are people who go around imagining that everyone else is constantly "judging" them.
I pay $120/year at my gym btw.
I don't know any of my family or friends who walks around thinking about people in gyms judgment of them. They go to workout.
Two of my 17 year old younger cousins working part time weekend jobs go because they can afford it.
My husband goes because we have two young children and it would take him 90 minutes traveling to and from the nearest big box gym. Not including getting his workout in.
Never once have I overheard them extolling the virtue of planet fitness' platform, avowing to be life long members. Because they "love what planet fitness stands for"?
Whole Foods sells meat, guess who some of their biggest customers are.1
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