Bad advice in dealing with New Year's resolutioners
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sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?9 -
callsitlikeiseeit wrote: »We dont get new people at my gym (super small town). but lots of old yappy people who do far more talking than anything resembling a workout.
they have learned, I will chat for about the first 20 minutes. then, headphones on and let me do my thing.
works for all of us. well, its all the chatting they are getting from me, so i dont know if it works for THEM or not, but I also dont care. They are used to it, I'll leave it at that
lolol
20 minutes? Wow you are generous.
it was a year of a battle of trying NOT to talk. broke down. i will give them that, a warm up period more or less, then im done with the talking LOL2 -
This is a truthful, but sad commentary on our social state.
We have lost our ability and desire to communicate and socialize.
I see people communicating and socializing constantly, everywhere from work to church to stores to parks and so on and so forth. Not wanting to socialize during one part of your day doesn't mean you are incommunicative and antisocial.
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sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
This is pretty much why I don't go in the weight room without my trainer.5 -
Time of day plays a big part in avoiding the new year's crowd. I agree, stay in your lane...help someone out if he/she asks or endangers him/herself. Not a whole lot of N00Bs committed to going to the gym @ 1-3am (24 hour gym), but I find it rather refreshing to see a few new faces in the gym (motivating to someone who has been lifting ~20 years). If someone asks you about an exercise, just simply explain why you do so/rationale; takes like 5 seconds2
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This reminds me of the condo building I live in. Some residents are always complaining..and usually about things inherent to lateral living. Noise, neighbors, blah blah. I always think.."why not move out and buy a house where you have all the privacy you want and you run the show?"
Same with the gym.. a home gym is a great solution for someone who actually thinks they own the communal gym each person pays to belong. No matter if they're a January perennial or not.. they have the same rights you do.11 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.5 -
I wonder if people aren't setting themselves up for failure by joining the gym at this time. They probably get discouraged with the crowds & long wait times just like everyone else does. Even some long-time users avoid the gym for a while at this time. Too bad they can't make their resolution in April.
IMO, they most likely are and not because of crowded gyms. Why wait until a certain day of the year to "resolve" to exercise or anything else to improve yourself?
People need a strong "why" to change exercise and diet habits, the "why" doesn't magically appear on January 1st. This unfortunately is why the vast majority of New Year's resolutions fail.8 -
jseams1234 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.
And that's the thing. IMO a courteous gym member uses the equipment to it's highest purpose. You don't need a power rack to to curls or deadlifts so don't use it (you just need floorspace). Now if there is only one bar available to do deadlifts and its in the squat rack IMO fair game.2 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »I wonder if people aren't setting themselves up for failure by joining the gym at this time. They probably get discouraged with the crowds & long wait times just like everyone else does. Even some long-time users avoid the gym for a while at this time. Too bad they can't make their resolution in April.
IMO, they most likely are and not because of crowded gyms. Why wait until a certain day of the year to "resolve" to exercise or anything else to improve yourself?
People need a strong "why" to change exercise and diet habits, the "why" doesn't magically appear on January 1st. This unfortunately is why the vast majority of New Year's resolutions fail.
Bingo. New Year resolutions are stupid.
But my own take on the gym - I went for 4 years and just stopped because I ended up spending most of my time on the treadmill, and it was just cheaper and more convenient to just buy one and exercise at home (I have dumbbells too, but let's be honest... I just hate lifting).
I never saw more crowds in January. And from the moment I started to the moment I stopped, I just didn't want anyone to talk to me. I don't like crowds, I HATED having to wait for a machine, and it really bothered me when I was trying to watch a show or listen to my music and people were talking next to me. The gym isn't a social club, and if you want to do something with other people, join a class.
Anyway, I see absolutely no reason why anyone would get a different treatment... newbie or not. I see no point in making a thread like this, I don't think that any newbie would appreciate being put on a spot... I certainly wouldn't have.This is a truthful, but sad commentary on our social state.
We have lost our ability and desire to communicate and socialize.
I know a lot of people who do just fine. I hate small talk and I'd rather be left alone. Either way, the gym is not a social club.5 -
jseams1234 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.
thank you for explaining this. I hope someone reads it and finds empty floor space to get their deadlifts in. these ppl are def not rack pulling
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Theoldguy1 wrote: »jseams1234 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.
And that's the thing. IMO a courteous gym member uses the equipment to it's highest purpose. You don't need a power rack to to curls or deadlifts so don't use it (you just need floorspace). Now if there is only one bar available to do deadlifts and its in the squat rack IMO fair game.
Exactly.
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sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
This is pretty much why I don't go in the weight room without my trainer.
what reason?
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This whole thread is a trainwreck. Well intentioned, but... *sigh*
People are people. Assuming anything beyond that is asking for trouble.
Gyms are different... there are different rules, expectations, and vibes from one gym to the next. Making blanket statements on an internet forums, at best, walks the line between well-meaning and arrogant/condescending.
IMO, the only "right" advice to give is to be considerate of other people in the gym. Your process/workout/goals/experience/whatever aren't any better or worse or noteworthy than anyone else's.
/soapbox13 -
Gyms may be different, but certain rules are universal. Offering unsolicited help in the gym is almost invariably a bad idea. So is deliberately trying to make friends with a newcomer.
And it's an especially bad idea to expect gym goers to slow down their routine just to engage newbies in chit chat and make them feel welcome. The vast majority of people here clearly understand that, so no, this isn't the "trainwreck" that jjpptt2 claims it is.
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I agree that we shouldn't give newbies different treatment. As for your second point... for the past couple of years, I keep seeing people (not necessarily here) state that we should befriend the resolutioners, offer to help them out, etc, etc. Clearly a substantial number of people think that's a good idea, but thankfully, the respondents here understand that it isn't.Anyway, I see absolutely no reason why anyone would get a different treatment... newbie or not. I see no point in making a thread like this, I don't think that any newbie would appreciate being put on a spot... I certainly wouldn't have.
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jseams1234 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.
Hmm. I've only ever seen deadlifts done in the rack. Maybe just my gym, but that's where I do mine. Squat, OHP the deadlift. And I'm not the only one.
Unless power rack means something different that my gym doesn't have.
ETA. It's also the only place to bench in my gym. No dedicated bench press equipment.1 -
Tacklewasher wrote: »jseams1234 wrote: »Tacklewasher wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
What's the issue with the bolded?
A power rack isn’t typically the place for deads... rack pulls maybe but it’s usually considered bad etiquette - like curling in the squat rack. However, I don’t know if her gym has dedicated spots for DL’s.
Hmm. I've only ever seen deadlifts done in the rack. Maybe just my gym, but that's where I do mine. Squat, OHP the deadlift. And I'm not the only one.
Unless power rack means something different that my gym doesn't have.
In my gym, it's actually against the rules to do barbell work outside of a cage/rack or off the oly platform.2 -
I agree that we shouldn't give newbies different treatment. As for your second point... for the past couple of years, I keep seeing people (not necessarily here) state that we should befriend the resolutioners, offer to help them out, etc, etc. Clearly a substantial number of people think that's a good idea, but thankfully, the respondents here understand that it isn't.Anyway, I see absolutely no reason why anyone would get a different treatment... newbie or not. I see no point in making a thread like this, I don't think that any newbie would appreciate being put on a spot... I certainly wouldn't have.
But there is also a group of people who think it's a good idea. So... only people who agree it's not are right???
Just for context, I agree with you. But I'm willing to admit that there are others who might think/feel differently... that for some, going to the gym can be a social event and that some newbies might appreciate an olive branch being offered or someone more experienced taking them under their wing and helping them get started.
Which is why I go back to the idea that assuming anything about anyone is asking for trouble... even assuming they are a newbie or a New Year's Resolutioner.3 -
sarahlifts wrote: »sarahlifts wrote: »I don't talk to gym ppl. I deal with this inconvenience each year with and internal rage. Someone curls in the squat rack or uses equipment I need and I am on a 1 hour schedule. I don't wish to speak with anyone at my gym 365 days a year. I am not going to instruct any one or correct bad behavior, I am going to mind my business, drink my water and wait them out. I'm going to run my back up routines while they deadlift 135 in the power rack. I will rage on the inside but I know this too shall pass and soon I'll never see them again and I can go back to my regularly scheduled program.
but internally I am raging.
This is pretty much why I don't go in the weight room without my trainer.
what reason?
Your rant (and others I've seen) about people getting in your way and using equipment you need makes me feel like I'm taking up valuable space in the weight room and interfering with the people who lift heavy enough to belong there.
edited to fix quotes15
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