Should I Say Something?

[snubbyfan]

I don't want to be "that guy."
My wife and I go to the YMCA twice a week for spin class and a full body workout.
I'm no expert but I like to get the most out of my workouts and I've done lotsa research before starting and I've even taken courses on the fundementals of physical activity.
All the time I see people that'll load up a machine with some weight and grunt out a set of quarter reps and hurry to the next exercise.
A lot of people seem to be in a hurry to get it over with. Some people seem to go there mainly to socialize.
At this time of year, there are a lot of newbies working on their New Years resolutions. I've had people ask me for help and I've helped some people that seem confused but interested in using an exercise machine or doing a certain exercise.
I just don't want to be "that guy" that goes around acting like a trainer and I'm reluctant to offer unsolicited help.
I'll always accept help but some people don't. I saw one fellow that was one of those quater rep and hurry guys getting some friendly advice on proper form from another gym goer. He hurried through his workout, left and I haven't seen him back since.
The way I figure it, something's better than nothing even if it's not optimum.

[PPS1980]

I look at it like the range. If its unsafe I'll step up unsolicited. If its not but I'm asked I'm happy to help. Otherwise I mind my own business.

[woodsltc]

Originally Posted by PPS1980

I look at it like the range. If its unsafe I'll step up unsolicited. If its not but I'm asked I'm happy to help. Otherwise I mind my own business.

Snubby....seems to me that PPS1980 nailed it for you.

Don

[Clarke Hammer]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

Snubby....seems to me that PPS1980 nailed it for you.

Don

Yep! If they're doing something that will get themselves or someone else hurt, then say something. If they're not hurting anything, but perhaps just not using the best technique, then I wouldn't provide assistance unless asked.

[rwsmith]

You can rush it, not paying attention to fundamentals, technique and details and you'll hit a plateau and progress will be very hard coming.

Just be glad that you are taking time to find out how physical activity works. You will get way more out of it.

For some reason Americans think they are gun and shooting experts because they've seen it all their lives on movies and TV. We've all seen and done some working out but if you think you are an automatic expert it's going to be very hard to learn anything.

What other's have said, be helpful. If somebody is already an expert they don't want or need your help.

[e3mrk]

I only offer advice if asked otherwise I mind my own business unless I see someone doing something that can injure them.

[soFlaNative]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

I don't want to be "that guy."
My

Don't know about "that" but you'll always be "the".

[raljr1]

Snubby, this article might offer some guidance.

Gym Etiquette 101 | The Art of Manliness



Robert

[Inusuit]

I see the same issues at my YMCA. I am very reluctant to offer unsolicited advice. What's the line about doing something could "injure" them? Poor form, lifting too heavy, "cheating," etc. can all cause injury. I note that even the personal trainers do not offer critiques to random people unless specifically asked. They are quite knowledgable, much more than I am. If they don't get involved, then I figure it's none of my business either. I do step in when unaccompanied children show up in the weight or machine rooms and "play" on the equipment. There's an age restriction in both places.

[vigil617]

I solve this problem the easy way.

I stay out of gyms at all cost.

[pharman]

I would NOT say anything...you have to realize that different people are at the gym for various reasons...I was sent there to do CARDIAC ONLY...I have a set routine from my cardiologist...I am NOT trying to be Mr. Body Builder...I am NOT trying to impress anyone...I have received comments from some of the "regulars" that I am not doing the exercises as strenuous as they are! You know what...I really don't give a you know what about them! There are about 3 people there that seem to be there everyday for hours on end...I asked them one day after receiving the snide comments about my performance if this is all they do? Do you have any other interests in life other than this? They did not say anything back to me. So I guess the bottom line in my opinion is to mind my own business and go for the reasons I am there and hope that the other "experts" will keep their thoughts to themselves...

[sigp220.45]

I have never regretted minding my own business.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by woodsltc

Snubby....seems to me that PPS1980 nailed it for you.

Don

Yup, works for me.

[LostintheOzone]

I go to the gym 2-3 times a week. Being retired it gets me out of the house and I feel better when I exercise. I see all levels of physical activity at the gym. Younger people with time constraints typically rush thru a workout. Older people tend to stay longer and enjoy it. You are correct about the social aspect. Lots of classes at the YMCA are geared for older people who don't get the social contact we all need. My wife does yoga there and sometimes visits 10 or 15 minutes after a class. I'm not there to socialize but I can tell it's a place where people are looking for social connections. All good.

I always help anyone who asks for help if I can. Even those older women who didn't listen during the orientation.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by pharman

I would NOT say anything...you have to realize that different people are at the gym for various reasons...I was sent there to do CARDIAC ONLY...I have a set routine from my cardiologist...I am NOT trying to be Mr. Body Builder...I am NOT trying to impress anyone...I have received comments from some of the "regulars" that I am not doing the exercises as strenuous as they are! You know what...I really don't give a you know what about them! There are about 3 people there that seem to be there everyday for hours on end...I asked them one day after receiving the snide comments about my performance if this is all they do? Do you have any other interests in life other than this? They did not say anything back to me. So I guess the bottom line in my opinion is to mind my own business and go for the reasons I am there and hope that the other "experts" will keep their thoughts to themselves...

That's how I feel, people are there for different reasons.
I go for physical therapy. Resistance training was recommended by my neurologist as a treatment for my peripheral motor nerve condition. I do push myself by not to the point of injury so proper form and resistance is important. Plus if I keep my weight down, it's easier for me to get around. About 7 or 8 years ago I almost landed in an electric wheelchair.

[Usmc5811]

My kids swim at the Y but I always felt like I was in a giant hamster wheel....no offense... just not much for gyms. And my dog doesn’t ask for instructions either, she only wants to know when we are gonna go for a walk. Everyone needs to find their own workout regimen. Keep working out Wayne you never know when I’m gonna show up on your porch ready for a hike through God’s country!!!

[Old TexMex]

I’ve never been in a gym since I was a kid, but here’s an axiom: If you ask for my help, I have to help you. If you don’t ask for my help, I can’t help you.

[rwsmith]

Originally Posted by pharman

I would NOT say anything...you have to realize that different people are at the gym for various reasons...I was sent there to do CARDIAC ONLY...I have a set routine from my cardiologist...I am NOT trying to be Mr. Body Builder...I am NOT trying to impress anyone...I have received comments from some of the "regulars" that I am not doing the exercises as strenuous as they are! You know what...I really don't give a you know what about them! There are about 3 people there that seem to be there everyday for hours on end...I asked them one day after receiving the snide comments about my performance if this is all they do? Do you have any other interests in life other than this? They did not say anything back to me. So I guess the bottom line in my opinion is to mind my own business and go for the reasons I am there and hope that the other "experts" will keep their thoughts to themselves...

The main thing is that you ARE exercising.

He's exercising yeah, yeah, yeah.
He's exercising yeah, yeah, yeah.
And if you exercise....
You know that can't be bad.

I joined the rolls of cardiac rehab several month's ago. I've been in too lousy shape for a long time. The workouts are a little tough, but not too tough. The mainest thing is just doing it.

[rwsmith]

Most machines are direct and designed to give specific action. Free weight lifting CAN be dangerous if done incorrectly.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by Usmc5811

My kids swim at the Y but I always felt like I was in a giant hamster wheel....no offense... just not much for gyms. And my dog doesn’t ask for instructions either, she only wants to know when we are gonna go for a walk. Everyone needs to find their own workout regimen. Keep working out Wayne you never know when I’m gonna show up on your porch ready for a hike through God’s country!!!

Sure, let me know and we'll get some bison ready for the grill afterwards.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by rwsmith

Most machines are direct and designed to give specific action. Free weight lifting CAN be dangerous if done incorrectly.

You can hurt yourself with a machine too if it's not adjusted or used properly.
I'll only use free weights for curls. Dumbbells, straight bar, close grip, wide grip and cambered bar.
I don't like using free weights for any exercise that puts the weights somewhere that I could drop them on myself. Bench press, overhead press, dumbbell presses and stuff like that. I don't trust my gimpy hands for stuff like that.

[snubbyfan]

There is a 90 year old woman that I call "The Queen of the Gym." She's a regular at the Y and gets a good workout. Her movements are a bit slow and sometimes she'll sit at a machine while talking to people but as far as I'm concerned, at 90 years of age, she can take all the time she likes.
She's also the most outspoken when she sees somebody not using proper form.
When I see her, I always make sure to use proper form 'cause I know that if I don't, she'll get all over me about it.
She caught my wife not getting full extension on the upright row machine and told her all about it.
She's amazing, walks a bit bent over with a cane but she's as sharp as a tack.
Truly an inspiration.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

There is a 90 year old woman that I call "The Queen of the Gym."
She's also the most outspoken when she sees somebody not using proper form.

Longevity has given her the right. I doubt anyone minds at all. Yes, as you said, inspirational.

[rwsmith]

Originally Posted by Usmc5811

My kids swim at the Y but I always felt like I was in a giant hamster wheel....no offense... just not much for gyms. And my dog doesn’t ask for instructions either, she only wants to know when we are gonna go for a walk. Everyone needs to find their own workout regimen. Keep working out Wayne you never know when I’m gonna show up on your porch ready for a hike through God’s country!!!

They should make exercise machines all based on generators....and put the power back in the grid. That's even a good motivator.

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by rwsmith

They should make exercise machines all based on generators....and put the power back in the grid. That's even a good motivator.

Hmm...
My wife uses a home treadmill and I use a stationary bike. If there was a way to connect the stationary bike to power the treadmill, it'd be free energy.
We got both the treadmill and stationary bike free so why not?

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by snubbyfan

There is a 90 year old woman that I call "The Queen of the Gym." She's a regular at the Y and gets a good workout. Her movements are a bit slow and sometimes she'll sit at a machine while talking to people but as far as I'm concerned, at 90 years of age, she can take all the time she likes.
She's also the most outspoken when she sees somebody not using proper form.
When I see her, I always make sure to use proper form 'cause I know that if I don't, she'll get all over me about it.
She caught my wife not getting full extension on the upright row machine and told her all about it.
She's amazing, walks a bit bent over with a cane but she's as sharp as a tack.
Truly an inspiration.

As it's said around here:

"Antiguidade e um posto"

"Seniority is a rank"

[WR Moore]

I've only seen generator bikes at utility company information centers. The amount of work you need to do (wonder if it's skewed?) to run a TV would do credit to pro bikers.

About free weights...maybe 35 years ago I got into a discussion with a gent who advised me that free weights over 40 is a bad idea. His explanation was that if you need extra effort to control the weight, older folks tend toward injury rather than just a sore muscle. Now I expect he's talking about serious weight, but that can be relative. When I stepped up my routine after retirement, I quickly realized just how relative that could be. No injuries, just a realization that I wasn't as manly as I'd thought.

BTW, after he left the staff at that store told me he was the Steeler strength coach at the time.

[American1776]

I've been an avid lifter since high school (I'm now 35). In my basement I have: An Olympic Bench, Olympic bar, 400 lbs. of olympic plates, a Trap Bar, and dumbells up to 45. I also have a treadmill.

I can workout whenever I want, in my underwear, without having to: 1) wait for equipment 2) watch dangerous gym members about to hurt themselves 3) wonder if I'm going to get a staph infection from the bench or bar.

If you think you'll exercise for life, it's a great investment to build your own home gym.

[Kurusu]

@ Snubby.

Wayne you can always follow David Crockett's advice.

"Be always sure you're right then go ahead"

[snubbyfan]

Originally Posted by American1776

I've been an avid lifter since high school (I'm now 35). In my basement I have: An Olympic Bench, Olympic bar, 400 lbs. of olympic plates, a Trap Bar, and dumbells up to 45. I also have a treadmill.

I can workout whenever I want, in my underwear, without having to: 1) wait for equipment 2) watch dangerous gym members about to hurt themselves 3) wonder if I'm going to get a staph infection from the bench or bar.

If you think you'll exercise for life, it's a great investment to build your own home gym.

I've been thinking more along the lines of one of those universal type gyms.
We'd havta figure out some way to make room in our basement. We already have a pool table, Jacuzzi, sound system and I've been putting a personal cigar lounge area together.