Correcting someone in the gym?
Discussion
I have thought about this many times before but never really aske the question on gym etiquete. I was in the gym this morning and watched this guy doing some fairly heavy weights with terrible form, I really thought he was going to hurt himself.
I'm certainly no expert when it comes to weight training but I did have a very good personal trainer for about a year who really instilled good form and the understanding of muscle groups into my workouts.
Should I have gone over and tried to give this guy advice or would I just look like a d**k/busybody/gheyer?
What would you do?
I'm certainly no expert when it comes to weight training but I did have a very good personal trainer for about a year who really instilled good form and the understanding of muscle groups into my workouts.
Should I have gone over and tried to give this guy advice or would I just look like a d**k/busybody/gheyer?
What would you do?
M400 NBL said:
Some people have been told many times use light weights but have better form. But they won't ever change. Thye like lifting as much as they can.
That.There really is no telling some people, but, if you have an incling(sp?) that maybe he has just started out and is learning the ropes it would be better to tell him.
I don't want to turn you into 'the-guy-at-the-gym-who-everyone-thinks-might-be-ghey-and-only-there to-pick-up-other-men' but maybe strike up a converstaion to find out how long he's been training and then think about corecting his form is he seems clueless rather than arrogant.
GMJ said:
People don't like to be told that they're doing something wrong. Especially, a guy lifting heavy weights.
If you really are concerned about their well being talk to a PT or gym instructor and hopefully they'll have a word with him.
I think that's the best you can do.
If you really are concerned about their well being talk to a PT or gym instructor and hopefully they'll have a word with him.
I think that's the best you can do.
Precisely what I would do. There are a lot of arrogant people out there who like to tell other people what to do purely to feel better about themselves, and the OP would probably just be mistaken for one of those. Besides, would you take the advice of a random bloke in the gym? I know I wouldn't - I'd want to listen to a proper gym instructor.
Some people get obsessed with chasing numbers and their form goes out the window. Favourites such as the 3 inch bench press, ten pin bowling bicept curls etc. I regularly see some shocking behavior at the gym which the instructors just ignore at my gym. Only seem interested if you pay for a personal session and even some of those sessions look dubious.
Probably best to let an instructor know, you have done your bit then whether they act upon it or not.
Probably best to let an instructor know, you have done your bit then whether they act upon it or not.
When I was having personal training sessions at the gym, my instructor and I would occasionally see people who looked like they were about to put their backs out from awful posture or attempting too much weight.
If the PT couldn't be bothered and they work there (under commission or whatever) then it's hardly my place to do so.
If the PT couldn't be bothered and they work there (under commission or whatever) then it's hardly my place to do so.
Some PTs will try to help. Some won't.
Don't forget the PTs or GIs will already know what that person is like anyway because they probably see him every day.
They might have already tried to help.
Also, some of these big guys are difficult to approach. Especially as what they're doing seems to be work. He is a big guy after all.
Don't forget the PTs or GIs will already know what that person is like anyway because they probably see him every day.
They might have already tried to help.
Also, some of these big guys are difficult to approach. Especially as what they're doing seems to be work. He is a big guy after all.
I do mention it, and after i've finished a class if a few are showing bad form on certain exercises then i'll bring it up.
Good example was last night taking rugby training so many lads banging out chin ups and not fully extending their arms, sexplained at the end that form and training discpline is so important for full development in strength throughout the range of motion in the joints.
Good example was last night taking rugby training so many lads banging out chin ups and not fully extending their arms, sexplained at the end that form and training discpline is so important for full development in strength throughout the range of motion in the joints.
The guy I refer to in the original post probably got off the sofa for the first time in 6 months to actually make it to the gym, he wasn't the most athletic looking guy! As he seemed pretty new to working out the thought crossed my mind to help him.
If it was some hugely muscled guy I wouldn't even consider commenting as by the look of them they probably know better than me.
I'm surprised no one has suggested I wait until we're in the changing rooms and give him a friendly whip on the ass with a wet towel and then introduce myself.......
If it was some hugely muscled guy I wouldn't even consider commenting as by the look of them they probably know better than me.
I'm surprised no one has suggested I wait until we're in the changing rooms and give him a friendly whip on the ass with a wet towel and then introduce myself.......
I think you've got the right approach... I've been pulled up on my form by people occasionally and had things pointed out to me, and (even though I don't like being told what to do!) have appreciated the advice from them... However, I used to live with a meathead idiot who just wanted to lift the heaviest thing he could, no warm up, no lower body excercises, nothing... He would have just assumed that anyone trying to help was out to 'bum' him!! 
Big E 118 said:
The guy I refer to in the original post probably got off the sofa for the first time in 6 months to actually make it to the gym, he wasn't the most athletic looking guy! As he seemed pretty new to working out the thought crossed my mind to help him.
In that case the gym is at fault. I'm a firm believer in gym inductions, and trainers being present to give tips. Free weights especially can cause injuries if not used correctly.
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