I think that you guys, are the main reason why a lot of people who aren't in the greatest shape (as you must be) are hesitant to start going to public gym. Have you ever considered assisting someone who you think may be struggle or uncertain? Give it some consideration....for we all can't be physical trainers now can we?????

Rough crowd.

Uhh... sorry. I don't think anyone here meant offense. I for one am not a PT, in fact I only started going to the gym (for the first time ever) November 1, so needless to say I am not in perfect shape. My form has been corrected by gym employees on 2 occasions. Let me tell ya, if they weren't PT's I would have kicked their asses for talking to me, lol!

But seriously, this thread is a lighthearted one. No one was trying to offend you or poke fun at you. And I must say that I disagree with your suggestion of assisting a struggling exerciser. There are too many people who really would take offense, and besides, that's a trainer's job.

I don't agree. If you know categorically that someone is doing a maneuver incorrectly, it is your duty to mention something to them. Try doing it in a nice way like this:

"Hi, I saw you doing curls and I must say you appear pretty strong and experienced. And, Judging by your physique, you have been at this for a while. I just wanted to mention that I noticed you were swinging your body and throwing the weight up instead of doing a smooth careful motion. While this may allow you to curl more weight, I have read that it is bad on your lower back and can contribute to elbow and shoulder injuries among other things."

The most the person can do is think you are whacked and not listen. But, they may listen and you may have just helped them to avoid potential future problems. Not to mention, you may have just introduced yourself to a future friend and/or training partner.

Most folks will respect someone who mentions that their information comes from something they read or otherwise. In some cases, they even know they re doing it wrong and may come back with something like this, "Yeah... You're right. I know it's wrong, but I feel like I need to do something to blast past this plateau. Do you have any ideas?"

From there, you can offer sound advice that you have learned.

Remember that if we stand idly by while someone does something that we know is incorrect, unintentionally we are contributing to their future physical issues.

If I am doing something wrong (and I usually am), I want people to approach me and give me FRIENDLY constructive criticism.

Note: If you aren't sure about an exercise, than you should never offer to show someone the proper way. This could prove to be worse than doing nothing at all.

Bottom line: If you know without a doubt the proper technique, approach them and let them know. So what if they think you are an asshole (you probably are), at least you tried.

(-:

-Rip

So you're telling me as a woman, and a small one at that, that going up to some big mancho guy working out at my gym and correcting his form is the thing to do. not a frickin chance!!! Do you know what would happen if I did that???? I have kids to think about and let me say this I have corrected a few of the ladies, they look at you as if you have three heads and then tell you its the way they like to do it... so damned if you do damned if you don't.. Tell you what I keep my mouth shut if someone wants help they can ask for it..

If I walk by an alley and two thugs carrying knives are about to rape you... And, you fail to scream out for my help... Should I walk on knowing that there is a chance I will be hurt or even killed. Well I can tell you, that ain't gonna happen (you're welcome). I am gonna stroll in there like 5-0 and start tellin' those guys what's up. If I need to grab a garbage can lid and start bustin' skulls so be-it. I will not stand by idly while another person is hurt.

This may be a FAR stretch from what our discussion is, but I am relating it the way I think of it. If someone is really doing a move wrong, and I can help, then why on earth would I not at least try?

And, what does woman have to do with anything? Why is that card thrown around so liberally (unfortunately it is usually the guys who do this one)? If Trainer Lynn (I think she has a good head on her shoulders and REALLY knows what she is talking about) was there talking to me about what I am doing wrong, I would gladly accept her advice. Woman or man.

It is funny how people correct each other (many times in harsh fashion) in this forum, where you aren't actually face-to-face... And yet, many of us are to scared to approach someone in the REAL world with some knowledge and a little advice.

I guarantee you that if I wrote a post about doing curls by throwing your back into it as hard as you could and swinging the weight up, I would get 20+ responses (some flaming ones) about how I was incorrect and passing on faulty and even dangerous information.

*shaking head with dissapointment*

Be a man (oops sorry... Be a woMAN)! Step up to the plate and tell someone what you feel face-to-face.

BTW - I already stated this, but here it goes again... Do not try to help if you don't know what you are talking about. That is key.

I walk my talk. And, I believe in helping others whenever possible. And, I feel that the world would be a better place if you did the same.

Well I think that given my experiences at the gym that it would be unwise to approach the know-it-all guys that I'm talking about.. Woman or not these guys scare everyone in there and they are doing theings that will hurt them in the long run.. Now I have stated that I have corrected ppl at the gym but some ppl don't want help. so what do you do??? Given my profession do you really think that I would turn my back on someone who really wanted or really needed my help. not a chance but I will not put myself in danger either, I have children to worry about. So if mancho meathead wants to throw around the weights bc he thinks it makes him look cool well then so be it!!

Thant's kind of where I'm at anyway. How could I even think of telling someone they're doing something wrong when I'm not sure that I do it right?

Jenn,

No offense meant. Seriously. I just get on my soap box because I see so many people (in all walks of life) not standing up for what they believe in.

In your case, it may not make sense if the guys are scary and won't listen anyway. If they are doing this stuff regularly, then you can bet that someone else has tried to give them advice and obviously they aren't listening.

I dunno your profession, but I assume you help folk in time of need by your description. Kudos. We need more people like you.

Peace kiddo,
Vaughn

The difference is, people in the gym are not asking for our advice or "help". They are not starting a conversation on the matter. In most cases they are not even making eye contact with you or acknowledging your existence.

However, when someone enters these forums, for the most part they are asking the innumerable members and visitors of the board for advice. They are starting a thread about the matter. BIG DIFFERENCE, in my opinion!

If someone at the gym asked my opinion, I would gladly give it.

Yeah... That is one of the funny things I see at gyms. People who don't know what they are talking about trying to give advice to someone that is performing an exercise properly. Fortunately, the couple of cases I saw the person being lectured raised his eyebrows and says something like, "Thanks man." And then keeps doing it the correct way after the would be trainor heads away.

That is what I meant when I said:

"I guarantee you that if I wrote a post about doing curls by throwing your back into it as hard as you could and swinging the weight up, I would get 20+ responses (some flaming ones) about how I was incorrect and passing on faulty and even dangerous information."

In this example, I would not be asking for advice... And yet, 20 people would chime in to help me understand what was wrong with my post.

I am just bitter.

Happy Friday!

Okay, you're right. Just don't be bitter!

Truce, everybody!! lol!

Rip I am a paramedic so its a big deal to me to help ppl to prevent injury. body mechanics in lifting is a huge part of what I do on a daily basis and when ppl don't care it really makes me sad. I know that someday I'll be lifting them into my ambulance and wondering wtf??? I'm sorry but sometimes there is nothing you can do. Sorry I got a little harsh but it's reality some ppl would rather look cool than do things the right way. fact of life you know.. you can't beat a dead horse! no hard feelings I hope..

I dont believe you paid enough attention reading through this post. Noone said "I seen this fat guy at the gym, what was he thinking??" I made posts about people that come in thinking they are the baddest SOB around, or think that by barely lifting an insane amount of weight, or having a figure competition in the mirror is cool. The other posts were along the same lines. Just because one person made a comment about a big girl wearing an 80's aerobics uniform, doesnt mean we are doing what you imply. Reread the info. I consistently tell the people on here that are hesitant about going to gym because of embarrassment to go, because the people you fear there, 90% dont know what they are doing.