Tell them or just Shut-up?

Group: General Diet & Nutrition

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 399, Messages: 16719

With such a topic so broad we truly try to cover the basics from all angles in this group. Nothing too big or too small. Nutrition is as significant if not more as exercise is to reaching your goals so learn all you can.

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I_Am-aZon Posts: 893 Joined: 2003/02/18	2003/05/05, 01:19 PM Just wondering what you guys would do... What do you guys do when you see someone really messing up the form of an exercise? For example, last Friday I watched this older guy do some standing barbell curls and he was really swinging them up so recklessly I was afraid he'd throw out his back. Obviously, he should have been using a lot less weight in order to do it correctly... Now, for myself, if I am using poor form, I appreciate the input from someone more knowledgeable, but sometimes some guys may not appreciate someone (or even less, a female) giving them advice such as this - and, it may also bruise some egos along the way. I like to help others, but others do not always want this form of help. Believe it or not, LOL, I really hate to push my opinion onto someone, but if they could get hurt, I think I have a obligation to tell them? Any suggestions on what would you guys would do?

effalunt Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/05/05, 01:27 PM If he intimidates you, go see one of the staff members at your gym and ask if they'll set him straight. Or you could just mention casually that you'd heard the results were better if you did it a little slower-then demonstrate proper form. -------------- Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
7707mutt Posts: 7,686 Joined: 2002/06/18	2003/05/05, 01:40 PM I would just leave it alone...sometimes people need to get hurt to understand -------------- IF YOU CAN STILL ITCH YOUR NOSE AFTER ARM DAY, GO DO ANOTHER SET!!!
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/05, 01:57 PM I would go the route of the gym's staff members... That's my way. Perhaps no one has informed him about the proper form of exercising....You could always engage him in conversation and work your way around to the topic :o) to make it seem less like criticism.
gwindalyn Posts: 434 Joined: 2003/01/15	2003/05/05, 02:03 PM If I were doing something incorrectly, I'd want someone to say something to me and show me the proper form, especially if what I were doing could injure me. I'm open to all opinions and advice, but I've seen some people in the gym who would get bent if someone told them what they were doing was wrong. Being a female, and only just starting with weights, I personally wouldn't say anything. Once I'm more advanced, I might approach the person and just start a conversation to see how experienced they are. You can sort of tell how they may react to advice by how they react to something like, "Hi there! Nice to meet you. How long have you been working out? smile" -------------- ~Jennifer http://www.gwindalyn.com If you dont stand for something, you will fall for anything.
sandysford Posts: 1,139 Joined: 2002/11/18	2003/05/05, 02:56 PM so many times I have approached people in the gym and just mention that they might get more out of what they are doing if they make a little change, they listen, I walk away and look back to see them doing just what they were doing before, The only time I tell people about form and ecercise and the correct way to do things is when they approach me. -------------- I will lift my own weight someday!!!!!
Carivan Posts: 8,542 Joined: 2002/01/20	2003/05/05, 06:22 PM I wouldn't say anything because he/she might ask you what qualifications you have, but I would mention it to one of the floor people. Some guys get the wrong idea on why you aproached them, if you know what I mean. -------------- We must become the change we want to see. Ivan Montreal Canada (aka SpongeBob Square Pants to some!)
sypress Posts: 192 Joined: 2003/04/13	2003/05/05, 06:39 PM I know what you mean Amazon. Countless times i've seen this at my gym. Theres also this lady that totally does the stairclimber wrong... she does it on her tiptoes and leans most of her weight on the machine it drives me nuts . I dont usually say anything either. I've thought about asking a trainer to talk to them but i shy away. Sometimes they need to learn the hard way . sorry im not much help but i thought i would share my story with you.
BicepBri Posts: 40 Joined: 2003/03/03	2003/05/05, 06:49 PM Unless someone is asking for help or there is the possibility they might seriously injure themselves, I wouldn't say anything either. Even though your intentions are good, some people might take it the wrong way and think you are putting them on the spot.
BIGGIN Posts: 130 Joined: 2003/04/30	2003/05/05, 07:26 PM i know exactly what u mean. i see a bunch of guys at my gym who think their hot stuff because their doing a lot of weight, but the problem is that they are dong it all wrong. i just keep to myself because the will learn when they get hurt. -------------- ---Kev--- Focus and Lift!!
effalunt Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/05/06, 01:40 AM There was a really young guy (16, 17...) on the bench next to me tonight, doing flyes so that his elbows almost touched the floor--he couldn't even keep his back from arching up off the bench. I waiting through three sets for the pop and the scream, I don't know how his poor shoulders stayed in the sockets!! I said hi and asked how things were going, and I said that I noticed that he looked like he was in pain during his flyes. He asked why and I told him that there was a real strain when the elbows come down too far and that many people find it painful, and did he as well? I also mentioned that I "knew" someone who had dislocated their shoulder doing flyes too deep. He seemed to be listening, then hopped back on the bench and did another set, even more so than before. I guess he was insulted at a woman's attempt to help him. Maybe the fact that my arms are bigger than his was what did it...I tried. -------------- Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
ageis Posts: 198 Joined: 2002/10/25	2003/05/06, 01:26 PM majority of the people at any gym don't like to be approached and be told how something should be done, especially for people who've been going for some time. I'd say zip the lip and set an example for others on how it should be done. Hopefully they'll watch and catch on. -------------- Shut the f*ck up and train. Let your body do the talkin.
mackfactor Posts: 766 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/05/14, 05:26 PM That's a tough call Amazon. Some people genuinely don't know better and others don't want to know better. Sorting the two out is very difficult. There's a guy that I work with that's pretty big, but exercises completely wrong. People ask him how he trains and probably try to do the same. I, on the other hand, am 15 pounds lighter while being 3-4 inches taller, so no one asks me what I do to train my biceps. Unfortunately, if they would, they'd be better off than asking him. That's the quandary. Personally, I don't give advice unless asked. I guess I'd rather be perceived as indifferent rather than a know-it-all. Unfortunately that attitude does no one any good. Well . . . except me. -------------- "Don't follow leaders and watch your parking meters!" -- Bob Dylan
kkor Posts: 71 Joined: 2003/01/09	2003/05/18, 04:40 PM Sometimes positive reinforcement works as well. If I see someone doing something "right" and they are newer to working out, I tell them something like "just wanted to say, your form is excellent on those curls." Sometimes then they will come and ask for advice on something else. I always cringe when I see people in the gym obviously wasting their time. Believe me, there are several in my gym that do every single day!
fireloard Posts: 665 Joined: 2001/03/27	2003/05/18, 11:07 PM I'm generally too small to give anyone advice and what I usually try to think is that maybe their just starting out and need some time to get used to exercising in general. When I started I know I had pretty bad form and even now I wonder if I have 'perfect' form since there are always little things here and there I find I can do to improve my form. Of course it helps for people to help but like some already said in this thread some people either don't want to be approached or just won't really get anything you say when you tell them. Just let them go and if they want results then sooner or later their going to realize that they need to improve the way their doing their exercises.
sailor1029 Posts: 76 Joined: 2003/05/12	2003/05/20, 02:39 PM As I'm new to this whole thing, I'm never sure of my form. I'd be grateful if someone stopped by to tell me what I was doing wrong/right, but then I'm the easy guy to spot, wandering around like a lost puppy...LOL -Scott
asimmer Posts: 8,201 Joined: 2003/01/07	2003/05/21, 02:18 PM When I worked in the club our approach was to walk up and introduce ourselves "HI, I'm Amy. I'm a trainer here. Nice to meet you , Joe" "Say Joe, I noticed that you are doing lateral raises. Do you mind if I show you a way to better isolate the muscle and protect our shoulder joint?" Usually they were pretty receptive, if not right away. At least the next time I saw them working out they were usually doing it more like the way I showed them. It is especially hard if you are not a gym employe and if you are female. I don't understand how some men get so muscular with such bad form. There was a guy at my club who was gone three weeks out of the month most months because he had such bad form he was constantly injured (even though he wore his belt religiously, imagine). He was a great advice giver to hapless newbies and was really insulted if anyone tried to help him with his bad form. Oh well. Good luck! -------------- Challenge + Consistency = Results
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/21, 02:24 PM I imagine that much depends on the individual receiving the advice as to whether or not they're willing to accept it. Some people will appreciate it.
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/05/21, 02:32 PM I've changed/tried several things because someone at the gym suggested it to me. Just yesterday I was doing incline curls for biceps and was on my last rep when a guy walking by said 'go all the way down to get that stretch'. When I looked at him he said 'really, even if you have to go lighter you need to get that stretch'. I hadn't heard this before and of course I had to go lighter since I was struggling with my last rep. But I did another set just to see what he meant. I don't really know how important it really is....which gives me an idea for a new post.
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/21, 02:37 PM Then again....there's a very good point that Asimmer also made....Some people that are willing to share advise don't provide very sound advise... Always good to double check unless you know the person to be on the safe side... So you're not the person who's constantly injured due to bad form...
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/05/21, 03:51 PM I shouldn't have said just 'someone'. These are trainers or other people I trust. Our gym is small and in a small community so most of us recognize each other. I eavesdrop a lot on trainers when they are having a session and learn a lot that way. It is a very relaxed atmosphere and they have all said that they don't mind questions. If they see I am interested they will include me in what they are explaining.
jefado Posts: 443 Joined: 2003/04/03	2003/05/21, 04:05 PM :o) That's neat. Sorry if I misunderstood and was offensive in any way <smile>
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/05/21, 06:09 PM Puhleeeeeez j, offensive? you? NOT! It's all just good info as far as I can see. <smiling>