Pet Peeves at the Gym

[Celtic Pax]

I work out some at the gym (cardio 3-5 times a week) and there are a number of things people do that peeve me off. Like the guy who takes up a 7 foot radius in the locker room with his stuff all over the bench, floor etc. Some of my other peeves:

1. People who work out in dark socks.
2. The two-hour stretcher.
3. Women in tight workout outfits who shouldn’t be wearing what they are wearing.(men qualify here as well)
4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.
5. People who don’t know what they are doing.
6. Guys who wear shorts that are too loose (or too tight).
7. People who want to talk to me.
8. People who don’t wipe down the equipment after they sweat all over it.
9. People who grunt loud enough for the entire gym to hear how macho they are with the weights.

What pet gyms peevs do you have?

[DLaw911]

I work out some at the gym (cardio 3-5 times a week) and there are a number of things people do that peeve me off. Like the guy who takes up a 7 foot radius in the locker room with his stuff all over the bench, floor etc. Some of my other peeves:

1. People who work out in dark socks.
2. The two-hour stretcher.
3. Women in tight workout outfits who shouldn’t be wearing what they are wearing.(men qualify here as well)
4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.
5. People who don’t know what they are doing.
6. Guys who wear shorts that are too loose (or too tight).
7. People who want to talk to me.
8. People who don’t wipe down the equipment after they sweat all over it.
9. People who grunt loud enough for the entire gym to hear how macho they are with the weights.

What pet gyms peevs do you have?I can tolerate all the personal quirks of people working out, but it's the ones wearing iPod heaphones (or even talking on cell phones) while resting on exercise equipment that someone else wants to use thast should be executed.

I can't think of how many times I have wanted to use a particular machine only to have some guy not exercising, either with his eyes closed and listening to whatever his ear plugs are playing, or having a loud cell phone concervation with a significant other loud enough for everyone else in the gym to hear. And when you "wake" these people up and get their attention, they DON'T move --- they simply hog the apparatus longer and start an evercise.

[Celtic Pax]

If you haven't moved in 5 minutes, you should get the hell off the machines I would think. Especially if someone is waiting for the machine.

[LouC]

My biggest pet peeves about gyms.

People who have them available and are physically able to use them but still find something to complain about in their going to and using them.

[CMike11]

I usually do the treadmill. I do use an ipod.

What annoys me are the two old ladies behind me having a loud conversation while "exercising". :rolleyes:

IMO if you can have a conversation while doing cardio, you aren't exercising hard enough.

[Mimiheart]

I haven't had these problems at my gym. I go to a women only gym. No cell phones allowed on the floor, and if there's a line (which is rare), people get off as soon as they're done. Sometimes people take up a bit too much bench space, or won't move if they happen to be in front of my locker, but it's rare.

[Mimiheart]

I usually do the treadmill. I do use an ipod.

What annoys me are the two old ladies behind me having a loud conversation while "exercising". :rolleyes:

IMO if you can have a conversation while doing cardio, you aren't exercising hard enough.The two old ladies even walking on a treadmill is a pretty big deal. ;)

[traditional_woman]

When guys grunt like they are having a bowel movement or sex while lifting weights. Geez, does it really take all that noise?

[Barbie]

Kids running through the locker room really annoy me!!

[Celtic Pax]

At the "Y" I sometimes use, guys will bring in their 2-4 year old girls into the mens locker room while guys are changing, showering etc. I find that a bit disturbing in this age of child abuse etc. or even the hint of such......have complained to the management but continues to happen too often. Also, guys bring in their younger boys into the mens locker room is a pain when there is a boy's locker room available. Makes guys feel uncomfortable with the kids around.

[ALBOB2]

I'm going to go the other way on the grunting. I lift quite often and VERY heavy weights. One of the most dangerous things you can do while lifting is to hold your breath. Grunting is a way of making sure you exhale while performing the positive portion of a lift. That being said, when it borders on screaming it's too much and the guy us just showing off.

My pet peves:

1) Failing to wipe down equipment when you're done with it.
2) Failing to re-rack your weights when you're done with them.
3) Hogging equipment
4) Mis-using equipment (Doing curls on a squat rack is WRONG and should be punishable by having a 100 lb dumbell dropped on your foot.)
5) Poaching equipment (I've got my towel, my water bottle and the dumbells I'm going to use all set up at a particual bench then some moron and his buddies jump in and start using that bench. Luckily I'm not small and have what can be considered an intimidating stare.)
6) Invading personal space. When I'm in the squat rack with 400+ pounds on my shoulders would you PLEASE take a wide path around me?
7) Do NOT ask me advice in the middle of my workout. I'd be more than happy to talk with you and give you whatever advice I can, AFTER I'm done working out.

[jet]

I work out some at the gym (cardio 3-5 times a week) and there are a number of things people do that peeve me off. Like the guy who takes up a 7 foot radius in the locker room with his stuff all over the bench, floor etc. Some of my other peeves:

1. People who work out in dark socks.
2. The two-hour stretcher.
3. Women in tight workout outfits who shouldn’t be wearing what they are wearing.(men qualify here as well)
4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.
5. People who don’t know what they are doing.
6. Guys who wear shorts that are too loose (or too tight).
7. People who want to talk to me.
8. People who don’t wipe down the equipment after they sweat all over it.
9. People who grunt loud enough for the entire gym to hear how macho they are with the weights.

What pet gyms peevs do you have?

Number 8 is the worst. I can deal with everything else as I'm focused on working out.
Well, except the college guys that check out every woman in the weight lifting area or the exceptionally cut guy that parades around like a peacock hoping people will notice his well defined guns and pecs :))

[noose4]

my pet peeve at the gym is if i am using a machine (stationary bikes, ellyptical, etc) and there are rows of empty machines but somebody takes the one right next to mine any way.

my other peeve is my joining up and having to make monthly payments but being too lazy to actually go to the gym.

[croupier101]

not wiping down equipment. that will get a word from me directly to the "non-wiper". they will go back and wipe it down.

i can live with everything else.

[chichimama]

Not wiping the equipment down. :sick:
And I can't decribe some of the filthy habits in the women's locker room...

[Pudge]

Fortunately, I work out in a gym where there isn't that much BS going on. I can do my Olympic lifting and nobody looks twice. It's when I am in a gym away from home that I get looks. People act like they've never seen a power clean before. Then, one time, I was front-squatting and a trainer at that gym actually told me I was squatting improperly. Bwuh? I was told to stop deadlifting once when I had 405 on the bar. Not because I might hurt myself, but because someone else felt 'intimidated'. I wasn't screaming, or grunting, or making a scene, or getting pumped up, I was just doing sets of 3. And I even set the bar down gently too. Another trainer told me that I shouldn't squat so deep, another guy who failed to note the weightlifting shoes.

I love my gym. I love the nice lifting platforms and the large collection of bumper plates, the competition-spec olympic barbells, the squat racks designed to hold over 1,000 pounds, the strongman training equipment, and the fact that no matter what your level of commitment is, whether you're an athlete, or just someone who wants to stay in shape or get in shape, all are welcome there. It's to the point where I am hesitant to lift in other gyms when I visit friends and family because most of them suck.

[rosiegirl]

1.
Women who wear perfume working out.
2.
Men who think women are looking at their muscles flexing.

[ALBOB2]

Another trainer told me that I shouldn't squat so deep,


He was right. The only way to get REALLY big strong quads is to load up the bar with five or six hundred pounds and do 1/4 squats. Do two sets of those and then 20 sets of leg extensions and you'll be a Mr. O competitor in no time. That'll keep your knees nice and healthy too. :whistle:

P.S. Don't worry about working your calves, they get enough work just from walking. ;)

[ALBOB2]

2.
Men who think women are looking at their muscles flexing.


You mean you WEREN'T looking at me? :cry:

[rosiegirl]

You mean you WEREN'T looking at me? :cry:

Yes, but don't tell..

[melinda]

I go to a very small gym, and from reading all of this, I am so glad that I do. If I go at lunch, it pretty much guarantees that my daughter and I are usually the only ones even at the gym. I love it!!

[Pudge]

He was right. The only way to get REALLY big strong quads is to load up the bar with five or six hundred pounds and do 1/4 squats. Do two sets of those and then 20 sets of leg extensions and you'll be a Mr. O competitor in no time. That'll keep your knees nice and healthy too. :whistle:

P.S. Don't worry about working your calves, they get enough work just from walking. ;)

Pfffhahahahaha... I see bodybuilders like that all the time, loading up their quads but undertraining the hamstrings and neglecting calves entirely.

Another pet peeve, people who bring their cell phones onto the gym floor. Unless you're a doctor or a firefighter or someone who needs to have it in case of emergency, leave it in your locker. Nobody wants to hear you describing the chick on the treadmill to your buddies. I'm so tempted to drop my next 130 kg clean onto their precious little device. Whoops.

[JeffR]

#1 - People who curl in the Squat Rack.

It's called a Squat Rack because you are supposed to Squat it in. You can curl anywhere in the gym, but you can orly Squat in the Squat Rack.

Some others

- Overweight old guys walking around naked in the locker rock
- people who wear there belts from the time they get their until the time they leave
- people who squat a quarter of the way down
- people who don't rack their weights, or rack them improperly

I'm sure I could think up more! :)

[Celtic Pax]

Not wiping the equipment down. :sick:
And I can't decribe some of the filthy habits in the women's locker room...What!:eek: you mean women can out gross men in the women's locker room!!!

[Celtic Pax]

#1 - People who curl in the Squat Rack.

It's called a Squat Rack because you are supposed to Squat it in. You can curl anywhere in the gym, but you can orly Squat in the Squat Rack.

Some others

- Overweight old guys walking around naked in the locker rock
- people who wear there belts from the time they get their until the time they leave
- people who squat a quarter of the way down
- people who don't rack their weights, or rack them improperly

I'm sure I could think up more! :)Hey!!! Overweight naked guys have got to be able to go somewhere? Have a heart they can't all be young buff naked guys......

[Claymore]

Gym?

[Celtic Pax]

Then there are those who use the cardios on the lowest setting and pump their legs like they're a jack-rabbit running from a prairie fire AND reading at the same time? Then there are the gay guys stalking all over the gym with this come-hither look in their eyes.

[JeffR]

Hey!!! Overweight naked guys have got to be able to go somewhere? Have a heart they can't all be young buff naked guys......
one word for you: towel

[Clamp]

Gym?


Thats what I was going to say. The only gym I go to is Jim Beam. ;)

[Ace_of_Spades]

Fortunately, I work out in a gym where there isn't that much BS going on. I can do my Olympic lifting and nobody looks twice. It's when I am in a gym away from home that I get looks. People act like they've never seen a power clean before. Then, one time, I was front-squatting and a trainer at that gym actually told me I was squatting improperly. Bwuh? I was told to stop deadlifting once when I had 405 on the bar. Not because I might hurt myself, but because someone else felt 'intimidated'. I wasn't screaming, or grunting, or making a scene, or getting pumped up, I was just doing sets of 3. And I even set the bar down gently too. Another trainer told me that I shouldn't squat so deep, another guy who failed to note the weightlifting shoes.

I love my gym. I love the nice lifting platforms and the large collection of bumper plates, the competition-spec olympic barbells, the squat racks designed to hold over 1,000 pounds, the strongman training equipment, and the fact that no matter what your level of commitment is, whether you're an athlete, or just someone who wants to stay in shape or get in shape, all are welcome there. It's to the point where I am hesitant to lift in other gyms when I visit friends and family because most of them suck.

my biggest pet peeve is when guys brag about how much they can lift...

and are you really THAT addicted to it that you have to find a gym if you go out of town for a couple of days to visit a friend? shouldnt you be spending time with said friend?

[Celtic Pax]

one word for you: towelYup!!! Goes right over their shoulder with soap and shampoo in hand!!:))

[pattyk]

People that go to the gym:razz:

[chichimama]

What!:eek: you mean women can out gross men in the women's locker room!!!

Yes. Seems a lot of women weren't taught proper hygiene habits during that time of the month.

[CountryGirl]

My pet peeve at the gym is the parking lot. It's too far away from the door.

[bayoubill]

Don't know why you'd complain about this one:


4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.


They're obviously not gonna get in your way in the exercise room,

and, by patronizing the juice bar and by paying for a membership but not excercising, they're essentially subsidizing your membership.

If the juice bar croud suddently left and dropped their memberships, the management might have to raise the price of your membership.

[alexz2317]

When walking down the hall, muscle heads that stare you down thinking they are better than you and tough. Makes me mad.

[curtis123]

I got my gym at home. elliptical exerciser and weight machine is all I need. I love the elliptical, especially with my crappy knees.

[Claymore]

I always got a kick out of the muscle-bound goofs.

"I can bench press my whole family."

"So, what good does that do you when you can't scratch your ass?"

[Ace_of_Spades]

I always got a kick out of the muscle-bound goofs.

"I can bench press my whole family."

"So, what good does that do you when you can't scratch your ass?"

hahahah exactly!

I used to play baseball and some of the guys would go crazy on the weights. they couldnt even throw the friggin baseball haha

[ALBOB2]

I always got a kick out of the muscle-bound goofs.

"I can bench press my whole family."

"So, what good does that do you when you can't scratch your ass?"


I take that a step further, but in a different direction. I laugh at guys who think the bench press is actually a good measure of overall strength. You want to measure strength? Get in the squat rack or show my your deadlift. THEN I might be impressed.

That kind of leads me to one of my pet peeves OUT of the gym. I can't count the number of times people have asked me the same stupid question, "How much can you bench?" The deer in the headlights look that comes over their faces when I tell them I don't know is hillarious.

[Innovator]

I agree the guy bowel movement/gay sex sound effects grunts are disturbing. There was this one guy in tight daisy duke shorts who seemed gay who would follow me around then start making grunting noises while working out. Sorry if I'm sounding intolerant. The consititution gives everyone freedom of speech even if I don't like the sounds they're making.

The other thing that sort of bothered me was the female gym staffer who walked in on me getting dressed. Not the end of the world but I know if a male gym employee busted in on a female in the locker room while she was pulling up her underwear it would be a huge problem.

[jet]

I'll have to add one as I found myself guilty of doing it....looking at the monitor of the person next to you to see how many miles, calories burned, heart rate, etc...People don't like that :shifty:

[alexz2317]

I work out some at the gym (cardio 3-5 times a week) and there are a number of things people do that peeve me off. Like the guy who takes up a 7 foot radius in the locker room with his stuff all over the bench, floor etc. Some of my other peeves:

1. People who work out in dark socks.
2. The two-hour stretcher.
3. Women in tight workout outfits who shouldn’t be wearing what they are wearing.(men qualify here as well)
4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.
5. People who don’t know what they are doing.
6. Guys who wear shorts that are too loose (or too tight).
7. People who want to talk to me.
8. People who don’t wipe down the equipment after they sweat all over it.
9. People who grunt loud enough for the entire gym to hear how macho they are with the weights.

What pet gyms peevs do you have?


1. Who cares, a gym is not a fashion show
2. They pay for their membership, let em' waste it
3. Depends on what the woman looks like
4. Again, let em' waste their money
5. Not everybody is a fitness guru
6. Who cares about too loose?
7. You must have a lot of friends
8. Agree
9. So....

[Pudge]

my biggest pet peeve is when guys brag about how much they can lift...

and are you really THAT addicted to it that you have to find a gym if you go out of town for a couple of days to visit a friend? shouldnt you be spending time with said friend?

I'm a competitive athlete. Missing a workout means that I will not be at my best when it comes time to compete.

When I go out of town for a few days, I make sure I spend enough time with family and friends, spending an hour or two at a gym isn't unreasonable.

And I never brag about how much I can lift. There's always someone stronger.

[Pudge]

I take that a step further, but in a different direction. I laugh at guys who think the bench press is actually a good measure of overall strength. You want to measure strength? Get in the squat rack or show my your deadlift. THEN I might be impressed.

That kind of leads me to one of my pet peeves OUT of the gym. I can't count the number of times people have asked me the same stupid question, "How much can you bench?" The deer in the headlights look that comes over their faces when I tell them I don't know is hillarious.

One time someone asked me how much I could press. He didn't specify the bench press. I said, on a good day, strict form, about 230 pounds. He thought that was a little low given my size and what he had observed, but I'm so used to thinking that 'press' means 'military press'- standing ovehead press with no leg drive.

Which leads me to another peeve- or, more like a chuckle- guys who are trying to impress others in the gym so much that they don't warm up, they go right for a max-effort lift. Usually on the bench press. Then they get stapled to the bench.

[jet]

So uh, Pudge...where's your album? :cool:

:))

[ALBOB2]

One time someone asked me how much I could press. He didn't specify the bench press. I said, on a good day, strict form, about 230 pounds. He thought that was a little low given my size and what he had observed, but I'm so used to thinking that 'press' means 'military press'- standing ovehead press with no leg drive.

Which leads me to another peeve- or, more like a chuckle- guys who are trying to impress others in the gym so much that they don't warm up, they go right for a max-effort lift. Usually on the bench press. Then they get stapled to the bench.


Yep, I get that same reaction when I tell them I don't bench press. They never think to ask what I DO for chest. :rolleyes:

That's funny in a sad sort of way because you can just see the pain that's in store for them later in life.

[Chucky]

I mostly use the pool, which has similar problems. I have no problem with snorklers, slow or awkward swimmers - at least they're doing something - but these just annoy:

(1) people who use a lane to stretch and do in-place water exercise when there is a short lane set aside just for that (25 yards instead of 25 meters).

(2) people who do one lap, then spend 5 minutes adjusting their goggles, do some more stretching....

(3) people who ignore the "if people are waiting, limit your workout to 20 minutes" sign (though I can put up with the ones who are seriously swimming a 2k workout or the like)

(4) sweaty, smelly guys who jump into the pool to cool off - there are showers right next to the pool that you should use in any case

(5) baby Shamus who ignore the No Diving rule and do a "racing dive" that splashes 2-3 lanes away, rocks the pool with their tidal wave, and then quit after two laps

(6) people who grab a couple of noodles and take up a lane to float

(7) people who take up two lanes as they "rest" and chat with each other

[Pudge]

So uh, Pudge...where's your album? :cool:

:))

Album? Photo album or music album? Or am I missing the joke?

[Pudge]

Yep, I get that same reaction when I tell them I don't bench press. They never think to ask what I DO for chest. :rolleyes:

That's funny in a sad sort of way because you can just see the pain that's in store for them later in life.

I get bad rotator cuff pain when I so much as incline press, a flat bench makes it impossible for me to snatch or jerk (mind OUT of the gutters, people) for days. When I am in a high rep stage I'll use a leverage press machine, that doesn't have nearly the same after-effects.

[jet]

Album? Photo album or music album? Or am I missing the joke?

Just me being flirtatious and silly. :shifty:
Some users now have photo albums in their profiles. Some are set to private. Given all the talk about weight lifting, I was asking for pics of your muscles....

All in good, clean fun :))

[Pudge]

Just me being flirtatious and silly. :shifty:
Some users now have photo albums in their profiles. Some are set to private. Given all the talk about weight lifting, I was asking for pics of your muscles....

All in good, clean fun :))

Ah, I see. But if you click the link in my profile, you will see my homepage where I have a lot of pics from competitions and such.

Warning, I am not a chiseled, abs of steel kind of guy.

[Pudge]

Also, it hasn't been updated for a couple years. I'm going to get rid of it soon, save the pics, and add them to my MySpace page.

[jet]

:eek: You are one STRONG individual! Those are some fantastic photos of what you are capable of :clap:

And very cool tats.

Keep up the incredible work, Pudge. You have my utmost respect.

[melinda]

Ah, I see. But if you click the link in my profile, you will see my homepage where I have a lot of pics from competitions and such.

Warning, I am not a chiseled, abs of steel kind of guy.

OMG....you are strong!!!!!!!!!!!
wow.

[ALBOB2]

Ah, I see. But if you click the link in my profile, you will see my homepage where I have a lot of pics from competitions and such.

Warning, I am not a chiseled, abs of steel kind of guy.

Wow, all I have to do is put on 95 lbs and we could be twins. :mrgreen:

[outfromunder]

Also, it hasn't been updated for a couple years. I'm going to get rid of it soon, save the pics, and add them to my MySpace page.

You are now MR. Pudge...

[Darkwind]

I work out some at the gym (cardio 3-5 times a week) and there are a number of things people do that peeve me off. Like the guy who takes up a 7 foot radius in the locker room with his stuff all over the bench, floor etc. Some of my other peeves:

1. People who work out in dark socks.
2. The two-hour stretcher.
3. Women in tight workout outfits who shouldn’t be wearing what they are wearing.(men qualify here as well)
4. Members who spend most of their membership at the juice bar.
5. People who don’t know what they are doing.
6. Guys who wear shorts that are too loose (or too tight).
7. People who want to talk to me.
8. People who don’t wipe down the equipment after they sweat all over it.
9. People who grunt loud enough for the entire gym to hear how macho they are with the weights.

What pet gyms peevs do you have?
I would say that number 8 is a legitimate peeve. The rest are just your annoyance that there are other people in the world.

:mrgreen:

[msny]

I usually do the treadmill. I do use an ipod.

What annoys me are the two old ladies behind me having a loud conversation while "exercising". :rolleyes:

IMO if you can have a conversation while doing cardio, you aren't exercising hard enough.

Same problem here and its annoying!

I work out 3 to 4 times a week also on treadmill with iPod
for the last 4 years or so.

So I'm doing my thing and these two women are chit-chatting
next to me so loud I cant hear the music going directly in my ear.
There going like 2 miles an hour while I'm dripping with sweat
jogging hard or running.

This has happened a number of times and it goes on and on.

While I understand some people like the social aspect of the
gym, why not respect my space so I can enjoy a good workout?

Take it outside, the sauna, or to the locker room.

[Pudge]

:eek: You are one STRONG individual! Those are some fantastic photos of what you are capable of :clap:

And very cool tats.

Keep up the incredible work, Pudge. You have my utmost respect.

Thanks, I appreciate the compliment. It's a lot of hard work and I don't remember the last day I had where something on my body wasn't hurting.

[Pudge]

Wow, all I have to do is put on 95 lbs and we could be twins. :mrgreen:

I can help you with that, if you want. We Vikings love to eat.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

Is it okay to make a lot of noise if, say, you're squatting three hundred pounds?

Yes, I do it sometimes.

[ALBOB2]

I can help you with that, if you want. We Vikings love to eat.


The heaviest I've ever been was 270. That was where I was at when I tore my Patellar Tendon. (Got stupid on a set of squats and let the weight get too far forward.) After having the surgery to get it repaired I'm just too scared to go heavy anymore. My knee is 100%, it's all psychological at this point. So, without heavy squats and deads, I doubt any amount of food could bring me up to your level. I'll definitely PM you if I have any specific questions though. You mentioned you're going through some rotator cuff issues right now. Talk about coincidence, I just had my first physical therapy session yesterday for an impingement.

[ALBOB2]

Is it okay to make a lot of noise if, say, you're squatting three hundred pounds?

Yes, I do it sometimes.


Nope, the cut-off is 400 lbs. Anything less than that and you have to be as quiet as a church mouse. :whistle:

[Pudge]

Is it okay to make a lot of noise if, say, you're squatting three hundred pounds?

Yes, I do it sometimes.

Well, if you're doing a max effort lift, it's OK to grunt a little bit. I'd be shocked if you didn't. What would be annoying is someone making a lot of noise while not doing anything that stressful, like the guy yelling like a caveman while doing 25-lb dumbbell presses.

[Pudge]

Nope, the cut-off is 400 lbs. Anything less than that and you have to be as quiet as a church mouse. :whistle:

Pfffhahaha... I don't know, yelling or making a lot of noise seems counterproductive anyway. You don't want to release all the air in your lungs and diaphragm at once when you're on the way up.

[Pudge]

The heaviest I've ever been was 270. That was where I was at when I tore my Patellar Tendon. (Got stupid on a set of squats and let the weight get too far forward.) After having the surgery to get it repaired I'm just too scared to go heavy anymore. My knee is 100%, it's all psychological at this point. So, without heavy squats and deads, I doubt any amount of food could bring me up to your level. I'll definitely PM you if I have any specific questions though. You mentioned you're going through some rotator cuff issues right now. Talk about coincidence, I just had my first physical therapy session yesterday for an impingement.

I would just say, take it gradually, and watch your foot position. Get yourself a pair of Olympic lifting shoes (http://www.werksanusa.com/products-shoe-shirts.asp), I never squat without these. And watch some O-lifting training hall vids and watch how they squat, which is a lot different than power squats. These guys will do upwards of 300 kilos with no belt, suit, or wraps, and their knees never go forward past their toes.

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

I do hate the guy who wants to chat with me.

I'm there to push weights, not network.

Leave me alone.

[Ace_of_Spades]

I'm a competitive athlete. Missing a workout means that I will not be at my best when it comes time to compete.

When I go out of town for a few days, I make sure I spend enough time with family and friends, spending an hour or two at a gym isn't unreasonable.

And I never brag about how much I can lift. There's always someone stronger.

what kind of competitive athlete are you? your profile says you play metal and deliver pizzas...

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

I would just say, take it gradually, and watch your foot position. Get yourself a pair of Olympic lifting shoes (http://www.werksanusa.com/products-shoe-shirts.asp), I never squat without these. And watch some O-lifting training hall vids and watch how they squat, which is a lot different than power squats. These guys will do upwards of 300 kilos with no belt, suit, or wraps, and their knees never go forward past their toes.

Ninety percent of people squat incorrectly, or use the (IMHO) incredibly dangerous Smith machine.

Plus, belts are for sissies, unless you're competitively powerlifting.

[ALBOB2]

Pfffhahaha... I don't know, yelling or making a lot of noise seems counterproductive anyway. You don't want to release all the air in your lungs and diaphragm at once when you're on the way up.


Yep, that's why I can't go to any of the "modern" gyms. I tend to growl when I'm doing my working sets. It's my way of ensuring I exhale, but not all at once. The noice intimidates the other members. :rolleyes:

[Ace_of_Spades]

i mean geez...if thats being a competitive athlete than now i can justify playing video games and doin 12 ounce curls all day! haha

[Pudge]

what kind of competitive athlete are you? your profile says you play metal and deliver pizzas...

Check out the link.

[Pudge]

Ninety percent of people squat incorrectly, or use the (IMHO) incredibly dangerous Smith machine.

Plus, belts are for sissies, unless you're competitively powerlifting.

Belts serve a purpose, but they tend to be overused. I use a belt on squats and deadlifts that are 85% or more of my one-rep max, or on events where core stability is crucial- like the yoke walk, farmer's walk, or the Conan's wheel. On the Olympic lifts I don't use a belt at all.

I also agree that the Smith-machine is misused. It takes away the effort that small stabilizer muscles would perform, and it leaves you vulnerable for injury if you rely too much on that. But- the Smith-machine is a great tool for rehab exercise, if you're coming back from an injury.

[Ace_of_Spades]

strong man competitions! nice.

I was just givin ya hell, didnt mean anything by it...just a little bored at work.

I'm a golfer and people usually give me crap about it not being athletic...they couldnt be more wrong! I've been playing for a while and I'm good at it...thats more than 90% of our population can say...

[Pudge]

i mean geez...if thats being a competitive athlete than now i can justify playing video games and doin 12 ounce curls all day! haha

Whatever makes you happy, chief.

[ALBOB2]

I would just say, take it gradually, and watch your foot position. Get yourself a pair of Olympic lifting shoes (http://www.werksanusa.com/products-shoe-shirts.asp), I never squat without these. And watch some O-lifting training hall vids and watch how they squat, which is a lot different than power squats. These guys will do upwards of 300 kilos with no belt, suit, or wraps, and their knees never go forward past their toes.


I've got a pretty sweet set up at home and do my spuats bare foot. What would be the return on my investment if I got a pair of these shoes?

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

Belts serve a purpose, but they tend to be overused. I use a belt on squats and deadlifts that are 85% or more of my one-rep max, or on events where core stability is crucial- like the yoke walk, farmer's walk, or the Conan's wheel. On the Olympic lifts I don't use a belt at all.

I also agree that the Smith-machine is misused. It takes away the effort that small stabilizer muscles would perform, and it leaves you vulnerable for injury if you rely too much on that. But- the Smith-machine is a great tool for rehab exercise, if you're coming back from an injury.

It's the angle that bugs me on the Smith. When you're pushing heavy weight, the straight up-and-down track forces you to rock back on your heels, which is really stupid and dangerous.

[Pudge]

strong man competitions! nice.

I was just givin ya hell, didnt mean anything by it...just a little bored at work.

I'm a golfer and people usually give me crap about it not being athletic...they couldnt be more wrong! I've been playing for a while and I'm good at it...thats more than 90% of our population can say...

Golfers can be athletic. I mean, you guys have to walk a lot. I mean, a lot.

[Pudge]

I've got a pretty sweet set up at home and do my spuats bare foot. What would be the return on my investment if I got a pair of these shoes?

Barefoot, eh? In the tradition of Paul Anderson and Aaah-nold.

How do you squat? Wide foot stance (no Larry Craig jokes, please) or shoulder width? And what is the bar position- high bar or low bar?

Have you ever squatted with your heels elevated on small plates?

[Pudge]

It's the angle that bugs me on the Smith. When you're pushing heavy weight, the straight up-and-down track forces you to rock back on your heels, which is really stupid and dangerous.

Perhaps, the Smith shouldn't be used for heavy weights. If you want to go heavy on a machine squat then load up the hack squat machine. You should never go more than 2 plates on each side on the Smith.

[ALBOB2]

Barefoot, eh? In the tradition of Paul Anderson and Aaah-nold.

How do you squat? Wide foot stance (no Larry Craig jokes, please) or shoulder width? And what is the bar position- high bar or low bar?

Have you ever squatted with your heels elevated on small plates?

Paul Anderson was THE MAN!!!

Feet SLIGHTLY wider than shoulder width, high bar. Tried putting 10 lb plates under my heels a few times many years ago, but never could get used to it. After the knee surgery I learned how to keep my weight back on my heels to take the stress off my knees, so that's not really a problem.

[ALBOB2]

It's the angle that bugs me on the Smith. When you're pushing heavy weight, the straight up-and-down track forces you to rock back on your heels, which is really stupid and dangerous.


??? When squatting, the weight is supposed to be on your heels. I agree, the Smith Machine is overused/misused, but I'm not sure I'm following your logic. :confused:

[supreme_war_Pig]

Yes. Seems a lot of women weren't taught proper hygiene habits during that time of the month.

Oh. Dude. :sick:

[ALBOB2]

Oh. Dude. :sick:


Just a note: chichimams's a dudette. ;)

[Pudge]

Paul Anderson was THE MAN!!!

Feet SLIGHTLY wider than shoulder width, high bar. Tried putting 10 lb plates under my heels a few times many years ago, but never could get used to it. After the knee surgery I learned how to keep my weight back on my heels to take the stress off my knees, so that's not really a problem.

I used to squat barefoot or in Chuck Taylors before I started O-lifting. When I got my shoes, it was definitely difficult to get used to, but now it's the other way around for me- I have a harder time squatting flatfoot. Especially with the way you position your feet and the bar- a weightlifting shoe will help immensely.

In addition, proper front squats are almost impossible without an elevated heel.

The heel forces your quads to work harder and allows for a greater range of motion without putting your knees in jeopardy.

Check out this video. 200kg x 5 in the front squat. Look how upright the lifter remains. That's due largely in part to the shoe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkK9-mnDAy4&feature=related

They work great in back squats as well, as seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y8yKSJbpFI&feature=related

Give them a try, they're definitely worth it, if anything then to just change up your squat routine.

[ALBOB2]

I used to squat barefoot or in Chuck Taylors before I started O-lifting. When I got my shoes, it was definitely difficult to get used to, but now it's the other way around for me- I have a harder time squatting flatfoot. Especially with the way you position your feet and the bar- a weightlifting shoe will help immensely.

In addition, proper front squats are almost impossible without an elevated heel.

The heel forces your quads to work harder and allows for a greater range of motion without putting your knees in jeopardy.

Check out this video. 200kg x 5 in the front squat. Look how upright the lifter remains. That's due largely in part to the shoe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkK9-mnDAy4&feature=related

They work great in back squats as well, as seen here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y8yKSJbpFI&feature=related

Give them a try, they're definitely worth it, if anything then to just change up your squat routine.

I do find that fronts are starting to put too much stress on my lower back, just figured it was from getting ol..................ol................o........... .......just figured I'd have to live with it. :mrgreen: I'll give the shoes a try. Thanks. ;)

[supreme_war_Pig]

Just a note: chichimams's a dudette. ;)

Yeah. That was just a general statement of TMI. :razz:

[Gaetano "Tommy" Lucchese]

??? When squatting, the weight is supposed to be on your heels. I agree, the Smith Machine is overused/misused, but I'm not sure I'm following your logic. :confused:

The weight should be distributed evenly throughout your feet; that's how I learned it anyhow, I'm into that Stuart McRoberts type stuff.

The human spine doesn't go straight up and down. It curves slightly, so when you go down with heavy weight on a Smith, the angle of the bar forces most of your weight to the back of your heels, which makes your foundation less solid, which is dangerous at high weight.

IMHO.

[Pudge]

OLD, dammit! There's no shame in it.

Yeah, without heel elevation on front squats your lower back will round at the bottom much more. The elevation helps you keep your arch and keeps the stress of the weight on your quads and hips.

If you go with one of the Do-Win shoes, order them a size smaller than you normally would. They run big and somewhat wide. I wear a size 12-4E in New Balance, and the Do-Win shoes I use for lifting are an 11.5 US.

[Pudge]

The weight should be distributed evenly throughout your feet; that's how I learned it anyhow, I'm into that Stuart McRoberts type stuff.

The human spine doesn't go straight up and down. It curves slightly, so when you go down with heavy weight on a Smith, the angle of the bar forces most of your weight to the back of your heels, which makes your foundation less solid, which is dangerous at high weight.

IMHO.

The focus on your drive on the ascending part of the squat should be on your heels, but the best way I've found is to have an even footing with your big toe turned up. This will keep the weight from pulling you forward. You definitely don't want to be so far back on your heels that you feel no weight on the ball of your foot. Doing that on a free squat, you'll go backwards most unpleasantly.

[ALBOB2]

The weight should be distributed evenly throughout your feet; that's how I learned it anyhow, I'm into that Stuart McRoberts type stuff.

The human spine doesn't go straight up and down. It curves slightly, so when you go down with heavy weight on a Smith, the angle of the bar forces most of your weight to the back of your heels, which makes your foundation less solid, which is dangerous at high weight.

IMHO.

Okay, I'm falling into my bad old habit of using absolutes and it's getting me into trouble again. My appologies to you.

You're correct, the weight should be sperad evenly across your entire foot. The point I was trying to make, and a valuable lesson I learned too late, was that when you're driving out of the hole you should try and concentrate on driving up with your heels. This serves to take the stress off your kness and put it on your quads and hams. (Letting the weight get too far forward is how I tore my knee.) But, as you said, you still have weight on your toes.

[ALBOB2]

OLD, dammit! There's no shame in it.

Yeah, without heel elevation on front squats your lower back will round at the bottom much more. The elevation helps you keep your arch and keeps the stress of the weight on your quads and hips.

If you go with one of the Do-Win shoes, order them a size smaller than you normally would. They run big and somewhat wide. I wear a size 12-4E in New Balance, and the Do-Win shoes I use for lifting are an 11.5 US.

What's your source for shoes? We used to have a Musclemag store out here, but it went belly up. I think there might still be a Max Muscle, will check it out. I'm not into buying clothes/shoe online because I won't buy anything like that without trying them on first. But once I find a brand and size that's right I can order them from wherever I get the best price.

[JeffR]

my biggest pet peeve is when guys brag about how much they can lift...
How much can you lift? :razz:



P.S. Don't look at my profile! :)

[Pudge]

What's your source for shoes? We used to have a Musclemag store out here, but it went belly up. I think there might still be a Max Muscle, will check it out. I'm not into buying clothes/shoe online because I won't buy anything like that without trying them on first. But once I find a brand and size that's right I can order them from wherever I get the best price.

I don't know any place that sells weightlifting shoes in-store. I'm lucky in that I don't live far from the Moorestown (NJ) Weightlifting Club and they keep some stock there. I suppose you could go to the Werksan USA website I linked to and call them, see if they have a distro center near you, or maybe try Dynamic Fitness (www.dynamic-eleiko.com). They can help fit you over the phone, so to speak.

[Ace_of_Spades]

How much can you lift? :razz:



P.S. Don't look at my profile! :)

i havent done any serious lifting since my freshman year of college...which was about 6 years ago so I cannot answer your question with any kind of accuracy.

but if had to take a guess...i'd say i can probably put up two plates...on each side! haha just kidding!

[Pudge]

i havent done any serious lifting since my freshman year of college...which was about 6 years ago so I cannot answer your question with any kind of accuracy.

but if had to take a guess...i'd say i can probably put up two plates...on each side! haha just kidding!

In what lift? 225 is a respectable amount of weight for most people who don't really train much.

[ImNewHere]

7) Do NOT ask me advice in the middle of my workout. I'd be more than happy to talk with you and give you whatever advice I can, AFTER I'm done working out.

OK.

Yep, I get that same reaction when I tell them I don't bench press. They never think to ask what I DO for chest. :rolleyes:

That's funny in a sad sort of way because you can just see the pain that's in store for them later in life.

If bench, incline and decline press are out. What do you do for chest?

[ALBOB2]

OK.



If bench, incline and decline press are out. What do you do for chest?

When I say I don't bench press, I mean I don't do it in the traditional sense. I don't lie flat on my back and press a straight bar up and down. The reason I don't use a straight bar is that it places my hands in a position where the exercise doesn't effectively target my pecs. Instead, I use dumbbells because they allow me to supinate my wrists (Turn them in so my palms face each other) which much more effectively hits my pecs. My typical chest workout looks something like:

Incline dumbbell flyes: Two warm-up sets and three working sets

Incline dumbell bench press: One warm-up set and three working sets

Weighted dips: Three working sets

[ImNewHere]

Oh, OK. Thanks.

I was trying to think how you'd get a good chest workout if you eliminated the bench press altogether.

[ALBOB2]

Oh, OK. Thanks.

I was trying to think how you'd get a good chest workout if you eliminated the bench press altogether.


You can actually hit your chest very hard just by doing weighted dips. Try a few sets with your feet behind you and a few with your feet out in front of you. Totally different feeling between the two.

[alsa]

Oh, I like this topic! Too bad I have no time to either read or contribute. I think I'll just bookmark it for later.

[home fitness fanatic]

Supposedly grunting allows you to lift more. But the strongest guys in the gym usually arent the ones grunting the loudest.

[pictor]

1. People who work out in dark socks.
Seriously? That's what gets under your skin? What bloody difference does sock colour make?