What would you??

[SouthernBell]

Ok Yesterday, I am at the Gym Working out and can't help but notice all the new people everywhere. I usually mind my own business, do what I have to do and unless someone ask a question get on my merry own way. One couple caught my attention and now I am thinking maybe I should of put my .02 cents worth of what I do know to work. He had here on the Smith Machine (first no no) doing Squats.

I have never in my entire life seen something soo horrific.
Her feet must have been two feet in front of her body. She was literally leaning back against the bar and at the same time trying to squat. In a way thank god it was the smith machine because if she would of been free squating she would of busted her a--. I think he took the term back back back to far. Am I just out of the loop or were they doing something wrong. If they were doing someting wrong should I have said someting at the stake of being told to mind my own business?

 

[Friscochick]

YA KNOW, THIS IS A TRICKY TRICKY SUBJECT. IN THIS CASE, I WOULD DEFENTEILY SAY SOMETHING, ONLY BECAUSE IF SHE DECIDES TO GO FOR THE FREE WEIGHTS, SHE WILL SERIOUSLY HURT HERSELF. I THINK IF MAYBE YOU SEE HER AGAIN, IN THE LOCKER ROOM OR SOMETHING YOU CAN PULL HER ASIDE AND EXPLAIN THAT YOU NOTICED HER USING THE SMITH MACHINE THE OTHER DAY, AND WANTED TO SHOW HER HOW TO POSITION HERSELF SO THAT SHE WON'T HURT HERSELF. CHANCES ARE, SHE WILL BE MORE GRATEFUL TO YOU THAN ANYTHING WHEN SHE FIGURES OUT THAT YOUR ADVICE REALLY HELPED.


THERE IS TRULY A DIFFERANCE BETWEEN SOMEONE CARING AND SOMEONE THAT IS JUST ARROGANT.

IF YA SEE HER AGAIN GO FOR IT IS MY ADVISE

LET ME KNOW HOW IT GOES!

 

[slinky]

Usually we keep to ourselves too. It's just too damn scary to look out beyond our own wee world and witness all the crazy stuff going on out there. But now, with all the "resolutionists" in gyms, you can't help but take a gander sometimes. All I do is just sigh and say "lots of crazy shit in here today" - and just get the hell out of there! YIKES!

What you saw is what we see just about whenever we're in the gym. And it's usually a trainer who's instructing some gal or guy on how to perform squats in the Smith. Sad, but oh so true. I think it's good that you didn't say anything. I know it's hard, you really want to help. But the guy, and I'm saying this from experience, will think of you as some "know it all broad" who's poking her nose in business that's not her's. And afterall, guys know more about training than chicks, riiiiiight?!

Just let your actions in the gym; your appearance, do the talking. Ultimately that 'll be your "secret weapon" as to your knowledge. Someday, this gal and other like her will approach you and ask you how you got that bod. That'll be your chance.

 

[makedah]

I've seen lots of illustrations of Smith squats that depict what you've described (feet way out in front) as proper form. I used to see it all the time when I read Shape magazine. It seems mighty awkward to me, but you might be in for quite the "discussion" if you said it was wrong.

This was on fitness model's Tina Charest's web site:

"For more butt involvement, try the Smith machine variation with your feet out infront. From the standing position, take a small step forward so that your feet are about 6-12 inches in front of your shoulders. Lean back slightly on the bar and perform the exercise from this position."

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

Ummm....lovemymuscle -- do you work out at my gym?? LOL

My first instincts are going to walk over there -- but I have learned that people resent the help -- even if as a member, I ask a buddy who is a competitor to help out -- even that is met with arrogance.

My husband maintains the same theory as slinky -- let your own be the guide.

However I am not confident that people see themselves as doing wrong or bothering to check.

 

[wilson6]

I gave some advice to a couple of females that were doing some things improperly a while back. One got pissed and complained to our GM that I was harassing her. She is an aerobics instructor somewhere and says she knows what she is doing. Guess that explains why she carrying a lot of bodyfat as well.

Her friend went through a leg session with me, taught her how to squat, then both the aerobics instructor and her friend went through sessions with another trainer they "trusted". He had them squatting properly as well. Yesterday they were both in the gym squatting about 1/8 of the way down to parallel and with bad form on top of it.

You can lead some to logic, but you can't make them think.

Sometimes I wonder why I even waste the time on people like this, but every once in a while you do educate someone and they are grateful for it, so I guess that is what makes it worth it.

W6

 

[bigguns7]

Hope you ladies don't mind a male's input over here:

I have seen so many people doing that in the gym, both male and female, that I just assumed it was a legitimate movement. I've seen more advanced bodybuilders doing ti as well, so i think in this case it's best to not say anything. You may end up being wrong.

 

[valerie]

I've learned that it is best to keep my mouth shut! Unless its someone I know. A lot of times members will ask me about form cause they think I'm a trainer or they know who I am. Always glad to help. But have been shot down when extending unasked for help.

BTW-Wilson I wish you'd show up in my gym!-valerie

 

[Friscochick]

Hope you ladies don't mind a male's input over here:

I have seen so many people doing that in the gym, both male and female, that I just assumed it was a legitimate movement. I've seen more advanced bodybuilders doing ti as well, so i think in this case it's best to not say anything. You may end up being wrong.

GOOD POINT

 

[FitFossil]

I can't understand why some people are so hard-headed that they can't take advice (or at least act polite) when it's offered in a helpful manner. Are some people really so insecure/egotistical that they think everyone's out to get them?!

No matter what I'm doing, if someone can show me an easier, better way, I'll give it a shot. Hell, even if I get bad advice from a complete dumbass, I'll accept it politely and keep doing my own thing. No need to burn bridges unnecessarily.