What would you??

[spatts]

LMM, what if, next time, you ask her for a spot on free squats. Then casually mention that you noticed she's doing squats too, and she can work in with you if she'd like. That way maybe you can work together and she'll be more receptive.

FWIW, W6, I'm grateful you spotted my crap squat. Sent me on a 9 month quest that lead to an awesome competition squat.

 

[Fyre]

I've just learned not to say anything either. Not all, but most people don't like to be corrected on anything. It's awful though that a lot of the time the trainer at the gym is the one showing these new comers the exercises and not showing them correctly in the first place. I work out at a gym where I don't think the "trainers" even workout!

 

[spatts]

As Arioch used to say, let them do it wrong! It thins the herd.

 

[Fyre]

LOL

 

[vinylgroover]

Your right, at the end of the day, it's none of your business........but it is hard not to feel like you have to say something.

I see many people squat like that and their stupidity boggles the mind. Each to their own i guess.

I train a girl at the moment and she is always bringing these women's fitness magazines to my attention, and the rubbish most of them contain on 'exercise variations' in order to supposedly target different muscles is nothing short of ridiculous.

 

[Serenity Head]

That is a legitamit type of squat, however it is very hard to do it properly. I often use it to target the begginers legs in stead of their low back. Women often have very weak low backs so they must use very small weight to keep from hurting their back. I always train women with a combination of both, otherwise they will never feel anything in their legs.

I am a trainer at the gym so most people don't mind me correcting them here and there. But I always leave the cockass frat boys alone to do their "awesome" workouts.

I would maybe say something like, "You know I used to do those and my trainer showed me a way that is a lot easier on my back and knees...here let me show it to you real quick. I think you'll really like it.

 

[spatts]

Men often have weak backs too.

I know that wasn't your point, but I train with all men, and a weak back is about second only to weak hips in most men I know.

I like your approach, only I'd never be willing to lie and say I "used to do it that way," even if it was for the purpose of education.

 

[SteelWeaver]

Yeah, I too wish W6 would turn up in my gym ...

I've found women on their own are eaiser to approach. If they're with someone else, especially if it's a guy, the response is likely to be more arrogant. That whole defensive, territorial instinct kicks in, and you are immediately in the "out"/intruder position. I think one just needs to evaluate the situation. In some cases approaching someone with advice will be met with relieved gratefulness. In others, just keep your mouth shut and and try not to look, or to cringe and wince too obviously.

And since most of us seem to agree that perhaps this isn't a very good type of squat, may I ask why? What are the biomechanics that make it more likely to cause injury? What do these people feel it works more, or better, than a traditional bb squat?

 

[slinky]

I'm supposing we're still talking about Smith Machine squats, right?

Okay the problems with Smith Machine Squats are these:

When performing SMS, you are relegated to a fixed, up and down plain of movement. No deviation. Therefore any "strength" gained from this exercise will only be within that narrow plain of movement.

Another problem, is with the knees. When performing SMS, people have a tendency to lean back into the bar. It's pretty natural to do so. However, by doing this, it eliminates your hamstrings from getting involved. And your hamstrings stabilize your knees when you squat. By moving the hamstrings out of the picture will cause a shearing force to the joint (knee). Not too good.

And I agree with Spatts. I would never ever say to a newbie, "I use to do it that way..." just to comfort the newbie. Plus, I'm a horrible liar, and I'd be lying if I said that

 

[SouthernBell]

thank you all for your advice. And did I mention the poor girl looked horrified that she was gonna fall. ?? I have seen these squats you are talking about Serenity and by no means was this what she was trying to do. I believe that the motion she was a backward hack squat. Her legs were so far in front of her she could hardly hold her balance.

Well today was my off day. But I will be there tomorrow, I will not be too quick to approach her in front of here man friend for fear I would hurt his pride. Besides I am ususally not in any mood for a--holes when I am trying to workout. But I do work legs tomorrow and if she is in fact in there I will maybe ask her for a spot and try to strike up a conversation with her, If I don't scare her off with the faces I make first .. .

Newgirl, I wish we did work out at the same gym then I would have some one to work out with. Barely any women work out in the co-ed side and the ones that do are usually there to gossip or look good. I only get the look from those not much conversation, I swear one of these days I am gonna GROWL !! he he!

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.

And Point well said. That is another good reason I didn't say anything. I am by no means a pro for all I know That could have been a legit squat.

thanks all for the advice I will let everyone know If and when I talk to this girl and maybee even get her to using the real squat rack

lovemymuscle