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.

 

[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

 

[Nonerz]

Let's face it...at one point, everyone is a beginner. You don't know what you don't know. Some want to learn and some don't. I don't typically offer advice to the guys...but the chicks who brave the weight room, wandering around aimlessly with no clue on the basics of lifting, I don't mind helping them out...if they ask for it.

I often think, "I'm no expert" but I know what NOT to do & have (probably) learned more than most people in the gym...which would be true for most active elite members.

 

[wateengedoe2]

The thing that might work quite well is asking why she does it that way, not saying it's wrong. I've done this at my gym, and sometimes I got good tips; sometimes I could give them myself

 

[MR. BMJ]

OR....you could just send the clip of FITNESSCHICK squatting that she has posted at AF. You all should check it out at AF....Trully awesome.

315 x 5

BMJ

btw...I never go out of my way to help or explain anything to anybody at the gym unless they ask. 99% of the time it is a fucking waste of time...just like the case with Wilson6. This is especially the case at my "fufu" gym where they only have 1 mother-F'in squat rack....of which only myself and like 5 other people use. Then you have them bastards that want to get in the way and use the damn (only one) thing for barbell curls.

BMJ X 2

 

[wateengedoe2]

Link please, Mr BMJ (to that clip)

 

[valerie]

Good replies all. Like Mr BMJ I always think of the time and usually that stops me pretty quick. The most important thing is for me to get MY workout done.

Thinning the herd-yes indeed. May well help clear the squat rack as well. God knows I get tired of chasing the non-squatting crowd from the only squat rack in the county.-valerie

 

[MR. BMJ]

www.anabolicfitness.infopop.net

i'm not sure, but you may have to register to get in.

BMJ