These are my opinions, but they're based on my experiences and my absorbed opinions of many gym rats and bodybuilders. I strongly suggest following these guidelines!
The Pause
To really avoid being these guys and just be a better gym goer, do this,
1) Pause for a minute if you're unsure if someone is done (anymore and it's fair game). If you see them walk away, just stand there. Yep. Just stand there and when they come back ask, "Hey are you done?/ How many sets do you have left?".
2) This carries even more when you go to a free weight bar that has weight left on it and no one seems to be using it (that issue addressed in article 1, putting weights back). If someone is nearby, ask them in between THEIR sets, "Have you seen anyone using this recently?" Usually you'll get a, "No, I don't think so", or, "Yeah, that guy by the water fountain". If they are gone for a sip of water, go back to stage 1.
This doesn't take a lot of time, it's easy to do and it benefits everyone.
"I Can Try To Spot You"
When you ask for a spot, be specific, then be even more specific. Make sure the spotter is qualified, OR if you're not qualified say so. Ask, "have you ever spotted someone doing this before? It's safer to be honest".
As a spotter, it's your responsibility to make sure you know what you're doing. Don't say... "uh sure!", if you actually have no idea what you're doing and then proceed to put someones life in danger.
As the person requesting a spot, make sure you be as specific as possible. The preferred type of spot, lift help or not, rep goal, assistance percentage and failure word. For example, if I wanted a spot while doing a bench press I would give instructions like, "I'm going to want a lift off of the rack. I'm going for 10 reps, I want you to be prepared to take the weight at all times, but don't touch it unless I give you the go ahead. I'll say 'take it' when I need you to take the bar and rack it." When I spot, I ask these specific questions to make the set as efficient and safe as possible.
Buttinski
As a personal trainer, I followed specific guidelines on when to intervene on someone working out. If I honestly felt like someone was going to hurt themselves, there and then, I would approach them with respect and just question some things on their technique. If someone was doing something out of the ordinary, or a little whacky, you leave them be.
If you aren't certified you're better off going to one of the gyms trainers or fitness staff when someone is HONESTLY at risk of hurting themselves. But when someone is just doing something a little different than you, stay out. Just don't butt in. Just let them be. Just because you touch the bar off of your chest on a bench press doesn't mean they should, or can. Just because you prefer seated curls over standing doesn't mean they do. Just because you think 5 sets is too many doesn't mean you're right (or wrong). Regardless, leave them be. You have no idea what people are training for or how experienced they are. Most times, people don't want your advice, it's patronizing and disrespectful.
Sweaty Betty
Plain and simple, wipe down you machine and equipment after you use it. Gyms provide free wipes and cleaners. If you don't do it, you're lazy. Ironically you're being lazy at the gym. It takes 15 seconds and is a great way to let other folks that you're done using that particular piece of equipment.
You will benefit socially if you follow these guidelines. If you can help spread these tips, we can rid the gym of "that guy", one at a time. That is all.
Contact me with any questions, comments and opinions (Trolls are welcome).
Tyler Pritchard
CanFit Pro Personal Training Specialist
tylerrpritchard@gmail.com
Image from
healthfitness.com
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