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[Wellington]

God, this is so true. I've been wanting to join a gym for at least 5 years but I only weigh about 60kg, I just imagine loads of hulking behemoths laughing at me when I walk through the door

What? We all started somewhere. Also, chances of you joining a gym and coming upon "hulking behemoths" is small. Power lifters and body builders often go to specially focused gyms, not the typical locations. At 220 lbs (6'4")I was the biggest guy at my first gym and second at where I was going... by a mile.

Most of the points have already been hit:

1) Don't hog equipment. Do what you have to do and do it quickly/efficiently.

2) If you're in a power rack, smith machine, whatever, do work that REQUIRES the use of the rack.

3) Don't show off thinking you're the only that can do x-weight. Someone else can and will.

4) Don't be that jerkoff making a ton of noise. Grunting sometimes is understandable, grunting at every rep is annoying.

5) Don't fucking go to the gym to pick up girls (or guys). Frankly that shit is annoying, like you they are there to work out. Go to a bar after or something. If you HAVE to talk to someone, if the person is your future wife (or husband or life partner) try and catch em on the way out.

6) Unless someone's form is grossly wrong and you are very skilled on that particular lift, do not go up and correct them. I've had too many instances where someone is telling me the wrong way to do something.

7) Don't rest for too long between sets, you're wasting the time of other people by being on the machine they want to use. (unless you let them work their way in)

8) Don't pose in the mirror obsessively.

-------

Personally, I don't and won't ever understand those that work out with iPods or whatever. Do you stop for your favorite part? Sing along? How do you keep the cord from getting in your way? From swishing back and forth while running? I don't like any distractions. :|

 

[m3k]

do you guys have fitness first outside of australia? i think its a british company

fuck them and their contracts

when you sign a contract specifically one that you can terminate any time... they dont tell you face to face that it still takes a month to process your application to terminate the contract where they keep charging you

and you have to make a meeting to cancel your membership where they pressure you to stay, fuck them and their fake smiles and shit advice

/rant

:lol

 

[TheRagnCajun]

God, this is so true. I've been wanting to join a gym for at least 5 years but I only weigh about 60kg, I just imagine loads of hulking behemoths laughing at me when I walk through the door

Not my experience, at the YMCA anyways. Newcomers/'weak' people are a daily occurance. People tend to not give notice. The only people that I laugh at in my head are the ones doing a lift wrong. Ie. the guy doing 1/4 squats cause the weight is too heavy and braces his hand on his left knee to help push up.

-Don't be an equipment hog. If piece of equipment (power rack) is in demand, do the sets you need to do and then get off. Don't try and rotate between multiple peices of equipment inbetween sets. Don't start talking to someone during your rest and end up taking 7 minutes to start your next set. Don't do curls on the power rack.

-Always give people some space if you can. Don't be doing overhead press until failure right next someone cause you might make him nervous.

-Don't correct people on their form or routine. Just let people do their thing.

-The correct ettiquet for letting someone know you are waiting on their equipment is to say 'how many more sets do you have left?' When they answer, then ask that they let you know when they're done.

 

[TheLastCandle]

do you guys have fitness first outside of australia? i think its a british company

fuck them and their contracts

when you sign a contract specifically one that you can terminate any time... they dont tell you face to face that it still takes a month to process your application to terminate the contract where they keep charging you

and you have to make a meeting to cancel your membership where they pressure you to stay, fuck them and their fake smiles and shit advice

/rant

:lol

Had a similar experience with LA Fitness here in the States. Although I think they were even worse because in order to cancel your membership there you have to go in, say you want to leave, and then have them print out a "cancellation form" which you then have to snail mail to corporate headquarters in order to quit. There is NO OTHER WAY TO QUIT. It takes them 5 minutes and a credit card to sign up, and a week by mail to quit.

Go fucking die LA Fitness.

 

[Wellington]

Oh, one thing I forgot, I can't stand if for example I am setting up to do an overhead press, squat, or deadlift and someone sets up a few feet in front of me, directly in my line of sight. Please don't do this, it's so distracting while I do a lift that is potentially dangerous.

 

[CrankyJay]

Power cages are not for curls. Every time there is some douche curling in the cage when I have to do squats, press, etc. It sucks specially when there's only one or two cages.

Heh, just came here to post this. Good work.

 

[Dorrin]

Just avoid the confrontational meathead. There is always at least one in every gym who will go out of his way to basically walk through you as if you didn't exist rather then share a hallway/walkway.

 

[Osietra]

If it's your first time at the gym, and you're worried about people sniggering at your flabby shape, hire a fire eater to walk behind you as a means of distraction.

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

Honestly, the fat/not in shape people at the gym give me the most inspiration.

Its alot for someone to get over their self-conciousness to walk into a place where majority of the people are in shape. I think getting over that hurdle is the biggest thing. And then I see them on there just grinding and working at it, and then I am there just going through my routine. So I work harder myself.

 

[BertramCooper]

Invest in a good gym. Sometimes the extra $10-$20 is really worth it. You want something with a lot of variety so that you don't get bored. I pay around $50 a month for my gym and it's worth every penny. I've found that paying more is actually really good incentive to get my ass there. I want to get my money's worth, so I use it as much as possible. So if you have a choice between a $20 strip mall gym and a $50 country club style gym, I'd go with the latter.

And if you use the showers, get a cheap pair of waterproof flip flops to wear in it. The last thing you ever want to do is to walk into those things barefoot. Luckily, I live close enough to my gym that I avoid the showers altogether.

 

[CrankyJay]

Just avoid the confrontational meathead. There is always at least one in every gym who will go out of his way to basically walk through you as if you didn't exist rather then share a hallway/walkway.

Never met a single meathead/douche at my gym. Everyone I've ever talked to has been pretty courteous about letting you work in a set or lending a spot.

 

[Jill Sandwich]

Beating off doesn't count as cardio ?

It's both, just remember to switch hands between each set.

Yeah in my experience in gyms there's always been a mix of people, the only time I've encountered meatheads was at the gym based in a rugby club. There's always one guy grunting and peacocking in front of the mirrors and making sure everyone knows he's hardcore, but that guy just makes me piss myself laughing.

Also as has been said before, attendance = success. Go regularly, even if you 'don't feel like it tonight'. Once you've got your shoes on and heading to the gym, you've succeeded.

Don't treat yourself with a fatty snack afterwards for working out, have a banana!

 

[BertramCooper]

Also as has been said before, attendance = success. Go regularly, even if you 'don't feel like it tonight'. Once you've got your shoes on and heading to the gym, you've succeeded!

Absolutely.

It's definitely rough at first to get yourself to the gym, but once you've gone regularly for about a month or two, you're golden. It will have become an indispensable part of your routine, and your brain will be nagging you to get there on a daily basis.

It's getting over the initial hump that's difficult, and it's where most people fail.

 

[MC Safety]

For god's sake, wipe down any machines you use when you're done with them.

It's just common courtesy.

 

[Prine]

Im fascinated over gyms nowadays being for healthy and buff people, i grew up assuming it was for the overweight.

 

[Monroeski]

If you bring in your phone and answer a call while working out, you forfeit any rights to whatever machine/equipment you're using. Waiting for someone to finish and move on but seeing them pull out their phone is bullcrap.

 

[fatigues_gasolini]

If you bring in your phone and answer a call while working out, you forfeit any rights to whatever machine/equipment you're using. Waiting for someone to finish and move on but seeing them pull out their phone is bullcrap.

I was in the gym a few weeks ago and saw a woman almost in tears on talking on her cell while she was on a machine. It sounded like she was breaking up with her boyfriend. Probably no the best time to be doing it.

 

[Manmademan]

Generalising a bit there buddy. I'm not one to talk! I'm more chubby than a pregnant walrus! I've rarely if ever seen an amazon women in a gym. Do you have any idea how much they would have to workout to look like that?

Most women I have seen who go to the gym are just trying to become slim. Not beasts.

my gym is filthy with hot women. FILTHY. and all they do is run on the treadmills and use the elliptical machines. usually while reading a magazine.

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

my gym is filthy with hot women. FILTHY. and all they do is run on the treadmills and use the elliptical machines. usually while reading a magazine.

This.

I admit, I've done the piggish thing of getting on a treadmill behind one of those women, and running, thinking to myself "Eyes on the prize."

*hangs head in shame."

 

[Jill Sandwich]

This.

I admit, I've done the piggish thing of getting on a treadmill behind one of those women, and running, thinking to myself "Eyes on the prize."

*hangs head in shame."

*joins in hanging head in shame*

 

[Szu]

1. First things first, go to the bathroom and take care of business. I sucks to have to take a break during you workout. Do a number 2 before you do any squats.

2. Stretch before and after your workouts.

3. There's no right or wrong time to do cardio. There are advantages and disadvantages to doing cardio before or after your weight training routine. Find out what works for you.

4. Do your own research about workout routines. Read some magazines or check out some workout videos on Youtube.

5. Don't grunt/scream/wail when you are working with weights.

 

[ShOcKwAvE]

1) Please put the dumbbells, plates or accessories you just used back on the rack when you're done.
2) Do not offer advice or a spot to anyone unless they ask for it or they're in serious danger of injury.
3) If you have to grunt, it should be no louder than a normal conversation.
4) Do not drop weights unless the floor is specifically designed for it, and then, only if there's no one closeby. A dumbbell came dangerously close to my foot once and I was not amused.
5) You may use one station at a time. If I walk into one while you're using another, and you come over and tell me you're not done with it, too fucking bad.

 

[djtiesto]

Never met a single meathead/douche at my gym. Everyone I've ever talked to has been pretty courteous about letting you work in a set or lending a spot.

Yup, same here... very surprised at this considering I live in a huuuuge guido hotspot.

Also, if you are self-conscious about going to the gym, it may be helpful for you to go at night, or any other time, when there's less people.

 

[Midas]

Just remember: It's all pipes!

 

[dankir]

1 - Put your fucking weights back on their racks when you're done

2 - Wipe your bench / machine after you've finished using it

3 - Please don't grunt during every fucking set so everybody in the gym can here you, trust me we don't want to

4- Don't throw the weights / dumbbells on the ground when you finished using them

5 - Don't think the hot girl in the gym wants to talk to you she's getting hit on by every guy in there already, leave her alone

6 - WEAR FUCKING DEODORANT, JESUS MARY CHRIST I can't stand smelly people.

I've been going to the same gym for 11 years now, there are douchebags that break these rules every time I'm there.

DON'T BE A DOUCHEBAG!!

 

[CrankyJay]

Yup, same here... very surprised at this considering I live in a huuuuge guido hotspot.

Also, if you are self-conscious about going to the gym, it may be helpful for you to go at night, or any other time, when there's less people.

I even see familiar faces from the gym out and about in society and will get the occasional head nod from them. It's pretty cool, actually.

 

[Nemo]

Go to a gym where people don't fuck with your training unless you ask

I also prefer some basement gym than those fitness first type of gyms

If someone asks you to shoot up their butt with some "stuff" don't do it.

These days I hate gyms and set up my own little corner at home, but obviously this is not for everyone

 

[wud]

I don't know how everyone elses gym works but my uni one has a dedicated room downstairs for free weights and no machines so the "don't drop the weights" thing is ok there.

Do other gyms provide paper towels and spray to wipe machines down with? this is the only gym ive ever been too in a dedicated fashion so im not sure what others are like

 

[gregor7777]

I hate everything about gym "culture".

The jargon- " dude I like tri-squatted my pexors after working my core bursts, then I downed a tall glass of PCR4667 triglycal power juice with a raw egg!"

The shower- stinks, scared of athletes foot, dudes hanging out for no reason (looking for action?)

The women- sorry, I like my women dainty and thin. Can't stand the amazons...

The gear- leopard pants and wife beaters, with high top reeboks. awesome dude!

The atmosphere- self centered much?

Well that was ignorant. Any more gems?

 

[mooooose]

Is it necessary to be spotted when at the gym? I've always been paranoid about going alone and I generally keep to myself, so that's something I've been worried about.

 

[NomarTyme]

I don't know how everyone elses gym works but my uni one has a dedicated room downstairs for free weights and no machines so the "don't drop the weights" thing is ok there.

Do other gyms provide paper towels and spray to wipe machines down with? this is the only gym ive ever been too in a dedicated fashion so im not sure what others are like

My 24 fitness does, but most of time it runs out because people waste so much paper towels at once.

 

[Vomiaouaf]

That pretty much sums it up.

 

[gregor7777]

God, this is so true. I've been wanting to join a gym for at least 5 years but I only weigh about 60kg, I just imagine loads of hulking behemoths laughing at me when I walk through the door

In reality, no one cares but you. Actually, I've seen plenty of people come to the gym really out of shape or scrawny and within 3-4 months you can really see a difference. It's inspiring more than anything else.

Is it necessary to be spotted when at the gym? I've always been paranoid about going alone and I generally keep to myself, so that's something I've been worried about.

Necessary? Usually not.

Depends on what you're doing though. On the bench, I always have a spotter. I go alone so I just ask whomever is closest to me for a spot.

That's really the only exercise in my routine where I need one. Most people go without.

 

[wud]

Is it necessary to be spotted when at the gym? I've always been paranoid about going alone and I generally keep to myself, so that's something I've been worried about.

no but if you've got a friend who's going to be as dedicated as you are then its helpful. I go with one of my mates who's a similar build, even though he lifts a lot more than me I just keep at my own pace and its helpful when im struggling on the last reps to tell me to keep going

 

[Raxus]

1 - Put your fucking weights back on their racks when you're done

2 - Wipe your bench / machine after you've finished using it

3 - Please don't grunt during every fucking set so everybody in the gym can here you, trust me we don't want to

4- Don't throw the weights / dumbbells on the ground when you finished using them

5 - Don't think the hot girl in the gym wants to talk to you she's getting hit on by every guy in there already, leave her alone

6 - WEAR FUCKING DEODORANT, JESUS MARY CHRIST I can't stand smelly people.

I've been going to the same gym for 11 years now, there are douchebags that break these rules every time I'm there.

DON'T BE A DOUCHEBAG!!

This. Be courteous to others and they will do the same for you. Same applies in the lockerroom.
Do your business, get out. Don't stare like a pervert at any other gym patrons.
Don't be shy because noone truly gives a crap.
If you need help, ask for it someone will lend a hand (most of the time). This helps if you need a spotter at the bench for safety or want to make sure you have the proper form so you get the most out of the workout.
It isn't a competition. Above all else DON'T HURT YOURSELF. Not only do you have to pay medical bills but all your hard work gets thrown out the window.
Breathe. Especially after running, make sure to keep moving. Just so you don't black out. What I do is count when I breathe out as I lift. You need to keep good O2 content in your body to build muscle holding your breath doesn't do any favors.

There are tons of other things I can post but this will do for now.

 

[PantherLotus]

I'm going to join a gym in the next few days actually, but all I know how to do is "simply" bench and curls.

Can anyone make a routine for me? I can go M-F for an hour or less. I'm 6'0" and 175 and a little flabby but not fat. Would prefer 168 and cut.

 

[Tater Tot]

What is the etiquette if you see someone performing an exercise with horrible form. I always see a particular person in my person, performing a squat/deadlift with bad form. I mean really bad, and I think he might hurt himself, I want to help him out but I don't want to come off as the all knowing gym douche.

 

[Raxus]

I'm going to join a gym in the next few days actually, but all I know how to do is "simply" bench and curls.

Can anyone make a routine for me? I can go M-F for an hour or less. I'm 6'0" and 175 and a little flabby but not fat. Would prefer 168 and cut.

Lots of cardio, proper diet (Protein, low calories and veggies but don't take my word on this go see a dietitian), for weight lifting do lighter sets and more reps per set. Gives the 'cut' look you want instead of muscle building and is better for weight loss.

As far as what to do there are so many things to do in a gym all I can advise is just to look up work outs online (there are plenty of sites for it) and find all the different workouts for the muscle groups. Mix it up on occasion.

 

[Ultimatum]

Damn, the gym I go to sounds like heaven compared to the rest of yours.

I go to Esporta in England, it has pretty much every machine, weight, rack, etc. I need, it has a swimming pool, tennis courts, sauna, and steam room. Oh, and it's always clean. They have good staff, and the members of the gym are super nice too. You can always ask random people for advice, people always hold doors for you, etc. I love it.

It's expensive though

 

[NomarTyme]

I'm going to join a gym in the next few days actually, but all I know how to do is "simply" bench and curls.

Can anyone make a routine for me? I can go M-F for an hour or less. I'm 6'0" and 175 and a little flabby but not fat. Would prefer 168 and cut.

Read this under "Lift Really Heavy Things"

 

[gregor7777]

I'm going to join a gym in the next few days actually, but all I know how to do is "simply" bench and curls.

Can anyone make a routine for me? I can go M-F for an hour or less. I'm 6'0" and 175 and a little flabby but not fat. Would prefer 168 and cut.

Hit up the fitness thread. Lots of great advice there.

In short, do complex movements that work multiple muscles.

Learn squats. Bench. Overhead press. Rows. Pullups. After a while, try deadlifts.

Stay away from isolated movements like curls unless they are secondary to the exercises above.

Do squats.

 

[Tenks]

-Don't do curls in the power cage. Some of us need it you little shit.

-don't act like you own the gym.

-don't simply go and do bench press and curls.

-don't go and "teach" me how to power clean properly. I know more than you

You sound like a massive douchebag.


I wouldn't overthink it. One of the most common things I hear from people who don't goto gyms is because it intimidates them. They are always worried about doing something wrong or looking like an idiot and being judged by the gym goers. Well, who the fuck cares? Just show up and do what you want. Don't worry too much about the other people. Now, mind you, have some basic manners. Do wipe down the equipment (especially if you're a sweater) and if someone asks to work in on various equipment let them.

However, if you love doing curls in the power cage don't let the fucknut above discourage you.

 

[Steve Youngblood]

I'll come from the perspective of a non-fitness guru who goes sometimes regularly sometimes irregularly in an attempt to not be out-of-shape.

1. Just go. This is the hardest part. There are a plethora of excuses to rationalize that one day won't kill you, but if you don't have obligations, go when you have the time. For me, this means that the best time is to go on my way home from work, or when I wake up on weekends when I'm off work. If I don't just go and get it out of the way when I have the chance, I don't go.

2. Serious fitness buffs will assuredly disagree, but if you're scrawny and out of shape, don't be ashamed to use machines in lieu of free weights. If you prove you're serious, move to the weights. Otherwise, something is better than nothing and you forgo the hassle of having to set up the weights and adjust when you have too much / not enough weights on the bar. Furthermore, when you're going alone, it's nice not to need a spotter, as I'm there just to get in and get out. Mind you, I don't really know what I'm talking about, so I'll have no choice but to defer to the wisdom of fitness fanatics should they disagree. But this is just what works for me.

3. Wipe down machines.

4. Don't lallygag in between reps. 30 second rest? Okay. "Oh God, I just exerted all my energy and need a few minutes to recoup?" Wipe down, get a drink of water, and let someone else use it if they were eying it.

5. Applicable to gyms with a track: don't walk in the outside lanes. This one annoys the hell out of me. If you just have to talk with your buddy while you engage in light cardio and walk two-wide, at least be cognizant of those who are running on the track and be prepared to step to the inner lane.

 

[gregor7777]

However, if you love doing curls in the power cage don't let the fucknut above discourage you.

I disagree. It is ALWAYS bad form to do curls in the squat racks. ALWAYS.

That's one of those gym rules that's unspoken, but everyone in the joint knows.

You can curl literally anywhere in the gym. I can only squat in the squat racks.

It's simply rude.

 

[Owensboro]

Don't be the two people I sat next to on the bike last week. They were constantly making fun of all the obese people working out on machines/treadmills/bikes. I mean, what the fuck dudes, these are the exact people you shouldn't be making fun of.

As for actual advice?

-Get a lock for the locker room. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, it just needs to keep your stuff there so someone doesn't steal it while you are working out.

-Don't be afraid to ask someone if you can use the machine they are on if they are just sitting there. Also, don't be pissed off if someone asks if they can work in a set. It only helps everyone out.

-If people are waiting in line at the water fountain to just get a drink, please for the love of god don't take 5 minutes filling up your gigantic freaking water bottle. Step aside, let them get a drink, and then fill it up.

Lastly: Enjoy the people watching. There is some great stuff you can see at a gym that is pretty damn funny. My favorite is still the guy who is doing a bicep machine, and near the end of his set looks at his bicep and just smiles. I know he's thinking 'Fuck yea, look at that shit." It's amazing. Also, good for him. (I wish my muscles were that big).

EDIT:

2. Serious fitness buffs will assuredly disagree, but if you're scrawny and out of shape, don't be ashamed to use machines in lieu of free weights. If you prove you're serious, move to the weights. Otherwise, something is better than nothing and you forgo the hassle of having to set up the weights and adjust when you have too much / not enough weights on the bar. Furthermore, when you're going alone, it's nice not to need a spotter, as I'm there just to get in and get out. Mind you, I don't really know what I'm talking about, so I'll have no choice but to defer to the wisdom of fitness fanatics should they disagree. But this is just what works for me.

Seriously, this. I got back into working out in January of last year, and since then have only done Machines and used a bike. If that's all you want to do, then that's all you need to do. Don't think that just because "serious" gym guys only say to use free weights that you have to. Using just machines I dropped from 220lbs to 180lbs, and plan on getting down to 170.

 

[ChiTownBuffalo]

Also with the contract thing.

I first joined Bally Total Fitness under the whole contract deal, back in 1998? Even thought it killed me at first, I now pay $14.99 to use any Bally's in the world. This includes getting grandfathered into Crunch gyms.

I think Bally Total Fitness has some major issues, but for $15 bucks a month, I pretty much just STFU about them.

 

[projekt84]

I have my own rules that contradict basic rules.

- If the place is a fucking mess, I'm not there to be cleanup, so just leave stuff the way you saw it (this is usually the case with big, crowded gyms).

- Don't get a membership to a commercial gym, try to find a local place. Less people, and usually "better" equipment (more free weights and less machines)

- Try not to get disgusted with people who stare at themselves in the mirror so much they're tripping over things.

 

[ianp622]

God, this is so true. I've been wanting to join a gym for at least 5 years but I only weigh about 60kg, I just imagine loads of hulking behemoths laughing at me when I walk through the door

Yeah, just go and don't worry about it. I'm 55 kgs, and I started benching and squatting the bar and worked my way up. I've been to two gyms, one at college and one at home, and at both, people have been helpful if they see my form is wrong, as well as giving other advice. I've never encountered a douchebag.

 

[Kentpaul]

Don't fall in love with everygirl who gives you a slight glance in the gym

 

[BronzeWolf]

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