Unsolicited Gym Advice

[jaymaximus]

How does everyone feel about getting/giving advice from people you don't know in the gym?

I see people in there working out all the time and I want to go help but I know lots of people just want to be left alone. I just figured if you took the initiative to come in might as well do it right.

Now when people come up to me and say stuff I'm usually good with it. Sometimes it's horrible advice and I just smile and brush it off. Sometimes it's good advice and I use it.

Thoughts?

 

[Mayne]

For me it all depends on the situation, person etc. However I am always up to spot a girl doing squats nomsayin'

 

[johnnyBALLZ]

Hahaha, @brutus79 is the KING of giving out unsolicited advice to random people!!

I don't mind it from him, he keeps my form in check. If someone I didn't know came up to me and said something I don't know how I'd take it. Been awhile since that happened though.

 

[MindlessWork]

Hahaha, @brutus79 is the KING of giving out unsolicited advice to random people!!

I don't mind it from him, he keeps my form in check. If someone I didn't know came up to me and said something I don't know how I'd take it. Been awhile since that happened though.

Bet he'd yell at the curlers in the squat rack "The rack is for SQUATS not CURLS!"

Ya, it really depends on the person. I can be in a good mood and willing to help someone, such as giving a spot on bench.

 

[jaymaximus]

I guess it's all in the approach. Whether you look like you're trying to help or you just think you're better than someone.
But when I started out I was 100 lbs lighter and a twig. And it was before it was so easy to get online 24/7 to get routines. So I appreciated it. I don't think anyone has approached me the last few years.

 

[Xlgx]

I will give advice if I think something like form is terribly off.

 

[jaymaximus]

I will give advice if I think something like form is terribly off.

Thats usually it. The number one thing I see is people with bad form because they're more worried about the amount of weight they're lifting. So usually all I want to say is drop a few pounds off.

 

[MindlessWork]

I guess it's all in the approach. Whether you look like you're trying to help or you just think you're better than someone.
But when I started out I was 100 lbs lighter and a twig. And it was before it was so easy to get online 24/7 to get routines. So I appreciated it. I don't think anyone has approached me the last few years.

If I see someone needs help and is not acting like a douche I'd politely offer. Or if I am busy with a set, FUCK OFF.

 

[Mr.B66]

I dont like to give unsolicited advice, i find that when i see some guy doing shit in horrible form, if i offer advice they seem to take it as an insult rather than good advice so now i just ignore them and let them wonder why i look the way i do and they look the same as they did the day they joined.
However i do give a lot of training advice to the younger hungry lifters, this i really enjoy because they are like sponges and so eager to get big and strong, as was i back in the day!!

 

[Docd187123]

I mind my own business unless I'm asked.

 

[Dema]

I'll tell you a story! This kid 16ish starting coming in everyday and after a few weeks I had enough watching him pick up deadlift with the most rounded back possible I went over there and was nice and tried to help him out for a few mins, he moved horrible but got the idea.. rifht away he dropped the weight down and I saw him try to work in form, then left shortly after and I never seen him again! Some people are embarrassed being in a gym and not know what do to and when you try to help them out it back fires.. I wanted to him to stay in the gym why I was trying to help and yet I ran him away... That was the last time I helped someone.. Now I just shake my head at people

 

[insertnamehere]

If I see someone that looks serious about training but it looks as though they don't have the knowledge or experience yet, I may go over and start a conversation.

I usually start out by asking questions about their training program and what their goals are. Not everyone has the same goals and they may do things differently to work around an injury. Point is, you don't really know until you ask, so I ask. This conversational approach usually opens the door to help them without coming across like a know it all, pushing an agenda.

I like helping people in the gym and this has been a very effective method for me.

 

[ruckin]

I fucking hate unsolicited advice. Usually cause it's morons who feel the need to tell me I'm squatting too low. I always get pissed off, say "thanks for the advice" and immediately go back to what I was doing. I never let myself give unsolicited advice either because of how much I hate receiving it.

If someone wants advice they can ask for it, simple.

*rant over*

 

[Dr JIM]

Advice hmm well that depends upon who the recipient and/or advisor is BUT I'll make one suggestion before you give another lifter advice, wait until he gets off the machinery so others can use it!

I suspect there's nothing more inconsiderate than chit chatting, texting, web surfing , or talking on the damn phone while parked on lifting equipment!

 

[insertnamehere]

Advice hmm well that depends upon who the recipient and/or advisor is BUT I'll make one suggestion before you give another lifter advice, wait until he gets off the machinery so others can use it!

I suspect there's nothing more inconsiderate than chit chatting, texting, web surfing , or talking on the damn phone while parked on lifting equipment!

Or in front of the water fountain! That one always gets me.

 

[MindlessWork]

Or in front of the water fountain! That one always gets me.

Ohh yes that gets me boiling too lol

 

[jaymaximus]

So wait until they are done working out? Maybe while in the shower...

 

[Docd187123]

So wait until they are done working out? Maybe while in the shower...

You could open the convo about helping with training by offering a reach around in the shower maybe? Lol j/k

 

[Dr JIM]

Ohh yes that gets me boiling too lol

That's why I bring my water jug, to my own exercise room, lol!

 

[Jimmyinkedup]

I only give advice if I see someone doing something that is going to potentially hurt them. As far as accepting advice I will be honest I dont make myself appear very approachable at the gym. Headphones on, hat or dew rag pulled down low to my eyes, focused on what I am doing and getting it done and moving on. After I am done working out I have spoken to people in the locker room and I think they are sometimes surprised how easy going I am. I think I have a bit of an angry appearance when I work out, it serves me well as far as people leaving me alone. Thats how I like it. The gym hasnt been a social activity for me for years and years. Ill talk walking in, in the locker room, or walking out, but rarely do I talk to anyone at all while I am working out. Its not that I am a dick its just a time thing. I want to get in there, get done what I need to, and get out. I dont have time to spend 2-3hrs at the gym. 45 minutes to maybe an hour, hour and fifteen minutes tops and I am out.