How would you react if someone corrected your form in the gym?

Question

I go to the gym several days a week and have been doing so for years. I have worked with certified weight instructors, so I know how lifts are supposed to be perfomed. I always see people lifting incorrectly at the gym. Should I correct them? How would you react? If you are a guy, how would you react if a girl corrected you? Thanks!

Answer 1

When it comes to giving people advice that you don't know and that don't ask for advice, it can be very difficult.

One approach that I use when I want to give someone advice is to strike up a conversation that I can eventually direct to understand the person. Sometimes people lack the knowledge to do things correctly, some people slowly forget the knowledge that they learned, and some just don't care.

The people who lack the knowledge will be grateful for any advice you can give.

The people who have forgotten will usually be slightly embarassed, but more thankful that you took the time to remind them.

The people who don't care will despise you for telling them what they already "know."

So if you can conversate with these people before hand and understand where they fall, it will help you decide whether or not to give them advice.

Because I have been there and done that.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Hmm, I'm not so sure about doing that. Some people are really sensitive about it and could take it badly or respond badly. I've also been working out in gyms for years and I've seen it backfire, however well intentioned. I've been tempted to correct people who were doing it so wrong I was concerned about injury and it's sometimes hard not to approach them.

Most people will probably take it constructively and be cool about it, but some people won't. The thing is, some people have such strong body image issues that they'll only take it negatively. The way I see it, if they are serious about it, they would hire a personal trainer, learn about it by doing research and getting some media on it, or approach you themselves.

Answer 3

Wow good question. I don't think it's going to go over well in most cases without some sort of introduction first. My way of thinking is that, if they were serious about working out, they would take the time to learn the right form. You can see the same type of behavior everywhere; people can't drive right, don't set the height of their bicycle seats correctly, don't know how to motivate their employees, don't act lovingly to their kids and spouses, don't follow a religion that makes sense to you... so, bad form is everywhere, not just in the gym. You have to let it go, accept it as a fact of life. You can make small differences, but wait until someone asks you or opens up to you first, then your help will fall on willing ears.

Answer 4

Sure why not, but it's all in HOW you approach someone. Some people may not want to be approached however so if you decide to do it, you'll have to take the good with the bad. Just like anything else in life, there are those who appreciate advice and those who don't.

Unfortunately a lot of people might wonder why you are bothering with them...if you are flirting...if you are gay...it's such an untrusting world but then again it's such a screwed up one too!

Answer 5

I would'nt feel offended because when somebody corrects your body form in gym you're actually learning from it and they usually mean you well. As long as the person did'nt have an attitude I would,nt take it offensive if I were you. I've been corrected i both gym and cheerleading practice. So your not alone. Don't be ashamed. Don't stress over it. It's not worth it.

Answer 6

Well, not having worked with experts, I would gladly accept instruction from some one who has. I would just go up and say "Would you mind if I showed you something?" or something like that. A real man won't mind instruction from a girl.

Answer 7

I dont think he's being egotistical, sounds like flirting to me. thats the way this person communicates it prob.