Gym mirrors inspirational???

[runner05]

Had a bit of an eye opener last night when I was working out... Granted, I'm fairly new to this, but do you use these mirrors???

I usually have avoided all the mirrors in the gym 'cuz I just don't like what I see there, but I was standing while doing some barbell presses (yeah- I can stand 'cuz I'm short) and happened to look in the probably distorted gym mirror in front of me. I actually thought it didn't look too bad and definitely better than a month ago. Of course, we probably always look better (probably only to ourselves) when we're working out, flexing muscles, sweaty, and maybe just willing to accept any type of motivation at that point. However, the mirror really did motivate me to keep lifting and finish out the routine! As I went on to using the dumbells, they just really helped with watching to be sure my form was spot-on also.

Of course, the best part was just the motivation I got by FINALLY beginning to like what I see... So, I took a new pic and changed my avi... (The mirror was a bit distorted, but I think it only helped make things better. ) Today, I'm back to running!

[greyhair]

Well, I'm not sure about inspiration,
But I do use the mirrors to evaluate how well I'm doing any movements.

The mirror often tells me if I'm getting too fat

[Whiskeyjack]

I dislike too mirrors being...everywhere. There's a place for mirrors - to show progress, etc. But I hate having them positioned in front of power racks and squat cages so I'm forced to see my ugly bake in contortions as I squat. I learned to squat without a mirror and the thing's a distraction. Now I squat with my back to it, stepping forwards instead of backing away. Same with having a mirror when doing deadlifts or olympic pulls: a distraction.

Then there's the common and distinctly unpretty sight of people - especially newbies with little to stare at - hypnotized by themselves as they hoist massive 15-20lb dumbells in swing curls, or twisting around and around in stretches, always with an unsubtle stare on the line of body.

What I'd like to propose is to have lots of mirrors in certain defined places in a gym. So that, like a particular area for legs where you go to train mainly legs, and train them hard, you go there for a specific purpose: to pose, to check progress, maybe even to gain inspiration.

I know mine may not be a popular view, but there it is.

[bodyhard]

Contrary to peoples beliefs mirrors are in the gym for form not for vanity.

[Whiskeyjack]

Originally Posted by bodyhard

Contrary to peoples beliefs mirrors are in the gym for form not for vanity.

I've heard this argument and it may be true. I recognize the many people who depend on mirrors when squatting to help them with form. Remember, I only proposed that they not be "everywhere," not eliminated. In my gym one of the 3 squat cages used to be mirrorless. That was great. Now it, too, has one, like the ubiquitous cameras in Orwell's 1984. Secondly, I note that in many real hardcore gyms, such as the one I learned to train hard in - including almost all olympic lifting places and many powerlifting - there are few mirrors in evidence; the people concentrate on learning form without dependence on mirrors and to focus inwardly. Lastly, although mirrors help some people with form some of the time, in my experience I see far more of the other variety: mirrors for vanity. I think some gym owners are aware of that and cater to it.

[runner05]

Originally Posted by bodyhard

Contrary to peoples beliefs mirrors are in the gym for form not for vanity.

LOL! I don't exactly stare into them... just happened to notice I was finally beginning to look better, as I usually avoid them - even at home. I also have to agree w/ whiskeyjack in some respects and that they should be placed more where they can be used just for form. However, being the newbie, I wasn't using them for anything until I caught a glance at the benefits I was finally seeing... and proceeded to use them for better form as I completed that part of my wo.

[Whiskeyjack]

Originally Posted by runner05

LOL! I don't exactly stare into them... just happened to notice I was finally beginning to look better, as I usually avoid them - even at home. I also have to agree w/ whiskeyjack in some respects and that they should be placed more where they can be used just for form. However, being the newbie, I wasn't using them for anything until I caught a glance at the benefits I was finally seeing... and proceeded to use them for better form as I completed that part of my wo.

Runner - no aiming at you. I'm very glad for your progress and celebrate with you. I should add that in my own case I don't wear my glasses in the gym and so am half blind anyway, so it's not as problematic as I hint. The other day I didn't even notice my friend Chris (Kimsquit) until he nodded at me!

[runner05]

Originally Posted by Whiskeyjack

Runner - no aiming at you. I'm very glad for your progress and celebrate with you. I should add that in my own case I don't wear my glasses in the gym and so am half blind anyway, so it's not as problematic as I hint. The other day I didn't even notice my friend Chris (Kimsquit) until he nodded at me!

I guess, for me, it was an eye opener mostly because I really do avoid the darn things at any cost and just don't expect to see progress, only expect to see the worst. So... last night at least, the mirror was a motivation for me to keep it up and not give up. Consequently, I use that same bar when doing squats and turn the other direction so I don't have to see the ugly faces I make!

[Whiskeyjack]

Originally Posted by runner05

I guess, for me, it was an eye opener mostly because I really do avoid the darn things at any cost and just don't expect to see progress, only expect to see the worst. So... last night at least, the mirror was a motivation for me to keep it up and not give up. Consequently, I use that same bar when doing squats and turn the other direction so I don't have to see the ugly faces I make!

That's great, Runner; you're an example of the best of both worlds! Good work.

[RacingPrincess]

Originally Posted by runner05

I actually thought it didn't look too bad and definitely better than a month ago.

Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!! That is awesome!!!

Today, I'm back to running!

You rock!!!!

And the gym mirrors are NOT distorted. I look at myself all the time in them.

[John Prophet]

side issue. IMo ANY serious gym should have the '3 way" mirrors like when u try on clothes. All theyd need is a little portable setup that can be moved around.

That would be great for bbers to work on their posing. Simple fact is most gyms dont have peopel dedicated enough to do a show (me included)

[bodyhard]

Originally Posted by runner05

LOL! I don't exactly stare into them... just happened to notice I was finally beginning to look better, as I usually avoid them - even at home. I also have to agree w/ whiskeyjack in some respects and that they should be placed more where they can be used just for form. However, being the newbie, I wasn't using them for anything until I caught a glance at the benefits I was finally seeing... and proceeded to use them for better form as I completed that part of my wo.

LOL Nah man I was not directing this at you I was referring to non-bodybuilders/lifters. There are plenty of people who do not go to gyms and when they see the mirror they automatically assume it is for vanity.

Of course you use the mirrors to track progress as well. So no way is this a knock on you are ANYONE who uses the gym I was refering to people who DO NOT go to gyms or workout.

[IR45N]

There should be one wall or large section of wall that isn't mirrored or plastered with posters. There's a bicep exercise I'd like to do; back flat against the wall & knees bent to seated position & then do barbell curls but the whole gym (weights area) is wallpapered in mirrors. I can see WhiskyJack's point on wishing the cage were mirrorless.

Interesting, more & more gyms don't want to be hardcore anymore but they still figure 'we gotta have mirrors on ALL sides'.

[runner05]

Originally Posted by bodyhard

LOL Nah man I was not directing this at you I was referring to non-bodybuilders/lifters. There are plenty of people who do not go to gyms and when they see the mirror they automatically assume it is for vanity.

Of course you use the mirrors to track progress as well. So no way is this a knock on you are ANYONE who uses the gym I was refering to people who DO NOT go to gyms or workout.

Point taken... But, I certainly didn't mean I was offended, 'cuz I KNOW it takes a lot for a mirror to even slightly impress me... I'm definitely my toughest critic, as I'm sure we all are - at least those of us who actually work at being better (as you noted). For me, this was just an odd inspirational moment and I wanted to share it... and, I'm glad to know I have company and that others use it to see progress as well.

I am fortunate in that my gym is well enough equipped, but mirrors are only scattered here and there. It's too bad that so many time the gym is empty... as was the case last night... and... I was the only one "in the boys room" or, if there is someone, the girls certainly never venture down there to the weight room! Just me and the guys - who are usually in their teens and sometimes quite comical as they try to impress each other! Hopefully, they are gaining a habit they will continue with in life though!

[exguitarplayer]

I put them in my home gym....they make the room look much larger....wish they could make my arms look larger too!

[BergMuscle]

I've got a mirror in my basement gym (a former neighbor gave it to me in a moment of sweet generosity ). I use it to watch my form and to look for progress. I'll be real here, bodybuilding is a visual pursuit as much as a physical one. I want to look great, not just "good", in anything I wear, or don't wear . So, yeah, I check myself out in the mirror to see if I'm making my size/definition goals.

I used to train in a place that had one wall floor to ceiling mirrors and the others bare. I could do all the "against the wall" stuff I wanted to try.

I also taught/trained in Tae Kwon Do with a wall of mirrors that were essential for learning proper form.

And, yeah, no matter what there will be some people who only use the mirrors for vanity. I've just learned to accept that it takes all kinds.

[RacingPrincess]

Originally Posted by bodyhard

when they see the mirror they automatically assume it is for vanity.

That would be me ...you mean they are not to look at myself


The best part of about working out at the gym rather than just running on the road are the mirrors. On the road I need to wait to pass by some store fronts or something to get a glance at myself LOL

at the gym...I just have to arrive

[Spiceygamble]

I think one of the things(as some have tried to point out) people forget about with the mirrors, is that you can not see your form well unless you use them. When a person is moving into a new set of exercises, or adding weight to a current regime, what the body wants to do may not be what it needs to do... and one may find themselves working out improperly. Without those "vanity slabs" to visually guide the movements, the workout can go wrong on so many levels, even going so far as injury. Checking one's form & progress can be crucial in growth & accuracy.
...and on another note, for those of us who practice boxing & martial arts, the idea of being able to use that reflection for aim & focus when alone, makes mirrors our friend.

I don't know about all of you, but when I work out... it's not all about trying to pick someone up at the gym. It's about getting it done... but then again, I'm not a listed singles Bally's girl either... what do I know...

...I'm just say'n...
:P

[sytennison]

Originally Posted by Whiskeyjack

I dislike too mirrors being...everywhere. There's a place for mirrors - to show progress, etc. But I hate having them positioned in front of power racks and squat cages...

What I'd like to propose is to have lots of mirrors in certain defined places in a gym. So that, like a particular area for legs where you go to train mainly legs, and train them hard, you go there for a specific purpose: to pose, to check progress, maybe even to gain inspiration.

I know mine may not be a popular view, but there it is.

Your view is certainly popular with me. Every gym I've been at has had a mirror in front of the squat and power racks and I hate it. For me, it is far more important that I feel good form rather than see it. Checking one's form in the mirror is subject the the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: you can't observe yourself in a mirror without the act of observing affecting your form.

[Whiskeyjack]

Originally Posted by sytennison

Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: you can't observe yourself in a mirror without the act of observing affecting your form.

This is truly apropos and welcome: it says exactly what I was trying to say, only better, and in fewer words. Thanks Sy.

[Most Muscular]

I usually stay quite covered up while in the gym but once in awhile when there isn't anyone around or very few people I know I'll take my sweatshirt off and just wear a tank top. If the time period between these peeks is enough I can usually see some change (good or bad) and it is a good measure of progress (or lack thereof). As bodybuilders, we tend to look at ourselves at home at least a hundred times a day (admit it... every time you walk by the big mirror you give a little glance... go ahead, you can admit it to us in here... we're all secret vain addicts) so you really don't see the changes except when you've seen them in an environment that you haven't seen yourself in for awhile. My goal is to be inspired, not depressed, so it keeps me working harder... or at least covered up longer.

nuff said...

[doofusdave]

I use the mirrors in my gym all the time to keep an eye on my form. At least when they're not all cracked and taped up from the lunkheads throwing the weights which are evidently too heavy to put down the correct way. Probably by the same people who leave the entire weight tree on the leg press. But I digress...

Anyway...I'm kinda embarrassed to use the gym mirrors for anything other than checking form, but I'm glad they are there. I wait 'til I get in the locker room THEN I check how things are developing :-)

[NotTooLate]

I like the mirrors. Having been a fattie and making sure that no mirrors were anywhere so that I couldn't accidentally see myself in one, I now have to make up for all the time that I didn't look in them lol I find them handy in the gym for checking form and I also like to look to make sure the small waist I've worked hard to get isn't suddenly looking blimped up again. I have this terror that one day I will wake up and be fat again. Mirrors reassure me that things have not changed overnight lol

[blabber]

Hey, you guys miss the whole point of gym mirrors. They're for [discreetly] checking out all the potential eye candy behind you!

[Bando]

Reading through this thread makes me think I must be the only one with my eyes closed for most of my lifts.

I don't use/need mirrors but my gym is wall to wall with them. In the corner where all the odd bars go I've almost broken the darn mirror like 4 times. Something about 45 lb bars of steel, shaky tired muscles, a 1/2 worn and spent BB'er and large sheets of glass just doesn't make sense.

[gympunk]

All the benches,etc... face mirrors at my Golds. Can't avoid them.

[redweston]

Originally Posted by bodyhard

Contrary to peoples beliefs mirrors are in the gym for form not for vanity.

Take it from a self confessed mirror whore, there for both !!! LMAO

Keeponpumpin!-red

[AlexNJ]

Originally Posted by Bando

Reading through this thread makes me think I must be the only one with my eyes closed for most of my lifts. (...)

Make that two. For some exercises, I find myself closing my eyes and just concentrating on the movement to try to squeeze out that last stubborn rep. It helps my concentration. But I do rely on a mirror to check my form when squatting or doing deads.

[omnisjdi]

Originally Posted by blabber

Hey, you guys miss the whole point of gym mirrors. They're for [discreetly] checking out all the potential eye candy behind you!

There is that.
For me its also for focusing on form. Though it is fun watching the muscles flex during some of the exercises.
But then again what do you do when you're flat on a bench staring at the ceiling
during some lifts?

Jeff.

[runner05]

Originally Posted by blabber

Hey, you guys miss the whole point of gym mirrors. They're for [discreetly] checking out all the potential eye candy behind you!

LOL! OMG! I really am a newbie and feel so silly now! I will be sure to use these mirrors correctly from now on. Especially since I'm usually the only girl in the "boys room"! Thanks for enlightening a newbie, blabber!!! I will appreciate this advice more than any other