Proper Etiquette for joining the Men at weights?

[Thatdarndragon]

ok, so I've been intimidated to try the weights in the "men's section" of the gym. Reading a lot of threads here, seeing there are, in fact, lots of women who venture into this area and work their stuff.

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

2. Is striking a conversation to get tips/advice a smart thing to do?

3. I'm also reading a thread saying that men would "move to take benches before a woman takes it".. if that happens to me, what's the best move to make?

4. For a beginner, obviously I am not going to hike to a bench and lift heavy dumbells over my head.. which should I start off with as not to look like a fool and hurt myself?

advice?

[kfisherx]

The first and most important thing you can do to help you feel comfortable is to go in with a plan. If you do not have the book New Rules of Lifting for Women, you should buy it. It will give you a plan for entering the section as well as directions on form. If you have a plan nobody can stop you.

[ives]

ok, so I've been intimidated to try the weights in the "men's section" of the gym. Reading a lot of threads here, seeing there are, in fact, lots of women who venture into this area and work their stuff.

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

2. Is striking a conversation to get tips/advice a smart thing to do?

3. I'm also reading a thread saying that men would "move to take benches before a woman takes it".. if that happens to me, what's the best move to make?

4. For a beginner, obviously I am not going to hike to a bench and lift heavy dumbells over my head.. which should I start off with as not to look like a fool and hurt myself?

advice?

If you're not even sure what exercises you want to do, a few PT sessions are your best bet. As far as joining/interacting with the men... being friendly and polite is always a good idea, but be warned that some women on these boards manage to have ENORMOUS OH SO TERRIBLE PROBLEMS with men talking to them, looking at them, or (GASP!) happening to often be in the same sector of the gym as them, so be prepared for your clueless damsel schtick to give at least some dudes the wrong idea if you do around asking for tips/advice.

The thing about the benches baffles me. Were you reading Teen Misc? If someone takes a bench you were eying, the best move is to wait until they're done with it, then grab it really quickly. Simple logic.

[Beth21]

Agreed on having a few PT sessions and buying a book of workouts seeing clips on this site about proper form.

[Thatdarndragon]

I can't afford PT at the moment. tight on cash

but I will certainly look into the book. it'll give me something to read thanks!

[captainmorgan0]

Don't forget to scratch yourself between sets.

[Thatdarndragon]

Don't forget to scratch yourself between sets.

But of course! Wouldn't be proper if I didn't scratch!

[Npeart]

ok, so I've been intimidated to try the weights in the "men's section" of the gym. Reading a lot of threads here, seeing there are, in fact, lots of women who venture into this area and work their stuff.

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

2. Is striking a conversation to get tips/advice a smart thing to do?

3. I'm also reading a thread saying that men would "move to take benches before a woman takes it".. if that happens to me, what's the best move to make?

4. For a beginner, obviously I am not going to hike to a bench and lift heavy dumbells over my head.. which should I start off with as not to look like a fool and hurt myself?

advice?

Look at the videos on this site to ensure proper form. This site has tons of videos on the Supersite area.

[Miranda]

be warned that some women on these boards manage to have ENORMOUS OH SO TERRIBLE PROBLEMS with men talking to them, looking at them, or (GASP!) happening to often be in the same sector of the gym as them, so be prepared for your clueless damsel schtick to give at least some dudes the wrong idea if you do around asking for tips/advice.

i love this.

[KyleAaron]

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

When you pay a gym membership, you pay for three things: equipment, atmosphere (others working out to motivate you) and instruction. If all you get is the equipment, ditch the gym - with a year's membership you can buy all the equipment you'll ever need. Atmosphere is important, but have a look at the instruction available.

Your gym should have instructors. Most gyms will sit you down for one long or two short sessions, where they do a health screen, ask about your current and past physical activity and goals, and then based on that write you up a routine and show you through it. They should then offer a programme review every 4-8 weeks. As well, instructors should be around in the gym and offer technique tips - 1-3 people for a gym of course can't watch everyone all the time, but they can work with you for a few minutes every few sessions.

This is a basic part of any worthwhile gym's service, and should be enough for you to get started with weight training. For example, on Monday and Tuesday nights this week I had health consults with two women. Each had some physical activity in their background but not recently, and were confident, hard-working and had good bodily awareness. So after the health consult I made an appointment with them the next night to show them through squat, deadlift and overhead press - and over the hour with each of them, they got it all fine, I'm happy for them to be working out on their own with that technique.

It's better to have a professional show you technique. Just because someone's been doing something for years doesn't mean they've been doing it right. I spend a good part of every gym shift around the squat rack correcting the exercise technique of men who've been working out for 2-5 years, yet still have the bar drift out over their toes for the deadlift, squat on their toes with their knees caving in, etc. I don't fancy the idea of those guys "coaching" a new lifter.

Being a PT, of course I say that hiring one is good. Only about 20% of people who go to a gym get anywhere near their goals, but 80% of those who hire PTs ongoing achieve their goals. However, you don't need a PT to achieve your goals - you just need consistent effort over time with a bit of instruction to start you up, and this instruction should be part of your ordinary gym membership. If it's not, get a new gym.

There are a lot of useful online resources. But it's better in person. There's a reason we don't have all correspondence courses for learning.

All that said, it's good to introduce yourself to other gym members and talk about training. Remember, they may be men, but they're just people like you.

[sean061788]

ok, so I've been intimidated to try the weights in the "men's section" of the gym. Reading a lot of threads here, seeing there are, in fact, lots of women who venture into this area and work their stuff.

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

2. Is striking a conversation to get tips/advice a smart thing to do?

3. I'm also reading a thread saying that men would "move to take benches before a woman takes it".. if that happens to me, what's the best move to make?

4. For a beginner, obviously I am not going to hike to a bench and lift heavy dumbells over my head.. which should I start off with as not to look like a fool and hurt myself?

advice?

lol let me break this one down okay... unless your hideous you'll be fine

1. It is hot to see women lift the weights... most guys would love to be asked by a pretty girl for help or a spot.. obviously ask a guy who knows what he's doing

2. Yes, but not a long one, he is there to work out too. (unless he's one of those guys)

3. Once again.. I would love to work in and out on a bench with a pretty girl, unless he's with his girl he wont mind.

4. start at bottom work up

trust me.. unless your ugly as hell.. you will be a welcome addition to that side of the gym, but remember you all pay the same fee's its your gym too

[sy2502]

ok, so I've been intimidated to try the weights in the "men's section" of the gym. Reading a lot of threads here, seeing there are, in fact, lots of women who venture into this area and work their stuff.

1. I have NO idea how to use these weights.. I feel compelled to ask one of the guys to teach me.. but.. is that allowed or would hiring a PT be best?

2. Is striking a conversation to get tips/advice a smart thing to do?

3. I'm also reading a thread saying that men would "move to take benches before a woman takes it".. if that happens to me, what's the best move to make?

4. For a beginner, obviously I am not going to hike to a bench and lift heavy dumbells over my head.. which should I start off with as not to look like a fool and hurt myself?

advice?

Woot, another lady joins the guys in the weight area!!! Yey!

Your gym membership should usually include at least 1 free session with a personal trainer. This includes explaining the proper use of the weight machines, and proper form with free weights. If the PT is worth anything he should also advise you on general good manners (rack your weights, wipe down the equipment after use, etc).
Some gyms have weight training classes, and while I am not a big fan of them, they are a good place to start practicing your form in a low pressure setting (most people in these classes have really crap form).
Also, once you feel ready to go in the weight room, first thing remember you pay to be there, so you have as much right to be there as everyone else. So be respectful and humble, but don't think people have a right to be rude to you because you are new. If you feel somebody is been rude or pushy, very calmly ask why they did it. You shouldn't be a pushover, and this applies in general, in and out of the gym.
Generally, assume people are there to do their own thing, not to train you, so keep the questions and conversation to a minimum. If people actively offer to help, by all means take it. Most guys are not there to hit on you, they are regular people who love BB, and are happy to see more people do it and enjoy it, and if they see you work hard they'll respect you for it.

[Thatdarndragon]

You guys are awesome! Really informative and offer great advice. I'm glad I joined this forum! Thank you all!!

I actually took the time today to check out the weights area (I didn't try anything yet, just to see what it was about).

It appears to be split in two sections. One side is for the heavy builders, much more dedicated and intense. One woman was in there with a trainer.

the other side seemed to be more flexible, smaller weights, with about 5 women in it. That really made me feel more confident! I am now looking forward to exploring this area more!

Someone I work with (That I discovered goes to the same gym) said he's willing to show me the ropes next time we're at the gym at the same time. I am excited about that!

[borcherding]

Another plug to get the book New Rules of Lifting for Women. Have a plan...definitely gotta have a plan. :-) If your friend is willing to show you the ropes that would be great. I agree with what has already been said..your gym should be giving you some instructions. However, I know when I joined my gym the only thing I got was instruction on the machines..nothing in the free weight area. Good luck! Ask here if you have any questions!! Someone will answer you!!

[Simpy]

Kyle is right, if you are truly clueless, then the gym staff should help you to understand. They may or may not help you develop a plan - that differs from gym to gym - but they are responsible for showing you the proper way to perform an exercise.

[kickasskittykat]

Think everyone given great advice already...

I started with a class called pump, my instructor often competes in nabba bb compa so knows what he's doing... That gave me confidence about what to do in the free weights bit.

I read alot you tube is a great source.. As is the active channel on sky.. Dean ash and co give some good advice

Then lastly I used to just watch what people did then read up why and what was supposed to do. This was all before I got really into it but this gave me the bug...

The best thing is you have a friend to show you the ropes after a session or two in the "boys" bit with a mate you'll get the confidence to go in alone..

A plan is great too.. I used to stuff a post it note in my bra in case I forgot my plan, else a workout log is more conventional

[Thatdarndragon]

My gym does not offer training/plan devising without me spending 100+ bucks.

good news, my cousin is a PT and he offered to come by on monday to help me out. I am pretty excited about that! My concerns will be over

I can't find the book lifting for women at my bookstore here. I will have to go to Amazon.com and get it there

[KyleAaron]

My gym does not offer training/plan devising without me spending 100+ bucks.

Your gym sucks. Find a new one.

My gym has 4+ sessions with those who want it,

• Health consult - ask about health conditions, previous injuries, current and previous physical activity, diet and goals; time 60 minutes
• Programme introduction - as soon as possible after and based on the above, the trainer writes up a routine for you on a pre-printed card, shows you how to do the exercises, tells you about progression in them, rest time and so on; time 30-60 minutes depending on routine
• Training experience - 2 weeks after the PI, you do your workout while the trainer watches and gives you a tune-up on technique; the routine may be altered slightly here; time 30 minutes
• Programme evaluation - 2-6 weeks after the TE, come in for a discussion to see how you're going, evaluate progress, perhaps give you a new routine and show you through it; time 30 minutes. Repeat every 4-8 weeks.

Between these sessions, if we don't see you in the gym, we'll ring you up and see how you're going. Each instructor is required to keep a record of those they've done an HC with, and follow them up to ensure they keep coming in.

Gym members are not obliged to do any of this. But those who do tend to stick around for longer and get better results.

If people just walk in and start training on their own, we find that only 25% are still around 3 months later. If they get a routine and are shown through it, it's 50%. All these other sessions and phone calls bring it to 70-80%. That human contact helps people stick to it. Attention helps retention.

As well, the gym is constantly attended by at least one gym instructor. Using Facebook, solitaire, etc, leads to an official warning. We're there to help people. Of course trainers vary, some will help if asked, some wander around seeing if anyone needs help. Some ignore poor technique so long as it won't lead to immediate injury, some will try to fine-tune things for people.

Which is to say that your gym sucks.

good news, my cousin is a PT and he offered to come by on monday to help me out. I am pretty excited about that! My concerns will be over

Excellent, that's just what you need, someone in person to help you. Good luck.