Info needed for research study...

[UWFutrMD]

Hey everyone,

I've been a bodybuilding.com forum lurker for some time now. I've used much of the information on these boards for implementation into my own personal workout regimen. Because of the high quality of much of this forum's content, I have garnered much respect for the knowledge base represented here. As such, I was hoping some of you would be willing to help me out with a research project I'm doing. I'm investigating the human dynamics and rituals that are routinely observed in a gym. The posters of these forums would be an invaluable resource for collecting data. Some of the dynamics/rituals I am interested in hearing your thoughts about are:

1). Workout attire and its relevance (i.e., is it chosen for comfort, display, etc?)

2). Whether or not you work out alone. If you work out with a partner, how did you choose that partner? Why do you prefer to workout out with a partner? What is the nature of your interactions? Encouraging? Competitive? Other?

3). Does gender play a role in gym interactions? Are you there to meet a potential mate? Do you sometimes feel compelled to "show off" for someone you may be interested in? What body types do you find most attractive (It it important that both men and women respond to this question!!)

4). Do you sometimes feel intimidated at the gym? Why?

5). Do you sense that there may be a social hierarchy which exists in the gym? If so, what dictates this, in your opinion? Strongest? Biggest? Best definition? Loudest? Attitude?

6). Do you have any personal rituals that you abide by? These can be superstitions/quirks, etc...

7). Are there any rituals which make you uncomfortable or annoyed at the gym? If so, why do you feel the way you do?

Keep in mind that both male and female opinions are needed. So, if you are so kind as to respond to this thread, please indicate your gender. Also, if you are willing to be contacted for a short e-mail interview which will address these issues further or if you have any questions about my research, please feel free to e-mail me at: djnalepi@students.wisc.edu. I will, of course, protect your confidentiality if we conduct an interview (you may use an alias if you prefer). Thanks in advance for your help, insight and cooperation!! I really appreciate it!! Lift hard!

Dan

[Sweetness]

Okaaay, sure...

1)Comfort/Function, function like I feel the need to wear shorts when doing legs, tanks or sports bra when doing upper body so I can watch my form. I wear warm clothes so I sweat more when doing cardio.

2)I mostly work out alone but I find positive competitiveness encouraging.

3)Yes and No. Yes it is an issue, a comfort issue (being a woman), I like to work out at women only gyms to avoid that type of socializing. No, because it does not really apply.

4)No.

5)No, again I am not there to socialize.

6)ummm....cant think of anything, every time is different, maybe in a way that is a ritual.

7) YES!! people who do not put their weights away properly. People who take up space on a bench so they can complain or gossip with their freinds, peop.....oh wait "rituals" ummm....I dont think Ive ever noticed a ritual (except maybe stretching). No prob. there.lol.

Happy researching

[UWFutrMD]

Thanks to those who are taking the time to reply. I know there are a lot of questions involved. It has actually been quite a bit to undertake. However, my advisor thinks that this type of data may be potentially publishable because the gym is one of the few places left where a wide range of behaviors can be observed in a controlled yet still random environment. I will only be collecting data for approximately the next week or so, as the data must be analyzed, and the paper must be written and submitted before I start med school in the fall...so please contribute if you are able. I also want to encourage you to ask any questions you may have about the research (I can answer them in this thread or through e-mail). I really appreciate it! Lift hard!

I know some of these questions may be perceived as gender-biased, but that is not the intention. Each question was written to be answerable by members of either sex. Just a little clarification as I see I have gotten only one reply in the Female Bodybuilding forum. Thanks for your interest!!

[Big Cat]

Originally posted by UWFutrMD
1). Workout attire and its relevance (i.e., is it chosen for comfort, display, etc?)

Display cause you can't train properly what you can't see. Its best to expose your weaker body-parts, the shame that fills you for lacking, drives your workouts. Somewhat for comfort. I can't seem to train chest or shoulders unless I go sleeveless. My shoulders get in the way.

2). Whether or not you work out alone. If you work out with a partner, how did you choose that partner? Why do you prefer to workout out with a partner? What is the nature of your interactions? Encouraging? Competitive? Other?

All of the above. training with a partner is great when you need the extra motivation. But I've gone through my share and had few that were actually capable of motivating me. Sometimes they just drain energy cause you are doing all the motivating. Its a welcome change to train with and without partners from time to time.

3). Does gender play a role in gym interactions? Are you there to meet a potential mate? Do you sometimes feel compelled to "show off" for someone you may be interested in? What body types do you find most attractive (It it important that both men and women respond to this question!!)

I always feel compelled to show off, but gender does not play a role. A gym is not a place for social interaction to me, its a state of mental focus aimed solely at getting my body into top gear. I interact as little as possible, that includes possible training partners. Afterwards I pose down to check my pump, that leaves plenty of room for showing off if it itches. I'll never pick up anyone in a gym, cause you know you'll see them there again and they will become a distraction and a liability.

4). Do you sometimes feel intimidated at the gym? Why?

USed to. Now most people are intimidated by me. Size just intimidates, that's all. Don't think there is an underlying psychological thought there other than "this guy can break me in half".

5). Do you sense that there may be a social hierarchy which exists in the gym? If so, what dictates this, in your opinion? Strongest? Biggest? Best definition? Loudest? Attitude?

Respect and willingness to help. Size matters to the rookies, not to the real trainers. Respect each others training, help out others and you will fit right in.

6). Do you have any personal rituals that you abide by? These can be superstitions/quirks, etc...

Tensing and flexing between every set, exhale three times before starting a set, and a bunch of other things I rarely notice. It all helps to create a routine, something you blindly do. That makes it easier to adhere to a training schedule.

7). Are there any rituals which make you uncomfortable or annoyed at the gym? If so, why do you feel the way you do?

Whatever is too much outside of normal and breaks my concentration.

[CyberGod]

1-) Not really, i wear always the same kind of clothes: T-Shirt and Track Pants... Sometimes I pull back T-Shirt Sleeves while on arm day, to make me desire for every rep when I see my vein popping out

2-) I workout alone. I don't need anyone to keep me focus or motivating me... All i need is my MP3 player with my kind of music. I don't think I could find anyone who shares the same exact way of thinking about this sport... Also, i want to finish my workout under 1 hour, having a partner seems to get in the way more than motivating me.

3-) I don't go to the gym to find a mate or whatever. When i see a sexy thin woman working out her hamstrings, I will look, no doubt about it But she will NOT take my focus away from my workout.

4-) I never feel less than anyone else at the gym... My progress is based on MY personal experience...I rarely take notice of people's rep/sets/weight

5-) No hierarchy...

6-) Just before my next set, I focus so hard and imagine I'm all alone in a white palace, then I start the set.

7-) Not really, except maybe the idiots who sit on a bench that i want to use to talk to someone....basically, anyone who doesn't think about other people, annoy me

[Rebecca95833]

#1

I choose workout attire for a few reasons. I always wear black pants, I do hard workouts and I sweat, and anything other than black makes it look as if you wet your pants. I wear clothing that is both comfortable, but also exposes muscles you wish to see working, but I'm also conscious of looking good.

#2
I've worked out with both partners and by myself. Both work for me. I had a long-time partner for a year, who recently quit (for a number of reasons). I thought my workouts would suffer with her absence, but have found that I push just as hard, and often get a harder workout, because I can move through exercises with less rest time, as I'm not waiting for her to complete the exercise. I think having a partner is good for beginners, as it keeps you motivated, but I don't have any trouble getting myself to the gym. I often do miss my partner though, it was fun to bounce ideas and routines off her.

Does gender play a role in gym interactions. As the people I work out with are mostly bodybuilders, I have to say no. I don't usually do the cardio social scene. What body types do I find most attractive. That's hard to say. There are a lot of different types, and all have their individual attractions. Mostly I would say a lean, conditioned body, but I've seen some large ones that are yummy also.

I think beginners may often feel intimidated at the gym. It seems like the first person they run into is the Fitness Barbie. But, after you have been workout out a while, you learn that most are there to get in shape, which basically means most aren't in shape. No. I don't feel intimidated at all.

Is there a heirarchy which exists. I don't know that this is necessary true, but there is a level of respect which develops for trainees who are very dedicated, work hard, and have the bodies to show for it.

Personal rituals. Basically, I think any serious weight trainer who is maintaining (or trying to) strict form has a bunch of rituals they go through with every lift. Checking constantly foot placement, hand placement, alignment, breathing, and focus.

No one else's rituals necessarily bother me, if they basically don't do them in my "space".