BuddhaThu wrote:
It has gotten to be such an
Quoted message said:issue that the weight reducers are complaining and some are copying what the performance athletes
are doing, which is dangerous.
My $.01. Sounds like people need to focus on their own workout and not be concerned about what
others are doing. Perhaps more supervision and/or education is in order for some folks?
I haven't seen that problem where people try to copy other people's workouts. What I have seen is
people (person A) using equipment in different ways than another person (B) has seen it used. B may
either ask what they are doing to learn a new technique or politely offer to correct them if they
think that A is doing it incorrectly. For example, I've used the back of a versaclimber as a
shoulder workout (as taught by my PT), and several have asked about it - but no other takers.
The fitness center where I used to go is really a PT place that lets people use their equipment for
a very reasonable fee and no membership charge - so it's fairly mellow. Pretty much one of each
piece of equipment so you don't see the rows of bikes in spin classes like in big-box gyms. It's
probably lower key than commercial big-box gyms and not sure about universities. But we have to go
through a brief orientation on how to use the equipment (I'm not sure it's a high quality
orientation, but it is an intro for people that have never used the equipment.) If we haven't been
in for a year, we have to go through the orientation again. They show you how to adjust the
equipment to your size and get right weights, etc.
Many of the users are PT graduates or people trying to get some exercise in low-key environment, but
some are extremely fit people (what I call fitness freaks). Most walk on the treadmill, but one lady
cranks it up both slope and speed and goes for it. Most people get along and do their own thing
without anybody trying to copy others. People are encouraged to ask if they've forgotten how to do
something.
Quoted message said:
I have this agility problem for a while. I could not run at great speeds or do my sprints without
falling. So I tried a balance and coordination tactic. I walk backwards on the treadmill and do
some free weights while standing on one leg. I do it safely, I do it with care, for all
coordination and balance training will involve some dangers, about as much as lifting heavy
weights. For a while, it worked. But I am told not to do it because people have started to copy
me. This is dumb.
Depending upon what they are copying, I would think the attendants should offer to instruct the
others properly in a new skill. If the attendants aren't familiar with it, then maybe you could show
them or show them a reference or whatever - IF it's appropriate.
I've not done backwards walking on a treadmill, but we run backwards normally, high steps, butt
flicks, and skipping with many 180 deg turns on a gym mat (like gymnastics floor exercise mat).
Something like this might be more appropriate for the others (or even you) if there's facilities
there. And I think we all did our fair share of wipe outs when we were learning - but the mat's a
fairly forgiving surface. Our coach has a routine on either the treadmill or stairmaster where he
does things in assorted directions (front, back, side) with /without weights. Absolutely none of
us try it 😉
For the single leg balance with free weights, perhaps someone can instruct them in proprioception
exercises - which is certainly useful for all levels. They're not seeing the steps you went through
leading up to where you are now. Someone needs to show/explain that to them - or at least give them
a handout. Start with single-leg balance, then squat, then add leg movements in all directions, then
close eyes, then add unstable surface, then add weights, if desired - and a wobble board if
available. I do these at home or in office 4-6 days a week and sometimes while standing in grocery
lines, but I'm not up to weights yet. How to start a progression of exercises like this is something
I would think the gym attendants or personal trainers or somebody should be capable of explaining.
And if the people aren't willing to go through the progression and learn properly, I don't think
that the attendants should limit what you do because someone else isn't serious about their
exercise. Or find another gym. My PT started me on proprioception exercises (foot/snkles not
functioning properly) and I've progressed from there.
Quoted message said:
Has anyone ever experienced this? I cannot afford nor have room for a treadmill. I can do the free
weights routine fairly well in my own home, but not the walking backwards routine. Does anybody
have any suggestions???
Can you do this on your lawn (barefoot gives you more bank for your buck) or in an office hallway?
But I would think the best way would be to educate the people who are suggesting you not do these
and perhaps the others?
Just a thought.
I'll admit we have pretty mellow groups as far as getting along in a gym are concerned, BUT you
really don't want to get in anybody's way when we're in motion 😉 And I haven't been to any of the
open sessions at commercial gyms to know how they compare. Our xt is a special session at local,
family owned gym.
Dot
--
"Success is different things to different people" -Bernd Heinrich in Racing the Antelope
