New gym

[puny_ectomorph]

Well, after having gotten out of school (finally), I've also had to find a new gym. I've been using the university gym on and off for the better part of five years, and am used to that environment...but this morning, I signed on with a commercial gym that's just down the road.

My first impressions on seeing the place weren't too bad...the freeweight area is actually bigger than the rest of the place, although there are a few too many hammer strength machines. They had squat racks, though, and that's what I was looking for.

So, anybody have any advice on using a commercial gym for the first time? There's probably a much wider demographic than what was at the university, so I'm sure to see some interesting stuff (and stupidity as well).

We'll see what happens at my first workout there tonight...

-puny-

[tigo]

try to make some friends?

try not to stare at people doing weird things either, i had a problem with that for a couple of times

[Sensei]

So, anybody have any advice on using a commercial gym for the first time?

The following is short list of dos and don'ts in most commercial gyms:

*DO curls in the power/squat racks.
*DO partial reps with as much weight as humanly possible.
*DO wear a belt, gloves, wraps, and straps on every set of every exercise if you want to look bad-ass.
*DO talk on your cell phone inbetween sets and even during sets if you have a headset.
*DO use machines whenever possible; free weights will lead to unwanted 'bulkiness' and functional strength.

*DON'T use more than 135lbs for any barbell exercise under any circumstance.
*DON'T sweat.
*DON'T use chalk.
*DON'T lift weights overhead.
*DON'T continue any exercise if you feel any discomfort.

[Big & Tall]

As far as the equipment goes, Hammer Strength are the best machines you could hope for, so I'd count that as a blessing. If you're still in a college town, I wouldn't expect the demographic to be THAT much different. The thing I like about commercial gyms is that people who go there tend to know at least a little more about training and be more serious than at university gyms (since it costs more and employed people with families don't have nearly as much free time as students.) I enjoyed several college gyms, but ended up at a commercial one while I was still in school, because it was less crowded and generally had fewer morons.

I would say just do your thing, and don't worry about everyone else, like you were (should have been?) doing at your old gym.

[rbtrout]

I always try to be nice to everyone, until it's not time to be nice......that way you can get a spot if you need one. If you have to use a machine, the Hammer Strengths are good machines, but free weights are the way to go.

[SW]

You can no longer lift at your uni, even though you're alumni?

[puny_ectomorph]

Well, my first workout at the new place was today...and I walked out of there with my eyes bugging out.

One, I was the smallest dude in the place. I thought I had been making good progress until I discovered that there wasn't a single guy around me below 250 pounds.

At one point, I'm repping out on squats at 190 lbs, failed at 14 in my attempt for 20...and the whole time, a guy in the next rack is SL deadlifting at 500 pounds. I had SLDLs next, and almost didn't do them...as my bar would have held only 200 pounds on it.

You all might remember a post I had about teaching some new guys the ropes, and how I told them not to pay attention to the other people in the gym...but I have to admit, it's tough when you suddenly realize you're still at the very bottom of the food chain. Gives me something to work for, I guess...

-puny-

[JustLost]

You all might remember a post I had about teaching some new guys the ropes, and how I told them not to pay attention to the other people in the gym...but I have to admit, it's tough when you suddenly realize you're still at the very bottom of the food chain. Gives me something to work for, I guess...

hehehe you already know the answer, man.

Just do what you need to and don't worry about how your compare. I've experienced it both ways -- being the weakest guy in the gym, and the strongest, or the only serious lifter (different gyms!)

Either way, comparing yourself can be a bad distraction from the real goal of moving maximal iron.

[SW]

Use it as fuel for your inferno.

[spencerjrus]

*DO talk on your cell phone inbetween sets and even during sets if you have a headset.

I feel lucky that my gym has banned all cell phone use in any room with weights or machines.