When I first starting going to the gym I would watch other gym goers and repeat what they were doing, assuming it was correct and that I didn't need to spend any time with a trainer. Before I smartened up to the fact that the folks I was mimicking were just as clueless as me, I incurred really poor habits and a bit of back pain.
So, try not try to lift like the guy next to you in the weight room — unless they're a trainer, they could be doing it wrong. He may seem like he is getting in a killer workout as he grunts, swings the weights, and holds his breath while lifting 30 pounders, but that's his thing, not yours. Plus, it's not a race. Strength training is a personal thing that should be tailored to your individual strength and done slowly while using proper form and weights. So the next time you see an exercise that you'd like to try ask a personal trainer to show you how to properly do it, or look it up when you get home.
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Fit Tip: Don't Mimic Others
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I live in more of a retirement area, lots of elderly people, so most of the time they've got their 2 lbs dumbells in their jazzercise outfits. I don't think I'll be mimicing them haha They're awesome though and total inspirations! I mean they're like in their 80's and still hitting the gym. They're active and happy. love them!
1YES! Thank you for posting this. There are so many people at the gym I go to who subscribe by the old adage, "Monkey see, monkey do". Then monkey hurts him/herself!
2I see people doing this all the time at the gym. Everyone is different just cause my "bff Jill" can lift 20lbs doesn't mean I can.
This is one of the reason why its important for gyms to provide each know new member on free session with a personal trainer. He/she will teach you how to use the machines correctly and even customize your workouts.
knowledge is power.
3Yep, can't agree with Martini Rossi more. Use the services your gym provides for you! I'm so glad I went with a personal trainer for 8 weeks - it's making all the difference!
and amen to Knowledge is power! one of my favorite quotes!
Excellent topic - thanks for posting it. You could save people not only the heartache of frustration and disappointment from not getting what they want/need out of a workout but more importantly you could save them from serious injury.
4Haha, that's exactly why I never imitated the show-off guys at the gym who would do exercises all wrong. I asked my trainer what the right way was to do the exercises I wanted to do and he showed me and helped me with my form so I wouldn't get hurt.
5Don't necessarily mimic trust the trainers either- almost anyone can get certified these days, so not all trainers are created equal. I've see trainers do some worthless stuff.
Also, the grunters need to go, as they disturb my training and rarely put their equipment away. So annoying.
6Don't mimic anyone. Learn how to do the moves yourself.
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