I’ve made acquaintances at gyms simply from either one of us initially saying hello or any gym-related comment.
Come to think of it, this is how some acquaintances or friends were made pre-internet at the park a block from my mom’s apartment. People played games and said, “I got next,” or “Do you want in?”
This is actually how most friendships started pre-internet. You saw some guy doing what you do or want to do, someone says something, and then either you get along or don’t get along.
You can simply say “Do you compete?”, “How Long you been doing this?”, “I see you here all the time. My name is…”, or any other friendly conversation starter. If someone reacts unfriendly to any of these conversation starters He is likely unfriendly generally and not worth talking to anyway.
Most gym goers want to befriend other gym goers by the way.
Kinda off topic. I clicked your profile, and saw your John Meadows post from a years back. That was a pretty in-depth analysis and well written. When I started lifting I found his Youtube channel and have already learned a lot about execution of lifts, contractions, negatives and tons of stuff. Seems like a cool guy. I also injured a disc. I was slammed during sparring and still have nerve issues in my left hip and leg from it. Not sure if that nerve damage ever heals fully.
It turns out my then physiatrist got things wrong and that my disc herniation was so minor that it presses on no nerves at all. I found this out when I got so frustrated that I saw a surgeon to get to the bottom of it.
It turns out my neuropathy is idiopathic. I went to a neurologist who got me an MRI of my left leg and an EMG of my lower body. I have no injury or dysfunction at all. The pain has no known cause. It has lessened through the years and medication helps.
I think most men come to a point in which we’re not uncomfortable speaking to strangers, no matter what personal quirks we have. I tend to talk fast or get a bit animated if I’m interested in something but I’ve conscientiously slowed down over time. If I slip, I don’t care. I’m 40 and I’ve yet to meet a guy without some quirks.
This is why I asked how old are you.
I think I once weirded out some guy in the gym who I was interested in talking to because he’s involved in something not related to lifting that I once had interest in. He definitely seemed reserved in the initial meeting, like he was thinking, “hey, I’m flattered by this guy but I’m thrown off.” By our third or fourth conversation he said, after realizing I’m not nuts, with cellphone in hand, “let’s talk sometime. I’ll put your number in.”
Yeah def ask him for advice and work into a workout. Or for a spot
I had a random dude one day ask me if he could join me, and I was all about it. We worked out a few sessions till I ended up moving.
If he trains alone, it’s always good.
I met my current coach by going on instagram, and looking up posts tagged with the location for my gym, then adding people back when I was new to the area. I originally did this just to add girls but added powerlifters and such too. We ran into each other at the gym and said “Hey! We follow each other on instagram!” Fast forward a few years later, he opened up his own gym and became my coach.
When I read your first post for some reason I thought you were a lot younger (like 19). Reading that you are a little older and a similar age to this other person at the gym changes my answer a bit. Brickhead has already given some great advice above so go with that. Nothing wrong with just saying g’day and asking the guy if he can give you some tips. If he is friendly and receptive then go ahead and ask him if he would consider training with you. Being at different strength levels isn’t a real problem as its not hard to take off or add weight to a bar.
He might not want a training partner but maybe he’ll help with some pointers and offer to spot you when you go heavier. Either way its win win.
When I was getting into strongman, there was this huge dude at my gym - he looked like a giant angry biker dude.
I saw him doing atlas stones and asked for some pointers. The guy literally spent about an hour coaching me on proper technique. I hit a 220 stone, and before leaving he gave me his tacky.
I was working back today, and saw this big dude doing deadlift as I was getting ready to do my rows. I saw he was keeping the weight low so I asked him If I could work in. He was pretty cool, told me he was focusing more on volume as he gets older. Also cool because I got to copy his technique so that was helpful. He came and saw me before he left. I told him I was down for working sets when I see him again. He gave me the Ol’ fist bump. Felt good man, felt good.
Bit of an update. My gym journey has been an interesting one. I’ve have acquired some interesting gym fellows. Ask and you shall receive couldn’t have been more true in my situation. I’ve found myself a hardworking four day a week training partner. He trains his ass off, and it has been motivating as the gains and strength gains have been coming. I was also approached by a large, sweaty, strong looking viking of a man. He noticed I had been watching him deadlift 600 pounds and asked if I wanted to train with their small group on the weekends. I’ve only ever watched that kind of stuff on youtube before and was hesitant. Many them are 300+ pounds. I started going anyway. It’s a mix of strength, no excuses, drugs and self inflicted mental punishment. A realm of smell and heavy lifts. I’m learning a lot from my new oversized friends. While there is much talk of PEDs I haven’t been offered anything. My lifts and confidence have greatly increased under the tutelage of my new weekend friends. I must admit, it is a bit intimidating looking into the mirror knowing you’re about to pass out on your last squat attempt while a 6’3 350 pound large male is standing behind you grimacing.
