I was wondering what it takes for people to wander over to someone and correct their form. Obviously who gives a rats ass if they are doing the funky chicken while attemping some curls, but what about the people who look like they’re trying to squat…or do a GM…or some weird weighted belly dancing…and they seem close to seriously hurting themselves (or at least would be if they put a bit more weight on).
I had a couple guys beside me today in the squat rack doing the aforementioned ‘lift’ and I was pretty scared for them. But while I know what I’m doing, at least a hell of a better than them, I’m not the biggest guy out there so they might just think I was some punk interfering with their workout by trying to pass on my oh so superior knowledge.
So, what do you guys do? I think next time I see something like that I might go talk to them…then smite them if they don’t listen. : )
There’s a passage in the Bible that says if you see some one sinning and DON’T tell them, then their blood is on your hands. However, if you DO tell them, and they sin anyway, you are absolved.
Okay, I’m not trying to say that form breaks in the gym are considered the 8th deadly sin…
I’ve always aproached it in an apologetic manner. Always ask if they’d like a pointer. But don’t try to interrupt a set – wait until there’s an obvious break in the action. The reaction will vary. If they look like they’re going to deck you for even asking, walk away. It wouldn’t matter if you DID tell them, they’ll do it their way no matter what (and then wonder why they got injured).
I remember one time in particular… I was a trainer at the gym (okay, flames off guys), and there was ONE other person in the gym – a very fine looking woman – doing SLDLs. I was going around the gym replacing weights, unloading machines, etc, and stopped to watch her do a set. She ws SERIOUSLY rounding her back on every rep. When she finished the set, she gave me this look that could have killed (probably thinking I was checking our her ass or something, which I did). So I just walk straight up to her (stopping a respectful distance away) and ask if she’d like a pointer that would help to make the movement much safer for her. Her manner softened considerably, I demonstrated some differences in foot placement and knee position, made sure she understood what I was telling her, then walked away. Next time I saw her, she thanked me.
But I’ve also had times when the frat jerks did just the opposite. Were at first open to hearing the advice, then basically ridiculed me for what I told them. Still, I just walk away. For those guys, I get to be the one who says “I told you so.”
The other day I was watching a guy train someone on squats. The trainee’s form was horrible; his back was all off center and out of alignment (his butt was going sideways almost), the bar was way up on his neck and his left foot kept tilting inwards. His knees were also buckling inwards. He was using very little weight and was obviously a new squatter. Oh, and they were using a Smith machine. When the “trainer” (apparently the guy’s friend and not a certified trainer) went to get a drink I approached him and asked if he had seen the guy’s form from behind. He said he had and that the guy was recovering from a stroke, and he wanted to strengthen his body. I said I was sorry to bother him and that I was just concerned he was going to hurt himself. So, I guess it has to be when someone looks like they really are in danger, and then it is politely and with deference because, as I learned, you never know the situation.
I wonder where I’d be today if someone who knew what they were talking about had stopped me years ago and helped me out.
I think, in general, anyone will be appreciative if you are genuinely trying to help them.
The keys to offering help are approaching them correctly and knowing when to stop.
Like to poster above said, if you open with something like “Can I give you a pointer?” or a similar QUESTION, they are in the position of accepting your offer. Otherwise, if you start with something like “You’re doing it wrong”, their natural tendency is probably to get defensive (or embarrassed, but that’s just as bad).
Knowing when to stop is also crucial. Let’s say you offer some advice to someone who is doing quarter-squats with bad form. You clue them in on proper form, depth, and staying tight. If they listen and accept, or even better, ask you to critique their next rep or even demonstrate, that’s great. However, once you reach this point, unless they specifically ask for more advice, resist the temptation to deluge them with all the training knowledge you might possess. DON’T go on to tell them their entire program sucks, even if it does, or any other bit not directly related to the initial offering.
If they want more advice from you, let them ask, don’t force the issue.
After saying all of that, I think that if you are the type of person who wants to help others excel, you ought to be well received.
Thanks for the responses guys. You really echoed my feelings on the subject, and now I have a better idea on how to approach someone. I’ll be all over it like a fat kid on a smartie next time…but with less slobbering of course. : )