Post by katinthehat on Jan 26, 2015 12:12:37 GMT -5
I have never been so humiliated. At they gym today a trainer came over and asked me to move from the open squat rack to the smith press. He said he and another trainer had been watching me and were worried about my form. He said I leaned forward to much and my toes crossed my knees. Neither of those things are first, even bad or second, not fixable. I'm comfortable squatting that way and have been doing so without getting hurt. Not to mention a week ago I did the same weight with Josh watching me and he said I was spot on. I was the only woman in the free weights at that time and they didn't say anything to any of the guys slamming plates and using bad form. I feel like they thought I'm the fat girl that should stick to the machines and elliptical now. I had just gotten done texting Josh how proud I was for squatting 62% of my body weight. Now I never want to go back again. He wasn't mean or insulting, just said they were worried about my form and thought I'd be better on the Smith because I wouldn't have to do so much work. If he had said, hey I'm a trainer, can I watch you squat just the bar and give you some form pointers, that would have been a much better way of approaching it.
Oh dear, I am SO sorry about that. I would feel humiliated as well and not want to go back either.
Can you try to be the bigger person and ask them next time you are there if they can watch your form and give you some pointers so you can continue doing your squats the way you feel comfortable doing so?
And PS, you ARE awesome and SHOULD be proud for squatting 62% of your body weight! That is a big deal!
Dude, that sucks. I would probably feel the same way you do about it.
What I wish I would do if I were in that situation is talk to one of them in a non-aggressive way and explain that I prefer to use the squat rack, could they just come double check my form. That would help diffuse the awkward, make them feel comfortable with the situation, and ultimately allow me to go about my business again. From their point of view, they may feel responsible for speaking up about what they believe is 'right' in the name of safety.
What the hell? That is completely unacceptable. I am so sorry, and you SHOULD be proud of yourself - 62% of your body weight is fantastic. Honestly, I'd contact a manager. That was handled poorly by the trainer.
Love of my life baby boy born 11/11. One and done not by choice; 3 years of TTC yielded 4 MMC and 2 CPs, through 4 IUIs and 2 IVFs. Focusing on making the world a better place instead...and running.
62% of my body weight is hard for me to imagine ever accomplishing. Congratulations!
I constantly battle myself for not having confidence using squat racks and free weights. I would have wanted to crawl under a rock too. I would contact a manager and complain that one of the trainers gave you feedback that, although possibly well intentioned, was not asked for, not helpful, and in fact counterproductive.
Post by katandkevin on Jan 26, 2015 13:10:44 GMT -5
Holy crap that was rude! I would have felt humiliated too. I would contact a manager and let them know about your experience so maybe they can prevent it from happening to someone else.
Way to go on squatting 62% of your body weight. That is awesome!!!
OMG. I am so sorry that happened to you. I think I would contact a manager, personally, particularly if you are confident that there are not issues with your form and if they specifically targeted you and not any of the other people around you. I can understand wanting to prevent any injuries at your gym, but in that case why are they not policing everyone?
Two things: I don't trust any trainer who recommends squatting on a smith machine because everything I've been told is it sets up bad form and puts you at risk for injury.
I had a wonderful trainer who told me the knees over toes thing is a myth. I trust him because he has a Masters degree in Exercise Science and not just some Joe Scmhoe 3 day certification from TrainersrUs. I did some research on this and it's true. You can google and get a million results but here is just one article www.biomechfit.com/2012/02/09/3-squatting-myths-that-refuse-to-die
GREAT JOB an squatting 62% and DO NOT let this discourage you. I've asked my trainer if he approaches people with poor form in the gym, unsolicited, and he said there is a proper way to do it, and how mindful you have to be. Sounds like these trainers suck and I agree you should talk to the management
Regardless of if your form was correct or not, that was handled very poorly. You should be so proud of your hard work. I think it's worth speaking to management about if you feel comfortable.
Post by Wines Not Whines on Jan 26, 2015 13:42:03 GMT -5
WTF. His JOB is to teach people how to use equipment properly. Instead of asking you to stop doing what you were doing, he should've asked if he can give you some tips on form. Then you could've taken them or not. Even if you were using improper form, how are you supposed to learn if the TRAINER doesn't tell you?
I'm sorry Kat. First off, you are strong and awesome. Period.
That would be devastating to me. I'm most annoyed that they didn't even make a helpful suggestion. They just assumed you couldn't do it, which is crap. I'm willing to bet you probably know as much or more about lifting as they do. If this happens again, promise me you will keep your cool but stand up to them. Ask them to clarify or explain what you need to change, but tell them you are fine at the squat rack.
ETA: Or, as PPs have said, maybe it would be better to talk to mgmt. I'll bet you are not the first woman (or last) to have this happen.
Isn't using the smith machine for squats a no-no anyway? It sounds like they don't know what the hell they're talking about.
I'd smile, say thanks for the tip, KOKO and let gym management know if they continue to bug you.
Ugh. And yeah, I am not even a trainer and I see the weight-slamming bros doing questionable shit, form-wise, all the time at my gym. I don't blame you for feeling singled out.
OMG. I am so sorry that happened to you. I think I would contact a manager, personally, particularly if you are confident that there are not issues with your form and if they specifically targeted you and not any of the other people around you. I can understand wanting to prevent any injuries at your gym, but in that case why are they not policing everyone?
Yes! This. I am so sorry that happened to you. I would be fuming!
Post by ghostmonkey on Jan 26, 2015 16:36:40 GMT -5
He told you to go to the Smith machine to fix form? Ignore everything that dipshit ever says.
And fuck him. Tell him I will come beat him with a bar if he makes any kind of comment ever again. Tell management. You were not doing a session with him, correct? Then none of his fucking business what you are doing. Plus he's dumb.