Ask the FBGs: Should I Correct People’s Form at the Gym?
Today we’re featuring an Ask the FBGs post, where readers like you ask the FBGs for advice. Nothing is off limits, although we do prefer that it’s fitness or nutrition related, so send your undying health questions to AsktheFBGs@fitbottomedgirls.com. You just might see them posted here in the future!
Question From Sandra: Should I Correct People’s Form at the Gym?
Hi inspiring FBGs!
After reading the article on gym etiquette a while back there’s something bugging me, and it would be really helpful if you had some advice.
I’m not a certified trainer at all, but I went to gyms on and off during the past 19-something years mainly using the machines for moderate weight training. Recently I signed up at a newly opened gym and it’s a weird zig-zag shaped location, so the trainers simply can’t see the mistakes the people are making all the time and there are many who’ve never been gym members before.
Feeling awkward to tell others what to do — or more precisely don’t do — I still feel somehow responsible if I see someone who’s ruining their back or something like that. What do you suggest here? Take a break in my workout routine and walk to the front desk every time to get them a trainer to explain once again? Just ignore it? I know the staff is highly trained and they guide everyone very well through their first workouts, but not every warning or instruction will be kept in mind for the future — especially by the younger beginners who are in it for the quick results (which they’ll probably never get the way they are doing their exercises).
Regards,
—Sandra
Answer From the FBGs
Hi Sandra!
This is a tough one — and a really good question. It’s hard because you want to help, but you also don’t want to be the gym police! After much discussion among us FBGs and looking at all of the different angles and perspectives — your point of view, the person being corrected’s point of view and the gym’s point of view — we recommend that, on the whole, you focus on yourself and your own workout.
We know, we know. But it’s so hard to see people doing things wrong and not correct them or help them get better results!
But, honestly, unless you’re a certified fitness professional, you shouldn’t be giving out fitness advice to people (liability for them and you!). Plus, you don’t want to get in trouble with the gym itself for giving unsolicited advice if someone complains. Now, if someone is chatty and strikes up a conversation and you kind of know them, then sure, maybe you could mention it and send them an article or video that shows proper form. Or, if you see someone doing something really dangerous (to themselves or someone near them), then you should definitely grab a gym staff member and point it out. But on the whole, it’s probably best to just keep it to yourself.
It’s a fine line, but one we think really, really, really depends on the situation! Hope that helps …
—The FBGs
Have you had a personal experience with this? Have an opinion? Weigh in! —Jenn