Waiting for the Squat Rack

MTG35 · 03-Jan-08, 02:39 PM

So I had to wait like 10 minutes to do my sets of squats since all 4 racks were occupied. There were 2 guys doing 1/4 squats (one of which was doing 155 lbs... I'll say that again 155 lb 1/4 squats) and 1 guy doing curls... again curls in the squat rack and only 85 or 95 lbs. The only way you should be doing curls in a squat rack is if your at least 135 plus and even then its cheesy.

The only legit guy was deadlifting.

**maverick** · 03-Jan-08, 02:47 PM

There is no reason to curl in the squat rack... unless its in your own basement/garage. At my old gym if guys were curling in the squat rack I would just go up and say politely, "You mind if I squat in here?" 9 out of 10 times they finish their sets somewhere else.

MTG35 · 03-Jan-08, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick

There is no reason to curl in the squat rack...

Very true... but it looks a lot less silly if you are actually curling a BIG weight. This genius was supersetting the squat rack curls with cable tricep extensions. Thus doubling the amount of time he was tieing up the squat rack with his tomfoolery.

pseudonym · 03-Jan-08, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTG35

... curls in the squat rack ...

That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard

.

I've read lots of stories of this happening but I've never seen it personally (and that's not because I've spent my entire time in gyms full of people who know how to train). Hack squats with tiny weight I've seen for sure (heh it's probably been me on more than one occasion) but curling in a Squat Rack??

Maybe the fellow just didn't know it was a squat rack and what it's intended use is?

The Flash · 04-Jan-08, 07:33 AM

There's only one thing to say to you...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Don't worry, they'll be gone by the end of the month.

luke.w · 04-Jan-08, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Flash

Don't worry, they'll be gone by the end of the month.

and they might have contributed to your gym staying in ownership one more year!!!!

I used to do the same thing as maverick just ask "can I squat in here, the squat rack" always got it!!!

**Doc2029** · 04-Jan-08, 08:32 AM

One of my biggest pet peeves is people who have to lift in front of a mirror. Most of them are doing it just to look at them selves. Trust me with their form or lack of it they aren't checking it as they lift using a mirror. I see people all the time in squat racks curling a BB with like 20lbs on it. Oh with really bad form as well all kinds of rocking and twisting of the back, last night I just started laughing at some guy cuz his form was so poor. He was making all this noise like he was curling two 350 big block motors tied to that bar.

**maverick** · 04-Jan-08, 08:43 AM

I used think it was weird that people had to look at themselves in the mirror when they lifted too. I guess the way I see it now is that 99% of the people in the gym are there to look better, and you look your best physique-wise when you are moving weight. I figure is they made the effort to get to the gym, they are entitled to watch themselves if they want, whatever keeps them motivated. Unless of course they become an obstacle for others in the gym, then its just plain annoying. Like the guy at my old gym who would drag the preacher curl station half across the gym to gawk at his biceps mid-rep.

MTG35 · 04-Jan-08, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pseudonym

Maybe the fellow just didn't know it was a squat rack and what it's intended use is?

Well he sure wasn't going to learn it from the guys on either side of him that were doing the 1/4 squats.

And unfortunately this is not a new years newbie. He's a regular. You know...one of those guys that has been come to the gym for years but the weight never increases their physique never changes. I just don't get it. We happen to have a bunch of these guys at the gym I go to. Why do they keep coming if they never plan on progressing.

04-Jan-08, 09:33 AM

Never have that problem at the pullup bar, any day of the week, any time of the day, any time of the year.

**LiftGirl** · 04-Jan-08, 10:01 AM

Ugh! Curling in the squat rack is a huge pet peeve of mine! I need it for squats, DLs and t-rows, so get your curling butt outta there!

If they're taking forever, I usually just go up to them, flash a smile and politely ask how many more sets they have. Then I make sure to hang around til they're done. The guys at my gym are, for the most part, gentlemenly, and will move after two sets or so.

**Doc2029** · 04-Jan-08, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTG35

Well he sure wasn't going to learn it from the guys on either side of him that were doing the 1/4 squats.

And unfortunately this is not a new years newbie. He's a regular. You know...one of those guys that has been come to the gym for years but the weight never increases their physique never changes. I just don't get it. We happen to have a bunch of these guys at the gym I go to. Why do they keep coming if they never plan on progressing.

Yeah I know what you mean but these are the same people who say well I worked out so I can go home and eat a large pizza for dinner by them selves. There is this one guy at my gym that has been going for longer than I have. He lifts and does cardio but never adds weight or seems any smaller. My guess is he goes home and eats junk food. Most people so not understand you need to eat healthy to be see real results.

jallen · 04-Jan-08, 03:51 PM

i see people doing curls on the squat rack way more often than i see actual squats. The worst is when they have like 5 pounds each side, and then don't even bother to clear the weight when they're done, so you be polite and wait for them for a couple minutes before you realize they're not coming back. Luckily i'm one of maybe three people who ever do deadlifts, and usually the deadlift stand is clear.

Almost as annoying, but much more fun, are the guys standing right in front of the dumbbell rack doing their exercise. Sometimes i'll just intentionally grab the weight right next to them just to get in their way even if i don't want to use that weight. How hard is it to pick up the weight and take three steps back?

the worst tho is idiots who have to drop their dumbbells on the floor when they're done with their set. If i can control 80 pounds up to my knees and then in a controlled fashion set them onto the ground without dropping them, you can too. I hope you lose a toe.

ok end rant lol

westside24 · 04-Jan-08, 11:25 PM

I watch myself in the mirror! Im not obsessed with myself. Im gettin fat and I have like 20lbs. total of muscle, how would I be obsessed with myself! we have a billion mirrors surrounding the whole building, on every wall at our gym (its at an abandoned mall, they bought an old dillards retail, the place has over 200 machines, over 30 cable machines, and so many free wieghts and 15 benchs, 3 squat racks, 8 smith machines. oh and it has close to 100 tred, and olypticals, they have a pool, sauna, steam room, an aerobics, step classes and all kinds of ****)(<----Just saying this place is insane) so we have a little more access obviously and dont get in the way of each other. Im not distracted when I go there, I dont even talk to anyone. I only watch myself to see if im always maintaining a nice flow and good form as I am slowly increase my wieght lifted every week.

etothepii · 09-Jan-08, 08:49 AM

I have seen guys doing wrist curls in the squat rack with two 5s on the bar.

On busy nights at the YMCA, you do have to wait for the squat rack. I had to wait a half hour once, but at least the guys were doing real squats. I suggested a second squat rack (several times, like a pest) to the fitness manager. I know he can only buy so much equipment throughout the year, so I wasn't expecting much more than just messing with the guy...

Well, he didn't buy a new squat rack, but he managed some used "power towers" that can be hauled out if the squat rack is busy. Not great, but they will do!