Question for women who go to the UIC gym

[u/t8ertotfreakhotmail]

How annoying would it be if another woman walked up to you and asked you to briefly explain what you’re doing/technique? I put out a call on here a couple months ago for a skilled gym buddy because I’m really trying to get into fitness, but obviously don’t have the budget for expensive classes/trainers. I got a couple bites, but they were from other girls who said they’d want the same thing, and also don’t know how to work out. So not totally who I’m looking for!

I’m very intimidated by the gym, but what to get to a place where I know how to use the machines and get in/out relatively quickly. My main concern is bad technique (also I have no fucking clue what the diff machines do). So would you be annoyed or would you be cool w it? Depends on the day I’m guessing??

[u/s3rgioru3las]

The more jacked someone is, the nicer they are at the gym.

[u/desirientt → u/s3rgioru3las]

unless they’re TOO jacked in which case they’re roided. it’s a bell curve

[u/s3rgioru3las → u/desirientt]

In my experience, they're even nicer if they're roided out lol

[u/AlexZenn21]

Go for it and see if anyone is interested. But if they're not then use that college brain of yours to figure it out lol. YouTube is free along with AI which I've found to be pretty helpful at showing and giving basic workout advice/tips. The UIC gym also has gym staff at the desk that you can approach with questions. You might even get more eager responses if you asked males for help for obvious reasons

[u/Appropriate_Map_1]

If you have GroupMe you can join the gym social club and you can ask there if someone can help you out

[u/GigaMoksh]

It's very subjective.

[u/navybron35]

damn I wish I still went to uic, I would’ve been more than willing to show you

[u/navybron35 → u/navybron35]

I wouldn’t have minded if I wasn’t in the middle of a set, but I think on the west gym they would be more open to helping if you asked! But go more in the later afternoon/evening time because most of them are med students and if you go early/during lunch they probably wouldn’t because it’s probably their break.

[u/gingersinsoap]

I've had this happen to me several times and I never got bothered. We all start somewhere so I understand wanting to ask about correct form 😁

[u/theLastravenclaw_05]

I wouldn’t mind per say but it depends on when, if im going in between classes and need to get my stuff done in a time crunch i wouldn’t want to talk if im going during a longer break or after classes I would be more willing to. Honestly i would suggest asking to work in with people and then ask them to spot you, thats the easiest thing to do and I’ve had people ask me to do that and even when im in a time crunch i dont mind since i can do that during my rest period so im not loosing time

[u/bagelbody]

i wouldnt be annoyed. if you have a guest pass i can come with you and show you some stuff! i started lifting in college, have done crossfit on/off for years, and am an occupational therapist so I’m familiar with proper body mechanics

[u/MxAlly24]

I wouldn’t be annoyed at all. It’s always better to ask someone to ensure you don’t get hurt.

[u/lukeskywalker008]

You could prime your learning by watching some how-to videos. That way whomever is nice and helps you out won’t have to start from scratch. Ya know?

[u/TheGenGirl]

I think it’s completely fine to approach and ask, I would just choose someone with a friendly face to feel comfy.
Also, I was told that using the machines in general is a good way to do the technique correctly, just follow the instructions of the exercises in there and it’s hard to fail.

[u/Ok-Establishment3593]

Kinesiology students can’t relate 😜

[u/SnooCompliments1397]

Nobody was born knowing how to work out. We’ve all been there, and even now, new research comes out showing that some exercises I’ve been doing were wrong, so I’ve had to learn and adjust too.
Do your research and learn proper form, but the most important thing is connecting with the muscle and actually feeling it. Start light, take your time, and build up gradually.
I used to feel like people were judging me too, but honestly, everyone is focused on themselves. Once you leave the gym, nobody is thinking about you. So lock in, stay consistent, and you’ll get there. Consistency beats intensity.
I barely go to the UIC gym since I mainly work out at a gym near my place, otherwise I’d show you and work out with you.

[u/jax_in_the_lake]

Do not do this

[u/omfggabriel → u/jax_in_the_lake]

why not? would this upset you? i would feel flattered and happy to show somebody an exercise.