How do You ask to "work in" with somebody

BountyHunter

Hi all,

Just started back training after a break of about 3.5 years about 4 weeks ago. It seems to me that things have changed slightly from what I can see, what I mean is this.. Back in the day if someone was using the same piece of equipment you wanted to use all you'd have to say is "can I work in with ya mate" or something along those lines and there would be no probs,and there would be a friendly atmosphere.. However where I'm training now I notice everybody is listening to MP3 players and while they're not actually using the machine they're just sitting on it staring blankly into space and if you do ask them to "work in" they act like you asked them for their first born, or if they're not irish they dont seem to understand what your asking them,even after using hand jestures (not being racist, I've experienced it first hand). Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on this, or am I just getting old and narky:(??
Maybe I picked the wrong gym:eek::eek:

BountyHunter.

fatal

The last time I approached someone to workout with them was quite a long time ago, probably before the whole ipod craze.It was simply a case of "hi mate,do you mind if I work out with you?" back then.
With everyone having earphones in their ears these days,its hard enough to stop and ask someone for directions on the street,nevermind approaching someone and asking them if you can workout with them.The only advice that I can offer is,try and approach someone who doesn't have earphones in their ears.I prefer working out on my own and I use earphones not so much for music,but rather as a way of staying away from distractions,such as folks who want to stop and chat between sets etc.

An Citeog

fatal wrote: »

The last time I approached someone to workout with them was quite a long time ago, probably before the whole ipod craze.It was simply a case of "hi mate,do you mind if I work out with you?" back then.
With everyone having earphones in their ears these days,its hard enough to stop and ask someone for directions on the street,nevermind approaching someone and asking them if you can workout with them.The only advice that I can offer is,try and approach someone who doesn't have earphones in their ears.I prefer working out on my own and I use earphones not so much for music,but rather as a way of staying away from distractions,such as folks who want to stop and chat between sets etc.

Good answer, wrong question!;)

OP, all you really have to do is ask. I've never had a problem working in with somebody and have never had a problem asking to do so. You'll probably get some people who don't want to, for whatever reasons, but that's there perogative. Just ask tbh. Worst thing anybody could say is "no".

joepenguin

I think the worst thing they can say is
"No problem, Ive 2 more sets"....
and then they do another set and sit down.:D:D

If this is what you find then maybe just say "do you mind if i get a quick set in while you are resting / before your next set"

I think alot of people confuse "working in" with "can i use this / are you finished" Kind of like asking is there anyone sitting here in a bar

Hanley

"Do you mind if I get a quick set in there"

or

"Can I jump in with you"

Failing that, or if they have ear phones on, go to the other side of the gym....




















.....make sure there's a clear path between you and them, now put your head down and charge as fast as you can at them, when you're about 4 feet away jump towards them with your feet straight out, aiming for their face. After impact, get up and point at them and say "who's the fcuking daddy now B!TCH". Then do your set. Once you're finished askk how much weight they want on the bar fo their next set. I guarantee working in again won't be a problem.

BountyHunter

fatal wrote: »

The last time I approached someone to workout with them was quite a long time ago

Sorry Fatal just to clarify, I didnt mean to ask people to do a complete workout with them just use the same piece of equipment for a few sets..

Hanley wrote: »

.....make sure there's a clear path between you and them, now put your head down and charge as fast as you can at them, when you're about 4 feet away jump towards them with your feet straight out, aiming for their face. After impact, get up and point at them and say "who's the fcuking daddy now B!TCH". Then do your set. Once you're finished askk how much weight they want on the bar fo their next set. I guarantee working in again won't be a problem.

Sometimes thats exactly what I'd like to do :eek::eek:. Keep an eye out for me on crimeline!!

BountyHunter.

aye

Hanley wrote: »

Failing that, or if they have ear phones on, go to the other side of the gym....




















.....make sure there's a clear path between you and them, now put your head down and charge as fast as you can at them, when you're about 4 feet away jump towards them with your feet straight out, aiming for their face. After impact, get up and point at them and say "who's the fcuking daddy now B!TCH". Then do your set. Once you're finished askk how much weight they want on the bar fo their next set. I guarantee working in again won't be a problem.

please follow this advice and let us know how it went

celestial

aye wrote: »

please follow this advice and let us know how it went

It'll be great practice for when your asking your 20 stone cell mate to help you work in with them:D

Al_Fernz

aye wrote: »

please follow this advice and let us know how it went

I think gyms should start hiring Terry Tate as a gym linebacker - I know hes done wonderful things for felcher and sons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzToNo7A-94

gabgab

I always ask, then if they ignorantly look at me I will ask again but with a little more force,

If they answer politely but sheepishly, then I dont get too annoyed about it, I think its very ignorant attitude to have that once I am sitting on something then I own it, I often find the stronger, better lads tend to have no problem with it,

I dont enjoy the gym at times and some twat getting all huffy cos he is baking a cake in between sets and thinks I am trying to bang his sister at the same time as using "their equipment" just really gets me, (rant over)

My advice, is to ask, and if they are ignorant about it then stare at them with a puzzled look on your face as you sort of inch towards the equipment

WHIP IT!

I'd never say No to anyone who asks to work in with me - why would ya? Height of ignorance.

In a kind of related matter, it sometimes surprises me how some of the more experienced people in the gym will have poor "gym ettiquette". There's a dude in my place, he's there I'd say five days a week... Lifts heavy and works hard, no doubt, but leaves every bench he's on literally dripping with sweat. It's horrible! So ignorant... Jesus, I make sure to flippin polish the bench when I'm done with it - this dude leaves it like the jax wall in some dodgy boozer.

Al_Fernz

WHIP IT! wrote: »

I'd never say No to anyone who asks to work in with me - why would ya? Height of ignorance.

In a kind of related matter, it sometimes surprises me how some of the more experienced people in the gym will have poor "gym ettiquette". There's a dude in my place, he's there I'd say five days a week... Lifts heavy and works hard, no doubt, but leaves every bench he's on literally dripping with sweat. It's horrible! So ignorant... Jesus, I make sure to flippin polish the bench when I'm done with it - this dude leaves it like the jax wall in some dodgy boozer.

Have you told him to wipe up after himself?

lindak

Its a nightmare for a women ! There is only one squat rack in my gym , and there was a guy doing upright rows on it. So fair enough I just asked had he many more sets ( but I could have told him that its only for squating as per the sign, but I politley didnt) and he just looked at me and said when im finished im finised !! So then i got pissed off and said well the sign says that this is only for squating and he said " well i will be taking my time " So off I went to get one of the lads ( little boys) and he didnt want to approach the guy because he was afraid , eventually he knew I wasnt going to take no for an answer and crawled behind me , when the guy seen me coming back with the guy , he literally threw the bar onto the rack ( leaving the whole stand shaking)and walked off ! Couldnt believe it ! So thats what I have to put up with in the gym !! nightmare

tribulus

lindak wrote: »

Its a nightmare for a women ! There is only one squat rack in my gym , and there was a guy doing upright rows on it. So fair enough I just asked had he many more sets ( but I could have told him that its only for squating as per the sign, but I politley didnt) and he just looked at me and said when im finished im finised !! So then i got pissed off and said well the sign says that this is only for squating and he said " well i will be taking my time " So off I went to get one of the lads ( little boys) and he didnt want to approach the guy because he was afraid , eventually he knew I wasnt going to take no for an answer and crawled behind me , when the guy seen me coming back with the guy , he literally threw the bar onto the rack ( leaving the whole stand shaking)and walked off ! Couldnt believe it ! So thats what I have to put up with in the gym !! nightmare

What gym is that?

Dragan

I will normally lead with "How many sets have you left."

If the answer is two or more i will then say "Mind if i work in."

aye

lindak wrote: »

Its a nightmare for a women ! There is only one squat rack in my gym , and there was a guy doing upright rows on it. So fair enough I just asked had he many more sets ( but I could have told him that its only for squating as per the sign, but I politley didnt) and he just looked at me and said when im finished im finised !! So then i got pissed off and said well the sign says that this is only for squating and he said " well i will be taking my time " So off I went to get one of the lads ( little boys) and he didnt want to approach the guy because he was afraid , eventually he knew I wasnt going to take no for an answer and crawled behind me , when the guy seen me coming back with the guy , he literally threw the bar onto the rack ( leaving the whole stand shaking)and walked off ! Couldnt believe it ! So thats what I have to put up with in the gym !! nightmare

A swift kick to the nuts would have sorted that.

lindak

It was northwood ! Really annoying !

justsomebloke

lindak if you get any of that crap and i'm in the gym let me know

lindak

Thanks JSB , ! Nah i wasnt intimidated really . Just thought what a p**ck.. But instead of getting into a screaming match with him I at least though a member of staff would have asked him to move , but your man (or should i say boy) was a total wimp.

I wouldnt mind usually one of the guys I know be it jsb , my partner or who ever would be there but that night there was no one there ! typical

WHIP IT!

Al_Fernz wrote: »

Have you told him to wipe up after himself?

No, have never bothered as I've never needed to use the same bench straight after him. Odd thing is, he's a nice, well-mannered chap but just doesn't seem to realsie how disgusting it is to leave the eqipment like that. Does it not dawn on him that he's the only person in there without a towel?? :rolleyes:

@ Lindak: What a pain in the a*se - why would you need a squat rack for rows??

lindak

@ Lindak: What a pain in the a*se - why would you need a squat rack for rows??

My thinking exactly ?? Like I lunge & deadlift at the squat rack but if someone comes over and asks me how many more sets I tell them to use the rack and il move to the side to deadlift !! But upright row I have no idea ??

Al_Fernz

WHIP IT! wrote: »

No, have never bothered as I've never needed to use the same bench straight after him. Odd thing is, he's a nice, well-mannered chap but just doesn't seem to realsie how disgusting it is to leave the eqipment like that. Does it not dawn on him that he's the only person in there without a towel?? :rolleyes:

As you say I think the guy is just ignorant. I think you should tell him for his own sake - sure if I stank I'd really appreciate it if somebody came up to me.

Roper

I don't really like working in, but if I want to lift and someone is using the equipment I usually say:
"Hey, I see you're deadlifting there"
"Yup, sure am"
"Yeah I was watching you bend over to pick up the bar, you're obviously a strong, buff type of guy. Those lifts are really working your glutes you macho stud"
At which point they usually just leave me to it. So I get to work alone and they get to go in to the shower and wash the seediness off themselves. Everyone's a winner.

Malteaser!

I always just wait.

I don't like working with anyone in the gym. If someone asks me I usualy just say I'll be two more minutes and continue doing my thing.

markk06

Malteaser! wrote: »

I always just wait.

I don't like working with anyone in the gym. If someone asks me I usualy just say I'll be two more minutes and continue doing my thing.

Leaving the other person standing there like a pr*k as they cool down... just so you can sit on the machine resting between reps... sound.

tribulus

markk06 wrote: »

Leaving the other person standing there like a pr*k as they cool down... just so you can sit on the machine resting between reps... sound.

Bit of a jump in logic there don't ya think?

I'd normally have no problem with people working in but if it's my last set or a tough set (often the two are the same) then I'd just say so. If you're reasonable I can't see why people would have a problem with it.

Malteaser!

markk06 wrote: »

Leaving the other person standing there like a pr*k as they cool down... just so you can sit on the machine resting between reps... sound.

I'm talking about the squat rack, I don't do any of my work-outs on a machine.

Unloading the weight off the bar, so they can get their warm up in is gonna take more time than me just finishing off my sets.

Hanley

Al_Fernz wrote: »

I think gyms should start hiring Terry Tate as a gym linebacker - I know hes done wonderful things for felcher and sons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzToNo7A-94

I like this idea alot.

The TTT vids are the funniest thing going.

Hanley

markk06 wrote: »

Leaving the other person standing there like a pr*k as they cool down... just so you can sit on the machine resting between reps... sound.

Lol. Someone's a bit touchy.

I'd be surprised if someone was to ask to work in with a girl when there's 2 other squat racks and 3 benches. And if they did ask to work in then maybe they're trying to hit on her... And ya know, show off their buffness?

aye

Hanley wrote: »

And if they did ask to work in then maybe they're trying to hit on her... And ya know, show off their buffness?

is this when you get to practice your running dropkick?:p

Hanley

aye wrote: »

is this when you get to practice your running dropkick?:p

It's a very versatile move tbh. But no. That's where I sit back and watch her ask them to give her some deadlift pointers. And the proceed to out pull them. They walk away in shame and I expend no energy.

markk06

Hanley wrote: »

Lol. Someone's a bit touchy.

Drives me mad when there is someone just sitting there huiffing and puffing when i am standing waiting that's all.

Malteaser!

markk06 wrote: »

Drives me mad when there is someone just sitting there huiffing and puffing when i am standing waiting that's all.

lol, I know what you're talking about but that's certainly not what I do.

If someone asks to work in, I actually rush myself to get done so they can take over coz I feel bad for leaving them waiting but I don't see the point in unloading all the weight off the bar and reloading when they're warmed up, then unloading again!

Hanley

Malteaser! wrote: »

lol, I know what you're talking about but that's certainly not what I do.

If someone asks to work in, I actually rush myself to get done so they can take over coz I feel bad for leaving them waiting but I don't see the point in unloading all the weight off the bar and reloading when they're warmed up, then unloading again!

She won't even let me work in....

For what it's worth, working in with someone isn't always the best idea. If you've two guys with radically different strength levels it can be very time consuming trying to load and unload a bar unless they're well versed in how to do it smoothly and efficiently.

To be honest I'd be quite ragged off if I was working heavy triples and fives and someone who wasn't in the same strength range demanded to work in with me in a commercial gym. It just wouldn't work.

aye

Hanley wrote: »

It's a very versatile move tbh. But no. That's where I sit back and watch her ask them to give her some deadlift pointers. And the proceed to out pull them. They walk away in shame and I expend no energy.

i'm going to practice it in my back garden!