Rant: Is Banging the Weights Really Necessary?
Hey gang. I have a little something to get off my chest today.
Here’s the story:
I was at the gym the other day, for a change of pace, with my training buddy.
Why is it that every time I go to a commercial gym, I see or hear something that reminds me of WHY I don’t go to commercial gyms very often?
This time I witnessed a guy doing cable pulls who thought that, for some reason, banging the weights as he let them down was something good to do.
And “banging the weights” is actually an understatement.
He was really just letting go of the weights and letting them smash down to the rest of the stack.
Oooh, that must be some heavy weight you’re lifting, eh buddy?
I was not impressed. And OW, my aching ears!!
Seriously? This was really necessary?
Pretty funny particularly since, once he finished, I went over to use the same cable equipment to do some back rows and saw that he was using a weight that I’m able to do myself (remember, I’m a girl and he’s a big burly boy… or at least he thinks he is).
AND, I did NOT have to bang the weights to let them down. It wasn’t THAT heavy!
SO, LISTEN UP PEOPLE:
Banging the weights is NOT cool.
It doesn’t prove how strong you are …
… how fit you are …
… or how big you are …
Quite the opposite in fact.
All it proves is that YOU think you have something to prove and makes you look like a jackass in the process. It SCREAMS of insecurity, which I’m almost positive is the exact opposite of what you’re trying to portray.
There’s gotta be a better way to get the attention you so obviously crave.
It’s inconsiderate, disrespectful and rude to others working out around you.
You may as well leave behind a big trail of slimy sweat on the equipment while you’re at it.
Oh, wait. You did. Of course. Why not? It’s abundantly obvious that you don’t give a flying flip about anyone around you. Good one.
Home training. No wonder I like it so much!
*RANT OVER*
That felt good to get off my chest. Thanks for listening.
Have a fit, fun and fantastic day.
Girlwithnoname
6839
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
I enjoyed reading this. I recently cancelled my gym membership and started exercising/training at home instead. Not only do I now save about $35/month in exchange for a small startup cost to get myself going with a bit of equipment at home, but I can’t express how great it is not to have to run into such douchebags while I work out.
The weight smacking, the disregard for others by leaving your bodily fluids all over the place, and the standing around chatting up girls are just three of the things that annoy me about commercial gyms.
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:07 pm
HA! thanks Tristan!! :-)
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Banging weights would mean I’d have to be getting my foundation fixed. No thank you. Although my neighbour says his house rattles occasionally :-D
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:26 pm
haha, yah sometimes if I happen to let my weights down a little bit too hard while working out at home I worry about the neighbours!! Hey, even when I slip and let go early, I’m worried about being considerate. Unlike the bonehead I was describing!
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Seriously, that one of the things that irritate me the most. I can’t stand it when people bang the weights or fling their dumbbells onto the floor after their workouts. It’s just so egotistical and inconsiderate. That’s why I’ve picked up kettlebell lifting! Good rant, Jackie!
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Thanks Clement!! :-)
May 4th, 2010 at 7:59 am
I totally agree. I see this all the time at the gym where I work out. Mostly it’s guys. Many times they’re young. It really bugs me too. I’m not impressed and I’m not sure anyone else is either.
May 4th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Banging the weights is actually counter-productive. A controlled up AND down motion works both extension and…. oh, yeah, you probably already know that…. :-)
May 4th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Ha Rufus… yes, I knew that!! LOL
May 4th, 2010 at 11:01 am
I’d say that’s a given. That’s why I ranted! ;-)
May 7th, 2010 at 11:53 am
I do find it annoying. Also when guys throw their DBs down (and they’re not that heavy). And clang their DBs at the top of the movement. Or walk around like they just lifted a mountain.
I am definitely a “gym” person. I like the space, equipment, etc. So I TRY to pick serious gyms, and go at times where it’s not crowded with knuckleheads (who can be ANY age). But there are many annoyances at gyms, I agree. Including people who get right up in front of the DB rack to do their exercises. Or do jump lunges right or pushups right next to where you’re doing heavy presses.
Sorry, I could go on. About the guys who clang the weights, I just think, “Dope. He’s not even getting the negative.”
May 7th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
yah, they’re morons. Hence the rant! thanks for sharing!
btw, check out THIS rant, if you liked this one: https://www.girlwithnoname.com/2010/04/hey-muscleheads/
LOL
May 7th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
I agree that is very jarring to the ears to hear someone let their weights down with a bang…it’s just not necessary and wouldn’t it be a little dangerous since like someone else mentioned you need to have both a controlled UP and DOWN movement? It should be fluid and not end with a *CLANK*! :)
September 5th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
What better way to say “i can’t handle this weight properly, so i’ll let everyone know in the gym that i’m not bright enough to use a lighter weight to do controlled, good-form sets!!!”. And it says: “i don’t own this machine/DB/etc., so i’ll beat/bang the H… out of it to get attention.
September 5th, 2010 at 10:55 pm
HAHA Mike!! Exactly!