This too is a good idea for a shirt print
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If they don’t kick you out keep lifting. You don’t need friends, you need a place to lift. In the mean time gradually build up a home gym
Stuff to buy:
- Rack(don’t get cheap but not expensive, you can also make one; there are plans on the SS site, wood can be used here too it just has to be thicker than steel.
- Bar( SS bar is really good),
- Used weight plates: 45(6-10), 25(2), 10(4), 5(2), 2.5(2), 1.25(2). These in pounds.
- Rubber horse stall mats( good hard rubber)
This will go a long way. You can slowly add from here but this list travels well.
I used to train at a powerlifting gym, and even while training at a Starting Strength gym, I occasionally had to train at Metroflex because of schedule issues. Here are my two cents:
- Wear headphones/earbuds/whatever and set the safeties when you squat and bench. Then you will never need to take off your headphones to ask for a spot or lift off.
- Do the program. Eventually you will squat as much as the bros without the help of knee wraps, monolift, squat suit, nose tork, 3/4 squats, and whatever else powerlifters use to "hit big numbers."
- Start working on a home gym or find a training partner that has one you can use.
Stop making eye contact.
Every time someone starts talking to you about doing stuff just start talking about how it aggravates your incontinence. In fact go into great detail about how certain foods give you anal leakage. Talk about your food allergies and how bad gluten is on your sex life. I promise you if you start talking about these things they will avoid talking to you like the plague.
Some alternative positive thoughts for such dark days.
I happen to love gym culture. Especially black iron gyms. I understand some people aren’t social aren't extroverted, don’t like the bro bullshit, etc. Embrace it. You are in battle, not watching a ballet.
DONT wear headphones. Listen to everything. Let them know your listening. Some of the things you hear are good for a rep or two or a PR. Because they are THAT stupid. Challenging someone’s bullshit can generate adrenaline. Not always and not for everyone, but try it. If it comes to fighting, which it won’t, all the better. Grow a pair you'll be fine.
DO talk to people. Ask advice. Even if you know or think it’s wrong. Conversation is healthy. People LOVE giving advise (consider this thread). It’s human. It kills time between sets.
DO ask for a spot. Not for warm ups or light sets. (Never for a deadlift obviously). An audience helps with adrenaline too. Tell them don’t touch anything, just keep an eye on me. Pick someone for the spot who needs a confidence boost. Never pick the asshole. Win win.
Make a spectacle. This is strong medicine to be used sparingly. A few times a year. Some people make noise or have a fit. I find a random word to shout as loud as possible. Obama, Kavanough, abortion, Maga.... No context. No elaboration. Just thinking your going do it for your PR lift produces adrenaline, people will be watching you, it will get juices flowing. Very similar to asking someone for a first date. It's nerve racking. That's good.
Everything bad you’ve heard about gyms are true. So what? I’ve met lifelong friends at various gyms. Some of them from this forum.
Home gyms are for people with enormous self discipline. They exist. Real gyms are for people that love real experiences and live for stories to tell.
Not Caring What Other People Think Is a Superpower. Use this as a liner progression opportunity for developing that superpower.
(Not making light of your situation. And also not caring what people think is a lot easier as a nearly-50 misanthrope like me than it was when I was in my twenties)