Originally Posted by
Mmll
Hi Rip
I've cancelled my membership at a popular commercial gym because they told me I cant use chalk anymore. After making lots of enquiries ive realised most gyms in my neighbourhood dont allow chalk either. So im starting at a powerlifting gym next week that allows it, but there's a problem - the guys there dont like the way you teach the lifts (particularly the squat) and they tell me to do the lifts their way, in a really persistent annoying way.
I've already met a couple of guys that train there while at another gym, and they were immediately giving me lectures about how I should squat, bench press etc their way instead of your way eg they squat with a wide stance and a wide grip, bench press with a huge arch in their back etc. Most of the guys there are huge, very strong, and some are on steroids. They regularly say stuff like "if you wanna get really strong you gotta do this", "you shouldnt be doin that", "Watch me then you try" etc.
Anyway I dont want to do the lifts their way, I dont want to listen to their lectures and have them telling me what to do...but im a bit stuck because its the only proper barbell gym around. Do you have any suggestions on how to deal with the unsolicited advice/them trying to change the way i lift, without getting into awkward arguments? I have issues with anxiety, and every time I start explaining the reasons for your techniques they just say stuff like "yeh but look at how many elite powerlifters have actually been trained by Mark Rippetoe or use his methods...none".
Sorry if this sounds ridiculous, but i've already got into numerous arguments about this stuff and I dont want to deal with it anymore. I havent got good coordination or proprioception and I know my technique is not perfect, but I just want to be able to go to the gym and do my lifts without having to deal with this shit.
Thanks.