Angry Man In The Gym: 3 Lessons to Learn From That Obnoxious Guy Working Out Next To You
After a long day of work you head to the gym, nod your head to the regulars as you walk in, and take what precious time you have to get down to business while you’re there. After beginning your warm up you notice that he is there again. He is Angry Man; so aptly named because of the loud grunting, wanton lack of sound exercise technique, and bizarre facial contortions that accompany his every workout. Angry Man is oblivious to the fact that the other regulars in the gym are both perplexed and disgusted by his ridiculous lack of workout acumen, general gym etiquette, and off the charts groaning and grunting. Angry Man is in every gym. He’s in your gym. He’s in my gym. And he is not going away. Having said that, there are a few good lessons that can be learned from him.
Number 1: Take The Time To Learn Sound Exercise Technique
There is a right way and a wrong way to do every exercise. In fact, there are many exercises that even when done perfectly are not necessarily best or even safe for everyone to do. Angry Man does exercises in a way that they were not designed, thereby reducing the benefits of the exercises and in some cases compromising safety. Where Angry Man learned his workout principals and techniques remains a mystery, but one thing is for sure, you do not want to follow him.
Number 2: Resist Holding Your Breath
Yes, certain exercises do require holding one’s breath for a brief period of time. This is referred to as the Valsalva Maneuver and is done primarily during power-lifting oriented lifts. The Angry Man’s face is beet red with a tormented expression on it from holding his breath…and he’s doing machine biceps curls. Don’t be like Angry Man. It is generally recommended that a person breathe in on the eccentric (non-lifting) phase of the lift, and out on the concentric (pushing, extending, or pulling) phase of the lift. If you are unable to keep this straight, just remember to breathe.
Number 3: Embrace Full Range Of Motion
Utilizing full range of motion while doing a resistance exercise helps to pull in as much muscle as possible. There are benefits to Isometric training or Static training, but by and large the average person does well to be focusing on a good range of motion, provided that no joint or injury problems inhibit such movement. Angry Man in the gym limits his range of motion…consistently. He does this so he can lift more weight, grunt and growl more, and feel stronger. Familiarize yourself with the proper range of motion for each exercise and make sure you don’t have any joint issues that may be exacerbated by doing such motions.
There are guys in every gym who engage in incorrect workout technique, unnecessary breath holding, and general obnoxiousness. It’s important to take the time to learn proper workout technique and form. I highly recommend working with a certified personal trainer with experience. The safety and added results are well worth the investment you will be making.
Paul Owens is a personal trainer in the Cleveland area. He is a Certified Personal Trainer through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and the National Council on Strength and Fitness. He is also a Corrective Exercise Specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He can be reached at http://www.clevelandpersonaltraining.com.
