Post: #1

I've been doing Stronglifts 5 x 5 at home and decided it's time to find a gym. The one I'm considering is a Powerlifting Gym that's about 15 minutes away from my office. My friend said that I'm crazy & will ruin my joints there. But I figure the people there compete regularly, and their forms should help me become the best I can with powerlifting. Any ideas? The alternate was Steven Nash fitness center or the local rec center gym. I really feel I can progress the most at a Powerlifting Gym though. Experts all around to critique my form seems ideal.

Post: #2

(09-19-2014 12:51 AM)Mike0060 Wrote:   My friend said that I'm crazy & will ruin my joints there.

That sounds like a recommendation to me. Go for the powerlifting gym.

Post: #3

(09-19-2014 01:44 AM)Thomas the Rhymer Wrote:  

(09-19-2014 12:51 AM)Mike0060 Wrote:   My friend said that I'm crazy & will ruin my joints there.

That sounds like a recommendation to me. Go for the powerlifting gym.

Exactly…what a dumbass friend. Why would the gym one visits have any bearing on one's joint…

Go to the powerlifting gym OP.

Just don't forget why you're there…it's real easy to get obsessed with strength training in my experience!

Post: #4

What others said above. If you can't find a powerlifting gym, find a crossfit gym and do your thing instead of crossfit. Just make sure you do the exercises correctly, or you can mess yourself up otherwise.

Post: #5

I'd do the PL gym. Remember that slow and steady progress is better than doing too much too fast and getting injured/burnt out.

Also, I know plenty of people who have competed successfully and have horrible technique. Read up on your own too rather than solely relying on the advice of others.

Post: #6

Not trying to be funny but make sure you don't join a place like Planet Fitness. It is not meant for people who are serious about their health.

Post: #7

(09-20-2014 02:47 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Not trying to be funny but make sure you don't join a place like Planet Fitness. It is not meant for people who are serious about their health.

Why?

Post: #8

(09-20-2014 05:05 PM)game_ethic Wrote:  

(09-20-2014 02:47 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Not trying to be funny but make sure you don't join a place like Planet Fitness. It is not meant for people who are serious about their health.

Why?

It's a scam to relieve fools of their money?
In all seriousness, it is meant for you to use all those machines they have that don't do shit for you but provide an illusion of having a workout. A feminist fantasy in real world. A place where a girl can go, barely break a sweat and say she worked out.

Go to a powerlifting or a crossfit gym.

Post: #9

Quote:Once a month, national gym chain Planet Fitness has a free pizza night.

So many members come in for these food-filled evenings that the health club franchise usually gives away 250,000 slices each time, for more than 3 million pieces a year. That's probably not surprising when you consider that Planet Fitness recently hit 5 million members and is now the fastest-growing gym chain in the U.S., according to co-founder and chief executive Chris Rondeau.

What's taken the company, which began in 1992 as a small operation in Dover, N.H., to a nationally dominant chain? Rondeau says its all about targeting the right audience.

Most health clubs, Rondeau explains, cater to the roughly 15% of Americans who consider themselves fitness nuts and love to work out. Planet Fitness's goal, on the other hand, is to attract the much larger percentage of people who want to be healthier but may only use the gym a few times a month.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/free-pizz...z3Dug9HOdp

And don't forget the "lunk alarm" if anyone dares to lift weight that actually requires effort:

Quote:Beyond being affordable, Planet Fitness has built its reputation on maintaining a non-competitive workout environment. If someone attempts to lift too many weights or seems to be grunting under the effort, staffers can set off a loud siren called the "lunk alarm." On some occasions, particularly egregious lifting offenders have been asked to leave and then escorted out by police.

I admit it's a brilliant business model-charge a low monthly fee so people can say they belong to a gym, which they seldom go to, and discourage anyone who is actually making an effort to get in shape so the chubbies won't feel "uncomfortable." And give them free pizza, too. It's genius, Diabolical perhaps, but genius

Post: #10

Planet Fitness gets a lot of hate, but for some of us, it's the only alternative. For $20.00 a month I can go to anyone in the area. Yeah, there are a lot of people who join and never show up. But I saw that happen at many other gyms I used to belong.For those of us with limited funds, it makes sense. When I sell my company for 10 million, maybe I'll go to the boutique gym that has the hot little fitness instructor.

Post: #11

(09-20-2014 10:04 PM)ColSpanker Wrote:  Planet Fitness gets a lot of hate, but for some of us, it's the only alternative. For $20.00 a month I can go to anyone in the area. Yeah, there are a lot of people who join and never show up. But I saw that happen at many other gyms I used to belong.For those of us with limited funds, it makes sense. When I sell my company for 10 million, maybe I'll go to the boutique gym that has the hot little fitness instructor.

I'm not motivated by the low price of Planet Fitness as much as I'm motivated by the fact that it is oven twenty-four hours a day and there is always an attendant. The only other option for a twenty-four hour gym in my area is Anytime Fitness, where I had too many problems with being locked out due to my fob not always working. Planet Fitness has all of the equipment that I need and it's not like the other members' horrible dietary and exercise habits will rub off on me.

Post: #12

As long as you know why Planet Fitness works for you, no worries. But if you are trying to really work out and do serious gains, it doesn't seem to be the environment to foster and support such goals. Just what I have read, I don't go Planet Fitness. I do go to a chain, it isn't hardcore but I can work out hard there and people do not get scared if you accidentally drop a weight.

Post: #13

(09-20-2014 09:33 PM)MrXY Wrote:  

Quote:Once a month, national gym chain Planet Fitness has a free pizza night.

So many members come in for these food-filled evenings that the health club franchise usually gives away 250,000 slices each time, for more than 3 million pieces a year. That's probably not surprising when you consider that Planet Fitness recently hit 5 million members and is now the fastest-growing gym chain in the U.S., according to co-founder and chief executive Chris Rondeau.

What's taken the company, which began in 1992 as a small operation in Dover, N.H., to a nationally dominant chain? Rondeau says its all about targeting the right audience.

Most health clubs, Rondeau explains, cater to the roughly 15% of Americans who consider themselves fitness nuts and love to work out. Planet Fitness's goal, on the other hand, is to attract the much larger percentage of people who want to be healthier but may only use the gym a few times a month.

Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/free-pizz...z3Dug9HOdp

And don't forget the "lunk alarm" if anyone dares to lift weight that actually requires effort:

Quote:Beyond being affordable, Planet Fitness has built its reputation on maintaining a non-competitive workout environment. If someone attempts to lift too many weights or seems to be grunting under the effort, staffers can set off a loud siren called the "lunk alarm." On some occasions, particularly egregious lifting offenders have been asked to leave and then escorted out by police.

I admit it's a brilliant business model-charge a low monthly fee so people can say they belong to a gym, which they seldom go to, and discourage anyone who is actually making an effort to get in shape so the chubbies won't feel "uncomfortable." And give them free pizza, too. It's genius, Diabolical perhaps, but genius

This is a classic example of an American junk product - similar to something of serious value, but shitty and crippled, and thus attractive to people who are going for image or self-comfort instead of actual value. No respectable person who actually cares about their health would be celebrating the kind of deal you cut with Planet Fitness culture.

Now as has been said, for some dudes, the PF membership actually works pricewise and timewise and so be it. What you're really doing is "black-knighting" the fatty gym by actually getting a good workout on the regular.

Post: #14

(09-19-2014 12:51 AM)Mike0060 Wrote:  I've been doing Stronglifts 5 x 5 at home and decided it's time to find a gym. The one I'm considering is a Powerlifting Gym that's about 15 minutes away from my office. My friend said that I'm crazy & will ruin my joints there. But I figure the people there compete regularly, and their forms should help me become the best I can with powerlifting. Any ideas? The alternate was Steven Nash fitness center or the local rec center gym. I really feel I can progress the most at a Powerlifting Gym though. Experts all around to critique my form seems ideal.

Although not the best for Powerlifting, Retofitness is only 20 bucks a month and has all the equipment i need.

Post: #15

(09-20-2014 05:05 PM)game_ethic Wrote:  

(09-20-2014 02:47 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  Not trying to be funny but make sure you don't join a place like Planet Fitness. It is not meant for people who are serious about their health.

Why?

Post: #16

(09-20-2014 10:04 PM)ColSpanker Wrote:  Planet Fitness gets a lot of hate, but for some of us, it's the only alternative. For $20.00 a month I can go to anyone in the area. Yeah, there are a lot of people who join and never show up. But I saw that happen at many other gyms I used to belong.For those of us with limited funds, it makes sense. When I sell my company for 10 million, maybe I'll go to the boutique gym that has the hot little fitness instructor.

If he has been doing Mehdi's Stronglifts and wishes to continue his powerlifting regimen, Planet Fitness will not be enough.

1. Planet Fitness does not have power racks (absolutely necessary for powerlifting).
2. Planet Fitness does not have standard barbells, only fixed weight barbells.
3. Planet Fitness does not have heavy dumbbells.
4. Planet Fitness has the "lunk alarm" that goes off to deter people from making grunting sounds during a hard workout.

Here is a tour of a Planet Fitness:

Post: #17

This is great subject for a thread. Naturally there will be competing visions on this question, but the things that matter to me in choice of a gym are the following:

1. Proximity. There is an unavoidable human tendency towards lethargy that is magnified by geographical distance. Unless your gym is reasonably close to you, you will not use it. We see this same thing happen in the use (or non-use) of timeshares. Even if you've paid for it, you won't go to use it. So, pick a gym that is close. You're better off with a mediocre gym close to you than an incredible gym far away.

2. Plan for all seasons. I live in a part of the country with harsh winters. I don't want to be running around any more outside in the snow and cold. (Those days are gone). So it was important for me to have a gym that had a variety of resources that could be used in all seasons. A track is important, as well as a pool. However, other guys may not want or care about these things. I do. Weightlifting can get monotonous, and you need to mix things up a bit.

3. Price. Self-explanatory. Avoid commitments that rope you into long contracts. Go month-to-month if possible.

4. Make sure the equipment and facilities are maintained and in good condition. No one wants to pay money for a membership and then find out that half of the machines are broken.

A good guy to ask about this would be Giovonny. He's always got some good pointers....

Post: #18

Ask if they let you use chalk.

A good gym will look at you funny and say of course.
A great gym will provide it for you.

Post: #19

if you are used to working out at home, probably any gym will be a step up in facilities. Go the gym that has what you need, is in the best location and is cheapest. Most places will give you a free trial to check out if they maintain it well, how crowded it is, clientele. For me location is definitely the priority since I want to go every day. If it has attractive and younger women instead of fatties, it is a plus. All gyms will subject you to an annoying marketing speech in order to get you to sign up long term, buy training sessions, etc.

If Canada is like the US, one of the few benefits of living there is a large supply of spacious newer gyms. Most guys will just be doing basic free weight exercises and can get a good workout at any decent chain. Even Planet Fitness has abundant benches and free weights - I think more people are put off by the tacky marketing than the actual facilities (although I only used PF on vacation and seem to recall they didn't have free barbell benches).

Post: #20

People gotta find what kind of vibe/style/arrangement reinforces them getting to the gym regularly. Most people I know who have regular gym memberships are spotty about attendance, and so their health suffers and $$ is wasted. The exceptions are the folks who are really hardcore about their fitness, who are so motivated that they get a workout in whenever they can if schedules change, i.e. getting up early to pump one out when they're leaving town that day, etc.

For my part, I absolutely need to have social scaffolding that encourages my gym attendance. Right now I pay big $ for membership in a small private gym that does personal and semi-personal training with organized warmups and finishers (i.e. you can't just roll in and lift whenever, and you're on a specially designed program and get to know the other clients). The combination of paying a lot and the close-knit atmosphere means that I absolutely don't miss workouts and always go hard. That's what works for me, after a decade of trying different shit. Could I pay less? I'm sure but I wouldn't be as fit. So it's money well spent.

Post: #21

(09-28-2014 12:13 AM)BadgerHut Wrote:  People gotta find what kind of vibe/style/arrangement reinforces them getting to the gym regularly. Most people I know who have regular gym memberships are spotty about attendance, and so their health suffers and $$ is wasted. The exceptions are the folks who are really hardcore about their fitness, who are so motivated that they get a workout in whenever they can if schedules change, i.e. getting up early to pump one out when they're leaving town that day, etc.

That right there is crucial. It took me some time to get bitten by the fitness bug. After 3 weeks of forcing myself to get up early, I started to feel guilty on days when I would skip going to the gym. Gym motivation isn't that hard to maintain if you keep at it.

No one "wants" to do the hard work and that is why those individuals remain fat and unhealthy.

As horrible it is to say this, an individual needs to center his life around personal fitness to be successful at it. That means going to bed at 9:30pm, eating meals with real food and not junky fast food, and getting up at the crack @$$ of dawn to hit the gym before 9am.

Kids, "work", and the like are just excuses. Those people who whine never wanted to change anyway and frankly they deserve what comes to them.

I just spent the past two weeks getting up at 5:30am so I could get my gym time in before I had a 9:30am meeting that was scheduled monday through friday. That's the type of dedication one needs.

Post: #22

I'm at Gold's Gym. It's perfect for what I'm looking for. Even though it's not the largest gym, they have everything there one could need. All varieties of free weights, benches, dumbells, olympic powerlifting equipment, machines for every body part, treadmills, stairmills, cycles, an aerobics room(though I don't do any of their classes). All for $10 a month. It's really the best deal in town. Might want to see if there's a Gold's gym near you.

Post: #23

$10 per month? Wow…and I thought that our £15pcm gyms were incredibly cheap (not that this boom will last or is sustainable but that's another conversation).

As a leisure operator, I wouldn't be able to afford my X6 if it wasn't for all the fat wasters that are not only too lazy to exercise but too lazy to even cancel their memberships.

Post: #24

(10-04-2014 01:15 PM)CrashBangWallop Wrote:  $10 per month? Wow…and I thought that our £15pcm gyms were incredibly cheap (not that this boom will last or is sustainable but that's another conversation).

As a leisure operator, I wouldn't be able to afford my X6 if it wasn't for all the fat wasters that are not only too lazy to exercise but too lazy to even cancel their memberships.

Yeah, and on top of that it's month-to-month no-contract. There was a bit of fees up front, less than $100 I know, but $10 a month for a full-featured gym with no contract is impossible to beat. The gym was brand new when I joined last winter and it was a promotional offer. It's still running. I don't know if they'll continue it forever.

Forgot to mention above, we have steam room and sauna too.

Post: #25

Just an update. I've joined the power lifting gym and it's only my second week. But I'm working on bench, squat, & deadlift right now. The gym is run by a professional competitive power lifter who can squat/dl 750+. It's a small club with only 12 members but I love the atmosphere and the one on one lessons with a professional.