Strength Training Purpose…10 Ways Not To Be A Gym D-Bag!

The one thing that I’ve learned in my 35 years of existence is that you can’t fix stupid you can only hope to contain it. Now with this being said there is a difference between ignorance and stupidity that I am going to point out, especially as it relates to strength training and the gym D-Bag. You know the ones I’m talking about. Yep, I’m talking about those collar popping, bluetooth talking during arm curls, 1 rep of bench every 5 minutes kind of guys that spend more time talking about what they’re going to be doing Saturday night rather than training for any significant purpose other than being a D-Bag.

 Stupidity vs. Ignorance…

Stupidity: Incapable of learning or comprehending.

Ignorance: Capable of learning, but is just unaware or uninformed.

Well, it’s simple to NOT be a D-Bag in the gym, but people still go out of their way to be one. In short, there are many characteristics that can make up a gym idiot or D-Bag, but I’m only going to cover a list of 10 on how to enforce its prevention. The weight room or strength training facility should be a place of structure, respect, and purpose. It is no place for the idiots to come in and interrupt yours and my place of making stuff happen. Strength training and conditioning is about training the body and mind for a REAL change. No, there is no room for ignorance or stupidity here my friend. I can help with the ignorance, but there is just simply no cure for stupid. Help me keep the latter away and to help the ones that can be helped by sharing this list with them!

The List…The Cure For Ignorance And The Way To Avoid Being A D-Bag In The Weight Room!

1. NO i-pod, i-pad, i-shuffle, or anything with “i” in it: There is no room for electronics when in strength training mode! This could potentially get you labeled a D-Bag. That’s right, while you are trying to look cool tuning into your favorite song wandering aimlessly around unaware of your body in space the athlete out on the floor getting results is performing a set of cleans and just dropped the bar on your foot. He tried to yell to warn you, but you couldn’t hear because you were too busy messing with your cute little arm band and i-pod to notice.

2. No Gum: You’re not as cool as Burt Reynolds in Smokey And The Bandit so don’t try to be. Don’t risk the chance of distraction and getting choked. Spit out the gum.

3. Stop Posing Every Minute: This one is a classic. In the past I’ve seen guys do more posing in the mirror than any amount of lifting they could ever think about doing. Unless you’re gearing up for a legitimate competition cut out the posing.

4. Rack Your Weights And Accessories: This is one that I maintain with strict enforcement. If you use it then put it back. This is one way to piss off most any strength coach or trainer that has an effective method or system in place. Organization is crucial in being able to get things done. Only a D-Bag would leave weights off the rack or kettlebells spread out on the training floor. This is a major NO NO.

5. Save The Social Time For Happy Hour: It’s ok to be polite and speak to your peers from time to time during a strength training session, but after the hello save the rest of the conversation until the goodbye.  The more you can maintain focus the better.  The last thing you need is the D-Bag to distract you from your goals while you are in the middle of an intense circuit. Don’t fall into this trap. You can be social at happy hour.

6. Avoid The Single Joint Lifts Like The Flu: The single joint lifts have a place, but if you aren’t trying to squat, deadlift, or swing a kettlebell with any respectable amount of weight or volume then stop wasting your time and other people’s time by taking up dumbbell space to perform arm curls. Plus, if you aren’t doing the other mentioned lifts then chances are most people will fuel D-Bag habit number 3 which is a further waste of space, equipment, and time.

7. Stop Giving Training Advice Unless You’re A Qualified Pro: This is one that kills me. I have been in gyms where I’ve heard guys and girls giving advice on something that they don’t have a flipping clue about. Just umm…don’t do it. You’re going to make me angry and trust me you wouldn’t like me when I’m angry! Ok, I know I stole that one, but at least I’m admitting it!

8. Don’t Be A Know It All: Whether or not you are a trainer or a trainee don’t be a KNOW IT ALL. Now having said this I don’t mean that you shouldn’t express your wealth of knowledge to others. What I mean is that you shouldn’t express your wealth of knowledge and get all defensive if someone makes you realize that your wealth of knowledge isn’t so wealthy. Keep an open mind. Only D-Bag would be closed off!

9. Stay Out Of People’s Lifting Space: This shouldn’t be a problem in a serious strength training or strength and conditioning area, but it does happen. If someone is in the middle of a lift the last thing you want to do is walk directly in front of them, beside them, or behind them. If you absolutely have to walk in close proximity to the person then wait and do it when the person is finished throwing around the iron. Otherwise you can get your head knocked off from a kettlebell swing and you would deserve it for being a D-Bag idiot which I’m pretty sure you’re not if you are reading this! 🙂

10. Lift Safe: It may seem like I’m stating the obvious here, but so many times I’ve seen ridiculous details ignored that lead to no good. Make sure the weights are collared, technique is solid, and that you are performing lifts in a safe location. Failing to do any of these seemingly obvious things can result in some sort of very unwanted injury. Only a D-Bag would roll his or her eyes at these details and end up screwing everything up. Don’t be that person!

To sum it all up it’s easy to make sure your strength training program is moving in the right direction so that you won’t be guilty of being a gym D-Bag. Ignorance is acceptable until now. In other words, if you were ignorant before then that should be cured now after reading this. All jokes aside, I’m sure if you are reading this you are probably a pro and know better, but chances are you know someone you can help which is why I wanted to deliver this post about strength training purpose for you to share! 🙂 Chances are you have witnessed a D-Bag or 2, or 3, or…well you get it.

Hopefully you enjoyed this list on strength training purpose and if you want to move your strength training program into that next level then feel free get your copy of my Better Than Steroids ebook right here!

Also remember that if you are a big fan of the Kindle then you can now subscribe to my blog for your Kindle right here on Amazon! Remember that most anyone can train hard, but only the best  strength train with a purpose and intelligence my friend.