Groups, sports, gyms, individual sports, and coaches

With all these self-proclaimed gurus and "lifestyle coaches" flooding the forums lately—people just looking to make a quick buck by baiting newcomers into their schemes—it’s getting a bit crowded in here.
They act like they're some kind of coaching experts, but honestly, they just don't have the actual skill to back it up.
They can't express themselves to save their lives; they don't even know how to put a single coherent sentence together.
They can barely put a coherent sentence together, let alone actually know what they're talking about. Plus, they're just incredibly tedious.
The business students over at BlackRock have always been more about the numbers than hitting the gym, so coaching definitely isn't their calling.
At the end of the day, my experience really boils down to two things: coaching kids under ten and gathering information.
Hanging out at the local Oakland playground and staring at that Ante Kostelić poster... honestly, the intellectual depth required to just hit on women and mock people is basically nonexistent.
Taebo—I’ve been thinking about how I'd describe it if I had to put it into words.
It’s easy to look at things from the perspective of someone who just receives the services without being involved in the actual work.
When it comes to dealing with the providers? It’s just not going to happen. Not ever.

I’m writing this primarily for the beginners; the advanced lifters already know what works best for them.

Groups.

Group workouts are easily the best way for women to stay active and enjoy some recreation.
Gentlemen, regardless of what you're aiming for—especially if you're just looking at this as a recreational sport—what's the move?
To me, this is easily the healthiest way to train compared to anything else out there.
Training together changes the game. What really makes group workouts special is that constant sense of competition pushing you forward.
It’s like that extra bit of grit in the air that keeps you from throwing in the towel right when things start getting tough.
Don't give up too soon. Beyond just the competition itself, it’s that group energy that really keeps you going.
It’s all about having solid trainers and a great culture—the kind that keeps you going even when you're feeling completely burnt out.
When everyone’s feeling drained, you just need that one high-energy person to step up and pull the whole group along.
Maybe that's just part of a coach's job in the end, but it doesn't really matter. You'll find solid groups like that in any gym.
Every gym has its own vibe, but they’re pretty easy to spot: you can usually tell just by looking at the regulars who are actually staying fit.
Most people out there actually get results. And honestly, the best part is how dedicated the athletes are.
Keep things steady and stay satisfied. When you find a rhythm like that, stick with it. Even if life tries to throw you a curveball.
It’s good to see everyone having a blast here. If this group keeps you entertained and makes you actually look forward to waking up in the morning, then I've done my job.
Start your workouts in the afternoon and just stick to it. That’s really all there is to it.
Whether it’s Pilates, Tae Bo, or lifting weights, the most important thing is that you actually enjoy what you're doing. You have to find something that makes you feel satisfied.
Results.

Gyms and trainers in the fitness industry.

Here are three scenarios for gym trainers to consider:
If you're a guy, just keep in mind that you're essentially working for the trainer, without exception.
Gym chains are just cluttering up the streets. You guys are going to regret this once things catch up with you.
You could either hand someone a printed workout sheet and send them off to figure it out themselves, or actually walk them through drills like...
Leg extensions and those other knee-killers... they're basically all the same thing anyway.
It’s like they sent you there just to follow instructions. You'll end up working for the machines instead of letting them work for you.
Whether you're planting flowers in your backyard or trying to force results through sheer willpower, you won't see any progress if the foundation isn't there.
There’s always a chance you might pick up a few injuries using the gym equipment.
If you're an average-looking woman, you’ll end up in the exact same category as the men.
If you're an attractive woman, the trainer might get too distracted trying to score than actually focusing on the workout, which means you won't see any real progress.

When it comes to the gym, most guys are doing it all wrong, even if they're still seeing some progress for now.
It’s all about momentum rather than intellect. They get results simply because they have higher testosterone levels.
People tend to watch what everyone else is doing at the gym anyway, mostly because the whole vibe is pretty laid back.
It’s simple: just grab a heavier weight and start lifting. But there's more to the story than that.
It’s always the same story—people grind away for years without seeing any real progress.
They’re carrying around way too much dead weight. They don't have any muscle definition, and they just can't find that extra gear to sprint. 1.2 milesI just can't do it.
Splitting 20 meters of firewood is a lot of work; I can barely handle carrying grocery bags from the car to the kitchen without feeling it.
I just can't get behind it. They’re completely broken, and it feels like they're just throwing money away on those heavy hitters.
If you want to avoid getting unnecessarily bulky, you just have to keep an eye on your calories and protein intake.

Personal trainers are doing a pretty lousy job in most gyms lately. They’re just going through the motions and following bad habits out of pure inertia.
It looks like some coaches (the BlackRock crowd) have suddenly decided that women need this training too. For some reason, it’s become a big talking point lately.
They just focus entirely on glutes and hips, doing nothing else. And they only ever use machines. What's the deal?
It’s wrong on every single level. Every aspect of it. Women need...
If they have to train solo, then let them work just like the guys do. Why not?
I highly recommend it. It's much better than relying on gym machines that force you into those rigid, fixed movement patterns.
It’s all about adapting to your joints rather than forcing them to adapt to you—that’s really why things go sideways.
Gym equipment injuries happen more often than you'd think. If you absolutely have to train at a local gym, just be smart about it.
Man, just using free weights is the way to go. Everything feels more effective and
HEALTHIER.

3. Coaches and Individual Sports

Based on my own experience and what the data shows—looking at least at the pool of American coaches
(ranging from guys like Ante Kostelić to major college football coaches,
etc.)—they tend to be pretty intellectually and characteristically
skewed. From my perspective, their view of the job is
totally warped. Instead of being educators who guide and
mentor young athletes, they’re often just frustrated egoists who try to
validate themselves through the wins of their trainees. While this mostly
applies to parents enrolling kids in sports,
it’s worth noting for recreational athletes too. Avoid the egoists; don't let
someone ruin your health just so they can
brag to the neighbors about having "star talent."

Generally speaking, stick with decent people, have fun,
and socialize. You’ll get much more out of joining a rock climbing gym than
training at some boxing club full of Neanderthals. Stick with
normal, educated people; everything else is just noise.

As for one-on-one training, if that's your style, go for it. But honestly, with individual sessions, it all comes down to the coach, and good ones are hard to find. In group settings, most of the magic comes from the participants creating a great atmosphere, while the coach just facilitates and sets the program.
You're much more likely to stumble upon a great group than a great coach.

Ethan Garcia8 said:...
This is basically just common sense—stick to decent people, have fun,
and actually enjoy yourself. You’ll get way more out of joining some climbing gym
than hitting a boxing club packed with Neanderthals. Stick to
normal, educated crowds; everything else is just a waste of time.

....

👍👍
I’d really double down on that point.
At the end of the day, we’re all just recreational athletes playing various sports to feel better, stay healthy, get fit, or just blow off some steam.
So, shouldn't you be training in a way that actually makes you happy, with an intensity that doesn't crush you, surrounded by people you actually like?
Recreational sport should be about unwinding and having a blast, not becoming another chore or a source of stress.

I’m really not sure what your issue is with Ante Kostelić as a coach, to be honest.

I mean—if we accept the idea that there isn't such a thing as a single "perfect" way to raise someone—that you essentially become a product of your environment and learn to embrace it—then it follows that the most effective approach is simply instilling disciplined training habits in kids while they're still young. I don't see anything inherently wrong with that, do you?

1. I dig group classes because someone else does the counting and calls the shots. When you're really in the zone, that "autopilot" mode actually works. But honestly? If you've got your own drive, you don't need a cheering squad or a coach breathing down your neck.
2. ah 3😬.
3. I don't buy the idea that women's gym routines should just mimic men's. Sure, compound lifts are great, but isolation moves? Not necessarily, at least when we're talking about those typical aesthetic goals.
3. To some people in the library, the guy at the gym is just a meathead. To the sociology professor out in the field, he's just blowing smoke instead of getting to work. And to some folks, a boxing gym is just a breeding ground for thugs. Whatever.😁.

What’s the actual point of men doing isolation exercises, other than just fixing the imbalances caused by doing them in the first place? 😁 Maybe in specific cases, like during physical therapy.

Going to the gym without hitting some bicep curls just isn't the same thing. And those skull crushers—you know, the ones where you lower the bar toward your forehead?—those are solid. If you’re feeling motivated afterward, adding some forearm work into the mix is great too...
Once you're done with squats, a little leg curl session always hits the spot. And honestly, if you aren't doing leg extensions during the breaks between sets of leg curls, what are you even doing...
All of this is an essential part of the whole gym experience—not necessarily because it's "functional" training, mind you, but more for the sheer vibe of it all. 😁

That being said, the pec deck machine is pretty much useless...

Honestly, the design behind those specific machines is just pure stupidity. It’s like when you go to an orthopedic specialist and they try to max out your joint load by simulating a seated leg extension or a bicep curl—they're basically just cranking up muscle tension to force more pressure onto the joints. 😁 Both of those machines are basically a free pass to wreck your joints, yet they still sell like hotcakes and everyone keeps buying them. 😁 And honestly, they aren't even the only bad ones; most of the equipment in there is just total garbage.

Ethan Garcia8 said:By the way, regarding those machines—it’s honestly mind-blowing how poorly they're designed. For instance, when you go to an orthopedic specialist and they want to put maximum stress on your joints, they basically simulate a seated leg extension or a seated bicep curl because it forces the muscle to exert pressure directly onto the joint 😁 Both of those machines are essentially a free pass to wreck your joints, yet they sell like crazy and everyone keeps making them 😁 and they aren't even the only bad ones; generally speaking, most of them are just garbage.

I'm mostly on your side here.
Heavy isolation work is arguably the fastest way to destroy your joints.
However, what works for me—and what I actually incorporate into my routine—is using isolation movements at the end of a session. Using lighter weights with higher reps helps get that blood flow into the muscle, which can aid recovery after the main lift.

Ethan Garcia8 said:Why would guys even bother with isolation moves, other than just fixing the imbalances those exact same moves cause? 😁 Or maybe for specific stuff like physical therapy.

😁
if they're chasing a certain look that compound lifts just won't give them—say, genetics aren't cooperating. want wider shoulders? looks good on a guy. might only happen if he gives some serious 😁 attention to isolating those lateral delts.

electricraven11 said:😁
If people want to achieve a certain look but can't get there through compound movements—say, because their genetics aren't cooperating—they have to pivot. If someone wants more developed lateral delts, for instance—which looks great on a guy—it's only going to happen once they start paying specific isolation 😁 attention to those side delts.

Signed.
But even then, you should be using free weights rather than those mindless machines.😉
In my opinion, something like the Smith machine is just a brilliant way to wreck your joints—it forces your body into a fixed, unnatural path.

People ought to spend less time tethered to gym machines and iron plates, and more time out in the elements practicing bodyweight movements... since true strength, motor skills, and coordination are forged far more effectively through bodyweight training than any other method, one has to wonder why anyone bothers with the gym at all...

Terry Wells56 said:People really ought to spend more time outdoors doing bodyweight exercises instead of obsessing over gym machines and weights... bodyweight training builds strength, motor skills, and coordination better than anything else—so why even bother with gyms?

Every training style has its own unique advantages.
It’s honestly a bit silly to frame it that way.

Terry Wells56 said:People should spend more time outdoors doing bodyweight exercises instead of constantly hitting the gym for machines and weights... you build way more strength, motor skills, and coordination with bodyweight stuff than anything else, so why even bother with gyms?

It’s because everything serves a specific purpose. One isn't necessarily better than the other; they just complement each other.

Charles Morales10 The user says...
Every training regimen carries its own inherent complexities...
It is frankly absurd to even engage in such discourse...

Ethan Garcia8 It seems...
Because everything serves its own specific purpose, and nothing is inherently superior to another... they simply complement one another...

It’s true, I suppose, but looking at it realistically... how many of you gym rats were out there chopping wood in the Alaskan wilderness, welding on the 45th floor of the Empire State Building, operating pneumatic jackhammers, fighting in the UFC, or actually competing in professional sports... that would be the only reason you'd ever truly need a gym... 😁

Terry Wells56 said:That’s true, but looking at it realistically... how many of you gym rats were actually out there chopping wood in the Alaskan wilderness, welding on the 45th floor of the Empire State Building, operating jackhammers, fighting in the UFC, or playing pro sports? How many of you actually need a gym that much? 😁

If we want to get stronger and stay in shape, why even ask? There’s really no point in doing body fat exercises if that's not the goal. 😁 If you really want to be a total joke.

Terry Wells56 said:True, but let's get real about these gym rats for a second... how many of you guys hitting the weights daily were actually out there chopping wood in the Alaskan wilderness, welding on the 45th floor of the Empire State Building, operating heavy pneumatic drills, fighting in the UFC, or actually competing in a professional sport? Like, why do you all need a gym so badly? 😁

Some people hit the gym to pack on muscle, others are just trying to drop weight, and some are chasing that lean definition. Look, you’re going to see results way faster in a gym setting than you ever will just doing bodyweight exercises. I highly doubt even 0.1% of people are actually training in a gym just so they can handle manual labor more easily. And honestly, I find your whole conclusion pretty interesting—this idea that people with "sedentary" lifestyles don't actually need physical activity. That's a bold take.

Look, if you’re putting in an hour or so three to four times a week—say, 40 minutes of bodyweight stuff paired with some running or cycling—you'll find that it's actually far more effective for weight loss than grinding away in a gym... As for building mass, that isn't even the gym's responsibility, it's all about what you eat... And honestly, I don't think there's any greater physical strain than attempting a one-arm pull-up, which is what actual compound movements are meant to be... Trying to hammer out curls or extensions with a 150-pound barbell just isn't smart... Instead, try lying under a sturdy table, gripping the edge, and attempting some bodyweight rows... Can't do it? Well, that's because you're pulling your entire body weight rather than some measly 40-pound dumbbell... ☕ ...I suppose genetics vary, but any man should be able to pack on muscle quite rapidly...

Terry Wells56 said:Look, if you go at it three or four times a week for about an hour—say, 20 minutes of cardio and maybe 35-40 minutes of bodyweight stuff—it’s actually more fun than hitting the gym. And honestly, for losing weight, it beats a traditional weightlifting routine any day...

How so? A gym gives you such a massive variety of exercises and routines that it can be overwhelming. Cycling and running tend to get repetitive; it's just the same motion over and over, whether you're sprinting or cruising. 🙂 The gym covers all the bases, including cardio and strength training under one roof.

Ethan Garcia8 said:On what grounds? A gym offers such an overwhelming array of exercises and routines that it’s frankly dizzying... Cycling and running are just monotonous repetitions, either fast or slow. 🙂 A gym encompasses everything—running, cycling, you name it.

I’d much rather ride through the countryside, maybe stop at a local pub for a beer, and grab some burgers on the way home... at least I actually see the sun out there, unlike grinding away on a stationary bike or pacing on a treadmill in some windowless gym...

Terry Wells56 said:I’d much rather be riding through the countryside—maybe stop by a local pub along the way or grab some BBQ somewhere—than being stuck in a gym on a stationary bike or running on a treadmill... at least out there I get to see some sunlight.

The way you've laid it out sounds more like one intense training session followed by a really solid meal.😁