Getting Shit in the Gym

[Portillo]

From a psychological standpoint they're threatened by you, even if they won't admit it. That's what they're doing. Hyenas circle and 'laugh' to taunt lions out of fear. They know that the lion will rip any one of them to shreds so they like to taunt and play keep away. If you ever see them individually when you start adding some serious muscle, watch how quick they start acting nice to you.

Go easy on the hyenas, there my favourite animal. Not to say that i act like one or anything.

[monkeyboyo]

This is the harsh reality of training in large commercial gyms, not only will you encounter people who are indeed bigger and stronger than yourself but you will also come across arseholes. Hopefully the two aren't one and the same all the time but in this case I think you're just going to have to ignore them. Fuck it, they're the losers here. They obviously have some insecurities they need to laugh off on another individual to feel better about themselves. There's little point in over-reacting to it, you're playing their game then, and if they're actively disrupting you then they shouldn't be allowed to train alongside you.
You should just continue with what you're doing and focus any frustration on that. They'll get bored. It's easier said than done I know but you can at least take pride in the fact you are attempting a worthwhile program that advocates REAL exercises, sensible training and focusses on progress. Truth is people are often affraid of what they don't understand, in my experience a lot of people in gyms don't really understand how to train. Not saying SL's is the be all/end all of weight training but from the amount of info, discussion and inspiration shared on this site I'd like to think anyone who spends enough time and effort learning through SL's, puts it into practice, experiences the stalls, the injuries, the milk nausia and (of course) the benefits can be classed as somewhat knowing their craft.
They won't laugh so much when you can squat more than what they weigh for reps, although when you (hopefully) get to that stage I'm sure what others think of you in the gym will hardly be the forefront of your mind.

[danangeles]

That sucks bro.
Some guys are encouraging, one guy here is acting like a dick, but hes partially right. He said youre on here acting hard but I think hes just got somehting up his ass. You said youre intimidated, thats not acting hard to me. Just being honest.
Heres my take.
These guys are HUGE, right? Well, Im sure theyre really tough seeing how theyre picking on the weak scrawny guy at the gym. Theyre not picking on one of the guys that weighs 265lbs, and squats 500lbs 5x5. Kinda tells you a little about them, doesnt it?
I wouldnt say anything to them, and by not saying anything doesnt mean you dont have balls. If these guys are as insecure as I think they are, they will kick your ass if you call them out......so avoid that.

You can stand up for yourself though. Just tell them you are scrawny, and thats why your there. Its hard to make fun of a guy that admits the point youre tryign to make.

The best bet is to just be the bigger man (even though your smaller) and ignore it.
The beaner thing pisses me off seeing how Im mexican american myself, but hey....who cares what a biggot thinks, right?

This program will help boost your strength and confidence, and they will notice it soon enough. Only the insecure guys will make fun of you, bc what they have that you dont makes them feel better about themselves. The guys that are secure will encourage you and help get you to where they are.....

Use this as motivation and lift!
If you feel like youre in danger, either bring it up to the staff or go to another gym.

Peace
Dan

[RexRomano]

I agree with the earlier post recommending you bring the taunts and racial slurs to the attention of management. If management doesn't ensure that these goons leave you alone to work out in peace, then I would recommend the following:

Get down to the courthouse and talk to a clerk. Ask to file a TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER. In most jurisdictions it's quick, easy and requires little evidence. It is reasonable to believe these guys mean you harm. Tell the judge about the racist comments, the intimidation, any threats, how big they are, past history with them, hell, even stories you might have about their past aggression, maybe video or audio of their behavior, if possible. This costs you nothing in most jurisdictions. They may or may not show up to contest the order, but they will be subject to it either way.

Once you get the order, they won't come anywhere near you or anywhere near the club when you are working out, unless they want to get arrested.

As seniors, these boys are getting old enough now to learn about the power of the law.

OR

You could simply join another club.

[Shoke]

I'm so fucking frustrated!! I go the 24 hour fitness gym and unfortunately so do four fucking douchebags from my old high school. They spotted me doing squats and least to say i can hear them laughing from all the way across the workout floor. I don't think its so much that I'm still on light weights but the fact that I'm even trying to work out. I was the super scrawny kid last time they saw me. Whenever they walk by they either say shit about my lack of strength or the fact that i'm still a "punk ass beaner".

Regularly, I'd be like screw this shit and settle it caveman style but these guys are freakin huge, like road rage football player huge. Whether they have the strength to back up their looks I don't know but still, they're intimidating.

FUCK!

Laughing? lol, how old are these people? Even at my college gym, everybody treated one another with respect...
EDIT: whoops, sorry, just read that you guys are still in highschool...don't worry about it and just keep to your own business I think is the only thing you can do...

[simmo]

surprised no one has said this already

just use a mp3 player.
Put some headphones in your ears- no more laughing
if they see your listening to music - they won't bother, if they do and you don't hear then they will just feel foolish.

ooo old thread- sorry

[evilgenius]

Better to take a beating then put up with that nonsense. I say confront them verbally first then throw punches if they keep it up.

haha, didn't notice how old this was either. Guess I should start reading all the posts before opening my big mouth.

[belal3]

I'll tell you something different, try this out, ask them be your spotters on a heavy bench press or something, do it several times, see what will happen

[FilthyMcNasty]

I'll tell you something different, try this out, ask them be your spotters on a heavy bench press or something, do it several times, see what will happen

they drop it on you just to be assholes

[belal3]

I'll tell you something different, try this out, ask them be your spotters on a heavy bench press or something, do it several times, see what will happen

they drop it on you just to be assholes

man, i didn't think of that!!! some people can get so mean to prove how assholes they are
So, don't do this, i withdraw my suggestion then

[jflynn]

I'm so fucking frustrated!! I go the 24 hour fitness gym and unfortunately so do four fucking douchebags from my old high school. They spotted me doing squats and least to say i can hear them laughing from all the way across the workout floor. I don't think its so much that I'm still on light weights but the fact that I'm even trying to work out. I was the super scrawny kid last time they saw me. Whenever they walk by they either say shit about my lack of strength or the fact that i'm still a "punk ass beaner".

Regularly, I'd be like screw this shit and settle it caveman style but these guys are freakin huge, like road rage football player huge. Whether they have the strength to back up their looks I don't know but still, they're intimidating.

FUCK!

Stop caring what people think of you. The end.

[GatMalice]

I hate going to the gym with a passion. There's this dude who always walks around with an attitude, who is there every, single, day. The guy just looks like a cocky angry dink. I finally asked him, "Hey man, any advice for someone like me?" the other day and he's like "Uhh, eat."

Anyway, most intimidating guys at my gym are actually not nearly as assinine as they look. If they are, get an ipod listen to music and don't pay them any mind.

[Tuplad]

I'd smack the snot out of their nose sideways, each one of them. If you can not do that, then do like everyone else said. Ignore them, get stronger, get some friends.

[tris27]

I'd smack the snot out of their nose sideways, each one of them. If you can not do that, then do like everyone else said. Ignore them, get stronger, get some friends.

This and then knock them around when you are stronger.

[sovietrussia]

I would try going to the bathroom before you go to the gym