Comments on: Hardcore Gym or Health Club?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:44:40 +0000

Ms. Moss: If you find a gym in Wilmington that has only the right kind of attitude, let me know.

By: Aisha K. Moss

Aisha K. Moss — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:31:00 +0000

Just “bumped” into your site..like your point here. Got into the best shape of my life at a “hardcore” gym in the early 2000′s. I was an overweight 25 year old, who had been too skinny for most of my life. I was overwhelmed, living in a new city in the South, just re-entered school and had joined a “health club,” with a trainer who spent more time in the mirror than in the gym. After he pissed me off, making fun of my new “baby” muscles, and good form, actually – I joined the hardcore gym across town. At first I stuck to the cardio center and classes, but I kept coming back – no one giggled at my jiggly bits or even noticed my newbie-ness. Pretty soon, I hired a trainer, who got me, and taught me everything I know about how to lift. He even put the bb competition bug in my ear. The powerlifters and bodybuilder guys even started helping me out, with tips, etc. when they saw I was serious, and not trying to socialize (I never talk when I lift, cause that means I’m not working hard enough, so he said!) I miss him and that gym. Approaching 35 this year, after fighting a sickness, and 130 lb. weight gain, and losing 80 lbs on my own, I wish I could consult him again..I’m gonna pick up The New Rules for Lifting for Women, I’ve been looking at it at the store..I have been doing my cardio at home, but now have got to start lifting again. I want my body back! Thanks for your resources from a girl in Delaware…miss that positive powerlifter kickbutt attitude!

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:57:06 +0000

The one and only time I visited a “hardcore” gym, I found that the resident clients were less than amused to have a newcomer at all and that I was using the weights on the left side of the rack didn’t help. I was traveling so maybe I stood out as a short-timer but it wasn’t an atmosphere that called me back.
However, I will take your advice, suck it up, and go to a hardcore gym without fear the next time the opportunity presents itself. I loathe having to be social at a gym and my shirt and pants rarely match, so the atmosphere you describe sounds good and even helpful.

By: Jaime

Jaime — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:09:29 +0000

I have long ago given up on health clubs for that very reason.
I don’t understand “primping and showering” to go to the gym! Makes no sense at all.

By: Troy M Anderson

Troy M Anderson — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:57:30 +0000

Well put

Something that I have been noticing a lot as of late too

Keep up the interesting posts