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A recent study by researchers at the
Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas essentially determined that
grunting while lifting weights in a gym does not help, and is for the
most part just offensive. I can’t say I 100% agree with their results
(or their method of testing), because I think they leave out the
psychological lift factor that a grunt might produce in someone working
their very last set or repetition, or even the pressure on the body
combined with the breathing exhale that might cause a non-intentional
grunt to come out. But I do think "over-grunting" can be annoying in a
public gym, just as I think over-breathing can be annoying, and can
cause you to pass out, too.
I remember when I was in the USAF, working out at the base gym (Minot
AFB in the early 80´s), there was
this little Asian guy who was a power-lifter. He would walk around in
circles, huffing and puffing, and then lift an incredible amount of
weight over his head. Just as he was about to lift the weight past the
breaking point he would yell really loud (talk about a grunt being
annoying), and it would startle everyone in the gym. At first it really
bothered me, but as I saw how much he was lifting, especially in
proportion to his size, and the fact that he was totally dedicated to
his sport, I gained a great deal of respect for him, as did everyone
else in the gym. And, the fact is, he not only kept himself in the shape
he wanted to be in, but he kept increasing his strength and ability. I
know that I for one would never want to discourage someone like him. We
really do need to think about what we are doing to the gym with all of
our studies and rules. The next studies will determine that it´s not
okay to grimace, and that it does not help at all, either. We should
have a pleasant look on our faces while lifting weights. Men should not
have body hair, we should all have 6 pack abs, and on and on. In reality
the gym should be a place to work out, and a place to work as hard as
you would like without worrying about being criticized for style of
dress, appearance, grunting, grimacing, sweating, having a non-"perfect"
form all the time, clanging the weights, etc.
It's getting to the point where we are deterring people from going to
the gym to even get in, and stay in, shape. We really have over-scienced
and over-studied simple exercise and diets to a point where we are
hurting people. We now have personal trainers in just about every gym or
fitness center in America who are overweight and out of shape. We have
people who are afraid to step into a gym for fear that they might be
wearing dated or the "wrong" workout clothes, the wrong sneakers, the
wrong shorts, or they might not have perfect enough bodies to be in
there at all. What are we doing to simple exercise, good hard
heart-pumping weight lifting, aerobics, and healthy sweating?
 Study
estimates today range from 32% to 67% of the American population as
being overweight to obese. Yes, that’s a wide range, but don’t look at
me, I did not do any of the studies, that’s just the range from the
results I have seen. But the fact is that even 32% of Americans being
overweight or obese is not good at all. Another recent study says that
in our lifetime we may see as much as 100% of our population overweight
or obese. Take a look at: Obesity map of the U.S. and how obesity
policies are failing in America - 2007 Report.
Those of us in the fitness industry really need to take a look at how
over-complicated we are making things. We need to take a careful look at
how we are deterring and discouraging people with all of our studies and
science. Instead of encouraging people with all of this wonderful
knowledge, we are discouraging them. We need to get back to the simple
basics, while adding in our new-found knowledge, but without creating
discouraging systems, routines, diets, ridiculous gym etiquette and
rules. We need to make sure we find ways to encourage and include
everyone, and design routines, programs, diets, and recommendations that
people can and really will do. We need to help people make ongoing
lifestyle changes that actually work and obtain real-world results.
I am a big fan of the home gym, and working out at home. The down side
is the lack of socializing (which can also be an up side), and the lack
of encouragement and support that comes from working out with others and
partners. But if you are uncomfortable walking into a gym then it’s time
to design your own home-based simple workout routines using simple and
relatively inexpensive equipment. With a treadmill, a set of dumbbells,
and an inclining/declining bench, you can reach just about any realistic
exercise goal. Hiring a good personal trainer to help get you started,
or even to encourage you to press on and stay with it day-after-day,
until it becomes a real lifestyle change, is an incredibly valuable
investment in your overall health and fitness.
Think about all the money you spend to entertain yourself (movies, TV,
sporting events, dining out, shows of all
kinds, hobbies, etc.), and then think of the possibility of improving
your health, your fitness, your self-esteem, and your whole life by
investing in a little time from a good personal trainer and some simple
and inexpensive exercise equipment. Literally, without your health you
really do not have anything. So I say go ahead and grunt, sweat,
grimace, wear a pair of old baggy worn out jeans, beat-up sneakers, and
a shirt full of holes, and enjoy getting in and staying in shape!
By Nick C. Casale, L.C., C.P.T.![]()
__________________
Nick C. Casale
Life Coach and Certified Personal Trainer
Creative Common Sense, L.L.C.
www.creativecommonsense.us
Natural
Bodybuilding at its Finest - Lift for Life.com
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