Went to the gym the other night and they have replaced the squat cage with a smith machine. I went ahead and did my workout on the smith machine anyway. I felt more pressure than usual in my lower back. Do you think I might be arching my back too much? I guess I could use DBs instead, but I don't think I can get as much weight up with each hand than I can with the BB in the cage.
This is REALLY frustrating me. Can any one give me some suggestions please? I'll be giving someone at the gym an earfull about this one.
As a gym manager, I can tell you that unfortunately, the least used machines are often replaced. You see, when we buy new equipment, we run a lease for 3 or 5 years. the industry standard is usually 3 years with teh big boys (LifeFitness, Cybex, Precor, Hammer Strength, etc). Well, when 3 years is up ona particular machine we decide if:
1.) is it a "Crowd favorite"?
2.) Is there a newer model?
3.) Can it be replaced with someting smaller, similar..and AHHH...cheaper?
4.) Is it safe?
So usually, gym mangers and owners see the squat rack as a blast from teh past dinosaur and usally opt to find smaller, more attractive machines that are less intimidating, uder-friendly, and add variety. Enter the smith machine.
I don't think they'll get rid of the squat rack at my gym. Even though I've only seen it once or twice in the A.M., something tells me it's popular for curling in the afternoon and evening hours.
I wrote the General Manager of the gym, expressing my extreme displeasure in discovering that my precious squat rack had been removed and how vital it was to my workouts. Much to my surprise, my request did not fall on "deaf ears". Check his reply:
WOW! I'm truly impressed. By the way, this reply came just 23 minutes after sending him the email.
So, YEA!!! I'm back squatting again (in any other forum I would have felt uncomfortable typing that:p )
As a gym manager, I can tell you that unfortunately, the least used machines are often replaced. You see, when we buy new equipment, we run a lease for 3 or 5 years. the industry standard is usually 3 years with teh big boys (LifeFitness, Cybex, Precor, Hammer Strength, etc). Well, when 3 years is up ona particular machine we decide if:
1.) is it a "Crowd favorite"?
2.) Is there a newer model?
3.) Can it be replaced with someting smaller, similar..and AHHH...cheaper?
4.) Is it safe?
So usually, gym mangers and owners see the squat rack as a blast from teh past dinosaur and usally opt to find smaller, more attractive machines that are less intimidating, uder-friendly, and add variety. Enter the smith machine.
So essentially the inmates are running the asylum.
__________________ In Fitness & Friendship, MAHLER
______________________________ __________________________ There is no light at the end of the tunnel. You carry the light with you.
Much to my surprise, my request did not fall on "deaf ears". Check his reply:
Quote:
Our goal is complete member satisfaction. This is a request that is an easy one to take care of for you. We are moving the squat rack back into the free weight area. It will be located near the exit door. Thank you for taking the time to write to me.
WOW! I'm truly impressed.
Alright! Not often we get to hear of such a good outcome! I'm so glad you took the time to ask in a respectful way and that the ownership of your gym was willing to listen. Wonderful. Good for you!
Now the curlers will be happy that their rack is back.
I don't want to even imagine what they had to resort to in the meantime....
Smith machine.
Don't know what happened to the reply from the manager in my post above, but here it is again:
"Our goal is complete member satisfaction. This is a request that is an easy one to take care of for you. We are moving the squat rack back into the free weight area. It will be located near the exit door. Thank you for taking the time to write to me."
SOMEONE STOLE MY SQUAT CAGE!!!!
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