7 votes

Why it's impossible to find an open squat rack at the gym

Posted by cmccabe
Tags: weightlifting, squats, bench press, dumbbells, kettlebells, exercise, gyms, free weights, cardio, training.resistance, training.strength, usa, author.nathaniel meyersohn, source.cnn
https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/28/business/gym-exercise-free-weights-cardio/index.html

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Title
Americans have changed the way they exercise. Here's how gyms are adapting | CNN Business
Published
Feb 28 2023

4 comments

  1. [2]
    cmccabe
    Link
    As a person who does recklessly little cardio, it is exciting to see this popular increase in strength training. I've been holed away in my home gym, especially over the past three years, so I...

    Strength training has been the most popular exercise class booked during the past two years, according to ClassPass, a subscription-based fitness app. In 2022, there was a 94% increase in strength training classes from the year prior.

    At the same time, stationary cardio equipment like elliptical machines and treadmills have seen a dropoff in usage at gyms.

    Changes in how people exercise have forced gyms to adapt, with new gym designs featuring more dumbbell and squat racks and open areas for lunges, deadlifts and other weighted exercises.

    As a person who does recklessly little cardio, it is exciting to see this popular increase in strength training. I've been holed away in my home gym, especially over the past three years, so I didn't see the transition happening. However, and one thing this article totally misses, I have seen a huge increase in online support for strength training, whether it be via Youtube channels (like Alan Thrall or Mark Rippetoe), app/website programs (like SL5x5) or super encouraging and helpful forums like many, many, many on Reddit. Add to that the explosion of companies selling all kinds of weight training products, it has never been easier to get into lifting heavy things.

    3 votes
    1. teaearlgraycold
      Link Parent
      Even I, a big fan of cardio, have gotten into weights this year. Thankfully we have a lot of squat racks at the office gym.

      Even I, a big fan of cardio, have gotten into weights this year. Thankfully we have a lot of squat racks at the office gym.

      3 votes
  2. skybrian
    Link
    I use resistance bands, which aren't mentioned. I suppose it isn't the same thing at all, but makes it easy to exercise first thing in the morning at home.

    I use resistance bands, which aren't mentioned. I suppose it isn't the same thing at all, but makes it easy to exercise first thing in the morning at home.

    3 votes
  3. EgoEimi
    Link
    It's really great to see more Americans get interested in fitness. Cycling is likewise growing. I started weightlifting about 3–4 years ago. It's really easy these days with so many online...

    It's really great to see more Americans get interested in fitness. Cycling is likewise growing.

    I started weightlifting about 3–4 years ago. It's really easy these days with so many online resources — though there is information overload.

    I kicked things off by paying a good chunk of money for 25 sessions with a personal trainer + 6-month gym membership. The sunk cost was useful in motivating me to get to the gym and see my trainer! I wasn't going to let that money go to waste.

    The gym has always intimidated me with its byzantine labyrinth of myriad equipment. But the trainer taught me how to properly use various equipment and do different exercises with good form.

    Most importantly, the trainer helped me craft a weightlifting routine that I could stick with.

    So, if anyone here ever wants to start weightlifting and doesn't know where to start, try throwing a few thousand dollars/euros for an expansive PT plan that'll hold you psychologically hostage for your own betterment.

    2 votes