Specifically, do you make suggestions to strangers if they're doing something wrong?
I was in the gym today and a guy was doing an exercise that is extremely bad for the shoulders. I thought about saying something but decided against it. I've gently told people in the past about harmful exercises or techniques but never received a positive response so this helped me with my decision. On a side note, I don't talk to anyone or even make eye contact when in the gym anyway, so its really just par for the course.
Thoughts?
Lots of variables.
Place, issue, personalities.
Scenario A. I've just completed several sets of the deadlift at 350lbs. Knees locked (It can be done. Correctly. Must be fit). I'm pumped. So I gulp, splash, and guzzle my Perrier.
Suddenly, there, back behind a group of builders, stand Frank Yee and Lee Priest. Yee performing shoulder shrugs. But I notice he's not raising the barbell correctly.
Nope. I ain't saying a thing.
Scenario B. I've just completed several sets of . . . Perrier.
Suddenly, there, right among the machine weights, sits an elderly man (He's looks to be in his 80's). He's at the Lat Pull down.
I noticed he leans forward as he pulls down the bar.
Nope. I ain't saying a thing. He's in his 80's. He's fine.
Scenario C. I've just completed . . . Perrier.
Suddenly, there, within the treadmills runs a female. She's not running correctly.
Nope. I'm married.
Scenario D. I've just completed . . . Perrier.
Suddenly, there, just a few feet away, stands a mid-age man. He's a bit overweight. Seems uncertain. Not confident. But trying as curls the barbell. What's that? He's holding his breath!
Yes. I am going to assist. How? I will stand back as if I am waiting for the barbell.
And say something like . . .
Me: "Hello. How are you? . . . I've noticed you were holding your breath when you were lifting."
Stranger: "I don't know. Was I. Just seemed the thing to do."
Me: "Oh. Have you tried inhaling and exhaling? I've found that by breathing, my body is more flexible. Less prone to injury. Here's how I do it."
Scenario D's strong point is this: It's less likely to make the stranger feel ignorant, out of place, stupid. And so there's a greater chance of actually helping the person.
Should you advise a stranger? Depends on your personality, what you sense about the stranger, the setting, and the place.
Utah, I am proud of you, very proud of you for exercising. But why the gym? I've found that by buying my own weights, and some equipment, I save money. Instead of paying monthly membership fee, I just pay monthly charge fee for the cost of the equipment. Not saying you are wrong. Just trying help. But my way is better.