10 Ways to Find Out if You're a Gym Chicken

When it comes to being a chicken at the gym, most people imagine a skinny person with little muscle mass, which is a big mistake.

Being a beginner in bodybuilding isn't a reason to label someone a wimp, either, because we all start from scratch at some point. And there's no reason to label someone just learning to train a wimp.

Plus, you can be a beginner with little muscle mass and still take your training more seriously than most, which is another obvious reason not to be labeled as anything.

Basically, being a chicken has nothing to do with body size, biceps, or the weights you lift. Being a chicken has to do with the attitudes and behaviors certain individuals have in their daily lives and at the gym.

With this in mind, below we will look at 10 ways to find out if you are a chicken.

Comparing yourself to others at the gym or in any other setting can be a trap for motivation and progress.

Every body is unique, with different levels of experience, genetics and goals.

Getting caught up in comparisons can lead to frustration and distract you from what really matters: your own development.

Instead, focus on competing with yourself, celebrating every small step towards your goals.

Lifting weights that are beyond your current ability can do more harm than good.

In addition to increasing the risk of injury, inadequate technique often compromises performance and prevents the ideal stimulus to cause the muscle hypertrophy process .

Respecting your current strength level and increasing loads progressively is the safest and most efficient way to achieve lasting results, ensuring a balance between safety and progress.

A common mistake among beginners and even some experienced practitioners is to confuse physical exhaustion with an efficient workout.

Heavy training involves controlled execution, refined technique, and adequate muscle stimulation, while training that only tires you out is often the result of poorly planned volume or intensity.

Knowing the difference is essential to optimize results and avoid wasting energy on practices that don't contribute to your goals.

Focusing only on the muscle groups you prefer not only creates imbalances in your body, but also limits your overall progress.

Training in a balanced way, including muscles you might not prioritize, improves symmetry, functional strength, and reduces the risk of injury.

Avoiding exercises you don't enjoy often means avoiding the ones that are most challenging or, more often than not, the very exercises you need most.

Compound movements like squats and deadlifts may be uncomfortable at first, but they offer huge strength and hypertrophy benefits.

Getting stuck on excuses to avoid difficult exercises or complete workouts is a common barrier for those seeking results.

Whether it's lack of time, tiredness, or just plain laziness, these excuses only slow down your progress.

Commit to your plan and remember that consistency is key to transforming habits and achieving your goals.

Intervening in someone else's training without being asked, especially without proper knowledge, can be disrespectful and even dangerous.

Unless you are a professional or have been asked to help, it is best to avoid comments.

Focus on your own training, and if you want help, call your instructor and ask him or her to help.

Constantly being on your smartphone during your workout not only disrupts your focus and intensity, but also unnecessarily prolongs your time at the gym.

Set clear limits on cell phone use, reserving it only for watching series or listening to music, keeping your focus on performance and results.

Keeping equipment or weights occupied without actually using them is inconvenient behavior for those sharing the space.

Be mindful of your time and, if necessary, share it with other gym members. Gym etiquette is essential to creating a respectful and productive environment for everyone.

Distracting behaviors, such as excessive yelling, talking during others' workouts, or seeking attention through any unusual behavior, impair the concentration of those around you.

The gym is a communal space, where respect and focus are essential for everyone's progress. Adopt a discreet posture and focus on your workout, allowing others to do the same.