[vai]

One more tip: most of the big guys at the gym are friendly. If one of them asks to work in, let him, and ask him to watch your form during your sets.

Most people at the gym are either itimidated by, or presume that the biggest, buff guys are the most unfriendly.

The fact of the matter is, they have put a lot of time and effort into something they enjoy or are good at and are more than willing to help out with advice.

If you feel you're doing something wrong, or not sure .. just go and ask.

[eru]

But be aware that lots of people at the gyms (especially including employees) are doing the exercises with bad form, or concentrate on the wrong things (i.e. endless curls, and you almost never see squats).

Get a book like `Starting Strength'. Then talk to the guys in the gym. There are generally helpful---but it's useful to have non-bullshit source to compare their suggestions with.

[vai]

Good point, results do tend to speak for themselves .. a guy with pins for legs and gorilla arms obviously wouldn't be a good starting point for squat technique

[eru]

Yes. And some people may take steroids, so they get strong without needing much proper stimulus.

[yummyfajitas]

I don't think this is true. My understanding is that steroids speed up your recovery phase - you can work out 7 days/week (and make commensurate gains) instead of simply 3 days + 4 recovery days.

They certainly don't prevent you from destroying your back during a deadlift with poor form.

[eru]

What about the stuff that makes cows gets muscles while just standing in the stables?

[matwood]

You are correct. Steroids allow the user to work harder and more often.