Do you train alone or with a partner?

[702daswoll1]

Short and sweet fellas. Let's get this thread cracking and tell me if you train alone or with a partner and why.
Just recently I started back training with a partner and Im glad I did because I know I was not pushing myself as much as I should.
Today was a perfect example to me when after a night of drinking last night the last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym. Since I knew my boy was waiting for me and depending on me to show I sucked it up and went in and had an above average workout. Im very disciplined when it comes to training but one thing I know for sure is that today I would not have worked out if I did not train with a partner.... Good Shit..

 

[Trendsetter21]

I used to train with my buddies but their schedules don't work with mine anymore. I know workout with my wife. She does a great job spotting but when I go really heavy I call over someone else. Working out with her or anyone really makes me more focused on my routines. Especially since I'm helping her out I'm critiquing her movements it really helps me out when I do mine cuz I seem to be more focused on doing it perfect to show her how to do it. A lot of times I see people cheating on reps and for me I just don't see the point, if you can't control the weight put it down. Having a "good" partner is great........but I'm sure we've all had those guys that always didn't show up lol. (My friends were notorious for this with leg days)

 

[Inhibitor13]

By myself, used to train with a partner. I actually am probably the only one who likes being by myself. I get other good bros to help spot but other than that its all me.

 

[access]

I actually do both.

Wednesday's and Friday's on my own. Tuesday's and Thursday's with a personal trainer.

 

[eddymerckx]

alone--only because of unpredict schedule and bad breath.

 

[702daswoll1]

I used to train with my buddies but their schedules don't work with mine anymore. I know workout with my wife. She does a great job spotting but when I go really heavy I call over someone else. Working out with her or anyone really makes me more focused on my routines. Especially since I'm helping her out I'm critiquing her movements it really helps me out when I do mine cuz I seem to be more focused on doing it perfect to show her how to do it. A lot of times I see people cheating on reps and for me I just don't see the point, if you can't control the weight put it down. Having a "good" partner is great........but I'm sure we've all had those guys that always didn't show up lol. (My friends were notorious for this with leg days)

Nice post bro.. I forgot to mention my partner and I only train together twice a week because of conflicting work schedules. We kill it in the gym together on the weekends and then we are on our own during the week...

 

[bsdgeek]

i train with a partner, my last one got tired of going early in the morning, so i found another one. you can always find a training partner, i think i've found one as dedicated as i am, finally.

 

[ViperHMS]

I dont have any good bros that I can count on to show up, none the less, to workout at the times I like to go. Either early morning or late at night, sometimes both. Cardio in the morning and weight training at night. So glad there is going to be a new golds opening up down the road from me so I dont have to worry about the gym closing. I'll be able to go whenever I want.

 

[halfcenturian]

Prefer alone. I get my old ass out of bed at 4:30am. Drink 2 cups coffee. Load up on gear. wait for gear/ supps to start working for about 30 minutes
At 5:30, I go to my home gym and bust it solo for an hour.
I like to think about my upcoming day and fine tune my agenda while I work out. It is convenient, clean, close and I don't have to rely on a partner everyday.

I leave the collars off when Bench Pressing. So if I miscalculate and can't do that last rep, I can roll left or right and dump one side. Only happen's about once a year. Better than choking to death from a 300+ pound barbell.

 

[bsdgeek]

Prefer alone. I get my old ass out of bed at 4:30am. Drink 2 cups coffee. Load up on gear. wait for gear/ supps to start working for about 30 minutes
At 5:30, I go to my home gym and bust it solo for an hour.
I like to think about my upcoming day and fine tune my agenda while I work out. It is convenient, clean, close and I don't have to rely on a partner everyday.

I leave the collars off when Bench Pressing. So if I miscalculate and can't do that last rep, I can roll left or right and dump one side. Only happen's about once a year. Better than choking to death from a 300+ pound barbell.

i hear ya! i get up at 4:30 too, have a single cup of coffee with my oatmeal, then i head to the gym. but, i have to have a partner, i like the accountability and the energy that comes with having a partner. i also push myself harder and help to push my partner as well. plus, i don't have a home gym

 

[PWTurbofan]

With a partner, except for leg day. Nice to have someone spot me, critique my form and keep me focused/motivated.

 

[Cal_21]

Hands down partner is the best way to make gains, almost better than gear imho.

Total focus/aggression/competition, everything channeled into every rep. The jokes and shit between sets about who's stronger and what not, the legitimate props you get for doing well, they push you to work harder. The biggest thing for me is when there's no spotter I'm afraid of getting hurt/crushing my ribcage/etc, so when I'd have a partner and I'd add an extra 5 lbs here and there, and w/o partner i don't...shit adds up. ideally you pick a partner who is just a tiny bit stronger than you, or at least as dedicated/slightly more dedicated than you.

 

[halfcenturian]

i hear ya! i get up at 4:30 too, have a single cup of coffee with my oatmeal, then i head to the gym. but, i have to have a partner, i like the accountability and the energy that comes with having a partner. i also push myself harder and help to push my partner as well. plus, i don't have a home gym

You are still young. My accountability partner is the mirror. That's motivation
bro. The enemy is me! And Father Time.

 

[blackpanther]

I do a bit of both depending on the movement....

For chest day I like to train with my brother-in-law alot because some of our sessions are basically like Bench Press Powerlifting ones where we totally psych ourselves up and it is a very spirited session. Nice and intense. I wish he could join me in my deadlifting sessions but his back is pretty messed up so he can't join in there.

For other "less exciting" parts like calves, forearms, neck, hands (exercises using dry rice for gripping strength) or abs I really could care less and do it by myself.

 

[Powerbuilder333]

For the last year 50/50. I seem to train better alone, and get done faster as well. If I'm peaking for a bench competition I need help with my shirt - otherwise I really don't mind when my partner doesn't show up.

 

[smtimelevi]

Prefer alone. I get my old ass out of bed at 4:30am. Drink 2 cups coffee. Load up on gear. wait for gear/ supps to start working for about 30 minutes
At 5:30, I go to my home gym and bust it solo for an hour.
I like to think about my upcoming day and fine tune my agenda while I work out. It is convenient, clean, close and I don't have to rely on a partner everyday.

I leave the collars off when Bench Pressing. So if I miscalculate and can't do that last rep, I can roll left or right and dump one side. Only happen's about once a year. Better than choking to death from a 300+ pound barbell.

How do u feel workin out that early? I don't like it, dont feel that I can push as much weight without 4 or 5 meals in me. Cardio is probably another story

 

[halfcenturian]

How do u feel workin out that early? I don't like it, dont feel that I can push as much weight without 4 or 5 meals in me. Cardio is probably another story

It feels great! I give myself a full hour to wake up before I work out.
Coffee, ECA stack, and whatever else if I'm ON cycle. I've always been an early riser. It's a really good way for me to start the day. It gives me energy.
At night I wan't to relax. I hit the sack about 9:30..... Mr. Party!

 

[chazk]

I train alone.
No jibberjabber and I get things done.

I train with dumbells so little risk for getting trapped under the weight.
Plus doing squats in the cage if I fail I can just put it down and crawl out.

 

[smtimelevi]

It feels great! I give myself a full hour to wake up before I work out.
Coffee, ECA stack, and whatever else if I'm ON cycle. I've always been an early riser. It's a really good way for me to start the day. It gives me energy.
At night I wan't to relax. I hit the sack about 9:30..... Mr. Party!

Right on, different strokes for different folks. As it is I have to wake at 0300 ( that means bedtime at 7 or 8) for work, don't think I could handle anything earlier for a workout. But maybe when I start working a little closer to home or on the weekend I could give it a try again.

 

[bsdgeek]

You are still young. My accountability partner is the mirror. That's motivation
bro. The enemy is me! And Father Time.

bro, i don't feel young, 40 is around the corner for me(i'm 38). i started back working out so i wouldn't hurt myself playing with my kids. the last real injury i had i hurt my back on the friggin trampolene- playin with my kids. shit, i have to go work my ass off in the gym just so i don't get hurt playin with my kids(three girls- 10, 4, and 2- the 2 year old is the meanest) my motivation is those 3 little girls wanting daddy to rough house, play and just be goofy old dad.

 

[marvelous54]

How do u feel workin out that early? I don't like it, dont feel that I can push as much weight without 4 or 5 meals in me. Cardio is probably another story

You feel weaker early in the morning because you are! It actually has nothing to do with the number of meals you have eaten but your lungs are weaker in the morning and at their strongest in the late afternoon. Stronger functioning lungs mean better oxygen uptake which means better physical performance. Most will see a significant difference in morning workouts compared to late afternoon workouts if they actually chart them. Better functioning lungs are the reason for the difference.

BTW - I have lifted on my own for years but I have had a few injuries over the last couple of years so I am currently looking for a WO partner. There are definitely pros and cons to both methods.

 

[Jon79]

alone

other ppl around me piss me off

 

[bsdgeek]

You feel weaker early in the morning because you are! It actually has nothing to do with the number of meals you have eaten but your lungs are weaker in the morning and at their strongest in the late afternoon. Stronger functioning lungs mean better oxygen uptake which means better physical performance. Most can tell a significant difference morning workouts compared to late afternoon workouts if they actually chart them. This is the reason for the difference.

bro, i can't say i agree with you on this one. science has proven that your natural test levels are at their peak early in the am. that's one of the many reasons the military has early pt. and that's why you wake up with wood in the early hours of the morning. it's really all about conditioning, how you train your body. once you get used to the morning workouts, you actually feel better the rest of the day, the mornings seem to be more refreshed. i actually have a better sense of well being after morning workouts, like halfcenturian said, it clears your mind, brings focus into your life.

 

[Arabian]

I train alone.. I always have...

 

[Jon79]

i have never had results like these until i trained alone

plus this is all i have ......

never been really good at any sport at all

so im trying to do really well at this and just get fuckin jacked

 

[nzrodney]

Train with my young Bro (19). Love it because he pushes me as much as I push him. He's just been invited to go to the US & train work at Golds Gym Pheonix & compete at junior level. Got a great attitude & physique currently 6' 225lbs 12% BF. Anyone from Pheonix Golds? Not sure if there's more than one in town.

 

[chris69]

I train alone.. I always have...

Alone, i can only depend on Myself, and it's hard to jerk someone else around if my wife (Or should i say WOOF )is bitching about when i'm going and have to change the time of Day a couple days a week !

 

[the_alcatraz]

You feel weaker early in the morning because you are!

Excuse me?! your natural test levels are way up in the morning, you have burnt less calories and a lot more potential to have a much stronger workout than any other time during the day.....

I train alone currently. It's always better to have a training partner thats better than you for motivation and to feed of each other's energy. Problem is, I haven't found anyone better than me.

 

[Nelson Montana]

I made my best gains when I trained at a hardcore gym where there were "the regulars" and I knew there'd always be somebody to push/spot me. Depending on a partner though can be a drag -- being to stuck to someone else's schedule. I like coming and going as I please and training in the method I like. Somedays it's very light and I don;t want someone breaking my balls about it. But when I need a serious workout it's better to train with someone else, if for no other reason, pride. Every now and then you have to keep it real and push it to the limit. But not every time out. Not anymore. Not at this stage, for me, at least. But now and then you have to test the limits. Even still.

 

[halfcenturian]

You feel weaker early in the morning because you are! It actually has nothing to do with the number of meals you have eaten but your lungs are weaker in the morning and at their strongest in the late afternoon. Stronger functioning lungs mean better oxygen uptake which means better physical performance. Most will see a significant difference in morning workouts compared to late afternoon workouts if they actually chart them. Better functioning lungs are the reason for the difference.

BTW - I have lifted on my own for years but I have had a few injuries over the last couple of years so I am currently looking for a WO partner. There are definitely pros and cons to both methods.

Horse pucky! You can't generalize like that.
I get so amped up in the morning It's scary. I'm not talking about 10 minutes out of bed. I've lifted that way for years. So maybe for YOU the am is not good, but it the best time of day for others.

 

[halfcenturian]

bro, i don't feel young, 40 is around the corner for me(i'm 38). i started back working out so i wouldn't hurt myself playing with my kids. the last real injury i had i hurt my back on the friggin trampolene- playin with my kids. shit, i have to go work my ass off in the gym just so i don't get hurt playin with my kids(three girls- 10, 4, and 2- the 2 year old is the meanest) my motivation is those 3 little girls wanting daddy to rough house, play and just be goofy old dad.

40 !!! HA HA HAAAAA

Bro I know guys that are 60 that can out lift other guys in there 30's.

That's no shit. They maintain perfect diets. Have their training routines down to a science, and continue to stay strong as hell. They ignore their age.
You've seen them.
My buddy Barry, 62, will go in a gym a rep 300lbs. on the bench, COLD.

The concern as we age is to keep connective tissue strong.
That means: Gluc/ cond/ MSM/ , things like cissus, which I consider amiracle drug, Deca, lots of EFA's.
Yes there are more aches and pains, but they are managable through, diet, getting massages, lot's of joint support. You are not old, bro. 80 is old.

 

[jumpmaster82]

I train alone. I've trained with a partner before, but I noticed I'm not near as focused when I'm with a friend. But when I'm alone I blast my iPod and get in a fucking zone.

 

[eddymerckx]

bro, i don't feel young, 40 is around the corner for me(i'm 38). i started back working out so i wouldn't hurt myself playing with my kids. the last real injury i had i hurt my back on the friggin trampolene- playin with my kids. shit, i have to go work my ass off in the gym just so i don't get hurt playin with my kids(three girls- 10, 4, and 2- the 2 year old is the meanest) my motivation is those 3 little girls wanting daddy to rough house, play and just be goofy old dad.

same here--41--no kids yet but have to be prepared--i want to be able to throw a baseball with a kid for a couple of hours w/o needing morphine the next morning

 

[bsdgeek]

40 !!! HA HA HAAAAA

Bro I know guys that are 60 that can out lift other guys in there 30's.

That's no shit. They maintain perfect diets. Have their training routines down to a science, and continue to stay strong as hell. They ignore their age.
You've seen them.
My buddy Barry, 62, will go in a gym a rep 300lbs. on the bench, COLD.

The concern as we age is to keep connective tissue strong.
That means: Gluc/ cond/ MSM/ , things like cissus, which I consider amiracle drug, Deca, lots of EFA's.
Yes there are more aches and pains, but they are managable through, diet, getting massages, lot's of joint support. You are not old, bro. 80 is old.

yep, that's what i was referring to. preachin to the choir bro. that's the stuff that guys younger than i am DON'T have to do, nor do they worry about, etc etc. all this is due to aging, and getting old. sure, i'm not old, but i've started my journey. just as you have my brother, according to your reply. i really do believe age is a state of mind, it's just sometimes the body doesn't always listen to the mind

 

[Acela]

solo

always have and i always will

no one likes to train @ 6am and the few times that i had gone to the gym with someone else they hardly know what they are doing so i cant get into my groove because of all the questions that get asked

 

[bigman44]

theres nothin like trainging with the ur boy but my problem is i wana workout harder nd more consistint then my boy so now i train by myself now but he sometimes trys to work in with me now nd then but tring to find some1 that works out with the same weights nd is as serous as u is hard to find nd if u do then ur lucky

 

[Tatyana]

I just started training again with an old training buddy.

He might join the site, if so I will introduce him.

One of the best training buddies I have had. He has been off training for awhile, so he doesn't have his full mojo on, but it is close.

I think it is easier to keep the intensity up with a training partner.

 

[OMEGA]

Alone

 

[alcatraz1662]

with a partner usually, there are days where it's all dumbbell work and if I have a complicated schedule I'll work myself in there whenever it's most convenient for me. but for the most part, usually always with a partner....i've always played sports/competed in front a screaming crowd, so someone getting in my face jacks me up a little more.

~Alc

 

[bmcadoo44]

i tend to get more done when im alone. But i like having a partner with me for the spot, and for some1 to compete against.

 

[iceman7]

Personal trainer.

 

[BIGMIke007]

Im always more motivated and determined than the person im training with so I dont get any benefit from a partner, therefore at the moment its only me and my IPOD

 

[702daswoll1]

IPOD's are the shit. I still use mine and so does my partner when we lift together. Keeps the chit chat to a minimum.

 

[the_alcatraz]

Keeps the chit chat to a minimum.

This is so important its not even funny. chit chat kills the workout.

 

[nzrodney]

This is so important its not even funny. chit chat kills the workout.

Agree, best to keep the rests between sets short then no time for chat. I just swear at my partner that about all i say but got keep it pretty quiet cause we workout at a pussy gym with lots of females all round.

 

[iceman7]

To be honest I hate my gym. Its a "Health club" and we all know what that means. Most people in my gym come to chit chat.

But I've gotten used to it. I lift for an hour and fuck off. No words exchanged.

 

[safety4lyfe]

if i could find an equivalent partner who is a real go getter to lift with, i would. but unfortunately i cant...but i usually need a spot so upper bod days i meet up with some friends and lower body i keep to myself. seems to workout alright.

 

[socket]

Prefer alone, but training a guy right now, so with partner.

Mind you, partners never stick around for long, (got a problem with protein induced farts, especially when squatting!)

 

[marjan]

home alone

 

[the_alcatraz]

Agree, best to keep the rests between sets short then no time for chat. I just swear at my partner that about all i say but got keep it pretty quiet cause we workout at a pussy gym with lots of females all round.

I just left my "mixed" gym and joined an underground gym with like psycho killers, gangsters and crazy mo fos....lol...seriously. I'm fucking scared shitless everytime I walk in there, but the bodybuilders there are fucking strong and big as hell. I have an amazing workout everytime.