Training Alone

[madferit]

Due to my schedule, I cannot find a partner to train with. It seems to me that some exercises are ineherently dangerous without a partner to spot you.

Does anyone else here like me work out alone and if so, what exercises do you use? I have found some, but I am looking for ideas. I have looked at programs like Titan Training, BBB, etc., but over 1/2 the exercises require a partner.

 

[fAnTaSy_X]

if you go to a gym just ask around people will be glad to help you out!

 

[WarriorPL]

yeah man, whenever i have to go alone i just ask somoone to help me with the weights... but make sure its someone stronger than you, able to hold it up if u drop it.... when doing the bench

~WizKid

 

[chillin408]

I've always worked out alone. The only exercise that I do which requires a spot is flat bench. When possible, I get a spot on the Incline bench too. Just ask someone, a lot of them don't mind. There's a guy at the gym I go to that asks for a spot on a lot of exercises that don't necessarily need one, and he still gets the spots. I try to target people that are close and that aren't doing something that I would be interrupting. Too avoid interrupting someones set, I usually try to get someone right after they complete a set.

If you don't rest long between sets, it might be harder, but you probably will still be able to get one.

 

[edgecrusher]

If I do anything with a barbell, I'll just use a powercage. If I'm using dumdells, then I'll ask for a spot.

 

[danielson]

i tend to do exercises that dont reeally need a spotter

use dumbells for presses

squats done on smith machine (soon i will be in a gym with a rack )

im ok....but if i want a spotter for help...then theirs trouble as my gym is usually empty

 

[musclefattie]

if you train alone you will automatically use a poundaage that you can control so there may be benefit to it, plus you'll get verystrong not relying on anyone's help.
Sometimnesi'm still scared on my last set of bench.

 

[Liberator]

I train alone and didnt used to use a spotter

bad idea

you always err on the low poundage side so not to get stuck under the bar, how can you progress like this?

get yourself a spotter, any spotter but get one

it doesnt have to be a training partner, get one of the gym staff like i do

 

[Tuna Guy]

Most people at the gym are in the same position, dont be shy and ask for a spot, but you have to be preparted to return the favour.

 

[maxellyz]

I use to train alone and it was ok cause I know a lot of the guys in the gym but when I trained alone I didn't get the same results that I am getting now with a spotter/partner, he pushes me to do the last reps and you need that push, so I think if you have the opportunity then take it cause training alone can get boring.

of course everybody doesn't have a choice if you have to train alone then I'm sure(like a lot of the other guys said) someone will be glad to help you.

 

[MaGilicuti]

i never did chest without a partner unless i was using all dumbells. last time i worked out by myself i got stuck with 300 plus pounds on my back from squats with no one there to help me to put the weight back on the rack. its a bit higher then me and i couldn't quite reach it. i stood there for awhile and was thinking of just falling to my knees and letting the weight fall. i eventually got the weight back on. that was my first set and i just left the gym. i waited for a partner and went back. if you aren't lifting with a partner you'll tend not to lift your hardest. and if you aren't going all out everytime i feel its a waste of a workout

 

[Gymbob]

I agree use the smith machine if your trying for personal best or higher intensity, or if your gym dosnt have one def get a spotter better safe than sorry.

 

[powerlifter450]

I've recently been working out with others.for the longest time I couldn't because of conflicting work schedules.I'm pushing much harder and seeing improved musclular strength,size and endurance because of it.

It's great to have someone push you on those days when u ask yourself why your there.

 

[chillin408]

When I use to workout at home, doing squats , I would sometimes drop the weight on the floor. At the gym I go to now, I"m too embarresed to drop it on the rack, also the bar is thick, so I'm always afraid that it will be hard to drop it backward versus going straight down, and I'm also afraid if I go straight down and the safety racks break, has anyone seen that pic that goes around the internet?

At least on squat you have the safety rack, With bench your dropping it on your chest