Training partners

[thesuaveone]

...so how many of you use them? Personally, I am a loner at the gym. I never have wanted to be held up to a schedule by someone else, and if I wanted to or needed to, am able to rearange my routines without needing to ask my partner is it's ok with them.

From time to time, I'll ask for a spot, but even that isn't that frequent.

How about you?

 

[howiefeltersnatch]

Even though sometimes it's a pain in the ass to coordinate schedules/lift days, etc...I always lift heavier when I have someone there to spot me, even if it's just a mental thing.

 

[Rabid_Goose]

My training partner and I ended up disagreeing on a new routine. I helped him with several things that he is benifiting from now but he absolutley refuses to do legs, so I call him Bench Jockey when I see him at work. I go back to my old gym time to time just to lift with him but all we say is Hi and do completley different routines.

I love having a training partner as long as they are after the same goals I am after. Our routines can vary as long as on days we are there, we are at least doing the compound lifts together. Mentally I like to try to show off even though I have absolutley nothing to show off, if gives me an extra rep or an extra 5-10 pounds for a lift. One guy I was thinking of trying to get as a lifting partner can't because he has 2 kids and wife works during the days. But Toyota has a 24 hour Gym, I hear it has all the same equipment a Gold's Gym has, and it is only 45 dollars for 3 months. I'll see if he can spare some money to do that after we get off work because he used to do 500 in Oly Squats. Someone I get a long with and can learn from.

I'd really like to have a lifting partner, even though I love lifting and have fun doing it, a lifting partner makes it even more fun.

 

[s8nlilhlpr]

I had a partner when I first started, but after I moved nope. Most of the guys at my gym stand around and talk too much anyways. I don't mind giving a spot, or helping someone out....but I'm not gonna stand around and chat for 20 mins between each set, I don't have enough time.

 

[thesuaveone]

I'm not gonna stand around and chat for 20 mins between each set...

Yeah, what the hell is that? My gym has the same group of chatters. I'm just glad they don't know me, and don't make their way over to me when they go on their talking walks around the gym.

 

[xblitz44x]

It's difficult to find somebody who has the same goals, and who is on the same schedule but I've found that having a training partner can be a tremendous help for a few reasons:

1) You don't have to find a spotter, and more importantly your training partner knows when you need a spot (vs. various gym idiots lifting weight from you when you struggle for a split second), and HOW to spot you. We can all relate to getting stuck with an awful spotter we recruited last second before a heavy set of bench. This isn't an issue when you have a training partner.

2) For those who are less motivated, you're less inclined to miss workouts or skip exercises. Also, at times of self-doubt (ie: heavy squatting), your workout partner can help boost confidence and your self-assurance.

3) Workout partners can offer tips and advice about things they have recently noticed about your form or bad habits.

 

[Tweakle]

I have a 330lb monster I time my heavy chest and leg sessions around so I know he'll be there when I need him. Other than that, fuck off I don't want to talk to you about how much you used to lift in HS or what you're plans for the weekend are. my last gym had a good group of people, my current has 3 I actually like.

Partners drain me, the only people who would unquestioningly follow my routine would be newbs (and even then they like to argue.. my infamous spotter from the squat vid now knows more than I do about getting big and strong ) and that is too much effort to keep them on track as well as myself.

 

[enigma4dub]

Its difficult to balance different schedules, goals etc. What i try to to do now is to identify who the competent lifters are (few and far between) so when i do need a spot i know where to go.

 

[The Shadow]

Even though sometimes it's a pain in the ass to coordinate schedules/lift days, etc...I always lift heavier when I have someone there to spot me, even if it's just a mental thing.

They are a means to an end......dont get to the point where you:

1 - Have a shitty workout if they dont show up

2 - Get mad if they are late


..go about your business as you normally would

 

[PHL]

I work out everyday with one of my best friends. We have the same goals and very similar work schedules so it's effective. We find ourselves chatting a little too much in between sets, but lately it has calmed down. I push more weight when he's there (spotting/mental thing), and I'm usually a lot more motivated when he's around too.

 

[NickyE3]

I workout with my bro almost every workout. Lately I have been going by myself cuz my workouts are harder and much longer. he doesnt have he stamina or drive. he has to get motivated in the gym to lift weights - music etc.
Me, once I get in the gym i amm motivated and give it all on my sets, music just helps me burn time in between sets. He always wants to end early and pisses me off. So I find machines and lifts that I dont need a spot on.
His workouts are about 45 minutes average
I often find myself at the gym for 1 and a half. But maybe I am overdoing it with my workouts - i dunno.

Today was shoulders:
Military press -> 15 - 12 - 8 - 6 - 12
Arnold press -> 12 - 8 - 6 - 12
Front lateral raises -> 12 - 10 - 8 - 6
Side lateral raises -> 10 - 8 - 8 - 6
Upright rows -> 12 - 8 - 6
reverse flies -> 12 - 8 - 6
bent-arm side raises - 8 - 6 - 4
and a couple rotator cuff exercises - 12 - 10 - 8 - 8

 

[crazycarwes]

I would love to train with a partner if they were as knowledgable as me, dedicated as me, train as hard as me, have the same goals as me, and have the same schedule as me oh yea lift about the same amount of weight as me too.

Workout with a bud from HS sometimes but don't have as good of workouts as normal.

 

[20ss02]

My training partner has been my best friend for more than 10 years. We help to push each other - especially if one of us isn't feeling motivated on a particular day. We are approximately the same in strength, and he gives me free reign with the schedule. He is happy as long as we're making progress.

 

[crossy]

My training partner is my missus. Not much use with spotting me but good for spending extra time together with the busy schedules we have. Plus she motivated me ass into joining the gym.

 

[blut wump]

I use the power rack as a spotter. I trust it almost implicitly to be there when I'm ready to work out. It never wants to chat and can catch any weight I'm likely to drop.