Having a Partner

[lksurf2]

How important is it for you to have a training partner, or on the flip side, not having one. Having a good training partner can be the difference between a good and awesome workout. The right person who wants to show up to the gym just as much as you and push themselves and you to the limit.

Then of course there are those people (myself included) who simply prefer to train without a partner. My reasons for not having a training partner vary. Partly because of the different times I train, either morning or afternoon when most people I could train with are still asleep or at work still. Also I just like to listen to my music and focus on the workout more. I have felt with a partner, I can't focus as much on the exercise.

There can be many pro/cons to having or not having a training partner. What are some of your experiences?
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[The Solution]

Depends on their experience. Some people will slow you down, some will keep pace.
Some are knowledgeable, and some are not so much.
Some are there to learn and some are there to chat.

it is very hit or miss depending on your training style and also how you approach training. Some like to take real long breaks, some are not really prone to supersets or intensity techniques, and some are there with bad form and trying to help them so much takes away from your workout.

Can be a double edged sword. Personally if i had a good training partner i would love it for iso-tension, forced reps and other great aspects you could utilize, but training on my own its good to learn your body and what works for you.

[weezer]

over the years I've had so many training partners,most of them will probably last maybe 2 months and never showed up again.all my training partner were roughly around my age, in their mid fifties and when they stop ,their excuses was" man we're getting too old for this" "this is a young man's game, let's leave it up to them" ," man I'm busy, my back hurts I got things to do I don't have time anymore" ...I've been training alone for the last 3 or 4 years and believe it or not, I've made more progress along than the wasted years with them. The most important part of training along, you can go any time You feel like, not when they are available.

[Sandpig]

When I lived in RI, I had a partner.

It was perfect. We had the same goals and were the same size and strength.

Since I've lived in Vegas for the past 24 years, I've trained on my own.

I enjoy it both ways but I will say, having a partner comes in handy when you absolutely want to push to failure.

[LSMUSCL81]

I prefer to train alone, mainly because I like to get in..hit it hard and heavy and get on to my recovery...I like to go go go...not do a set, chit chat, hey check her out...do a set..hey look at that weirdo over there..oh did u see the game?....not me lol

[PeterCas]

I've only had one training partner and it was when I was really just starting to learn my body and how to train.

I've been training alone now for about 11 or 12 years and I can't imagine ever having a training partner again. I feel like it puts too many restrictions on how I train. I prefer short rest periods between sets and do not want to talk to anyone while I'm training. Not surprised to read that most other guys feel the same way.

That being said- once in a while (like once every few months) it's ok. Sometimes you learn something new.

[Young Gotti]

i've only used a partner on a few occasions...when my best friend was around to train i'd train with him just because we don't see each other often

i'd also trained legs with an old friend a few times, he was a big dude and one of the only ppl i trust to spot me on heavy squats, i would just talk smack to him the whole time and he'd usually hit PR's everytime, it was pretty funny

for the most part I train alone, i'm a fan of moving fast and doing as many movements as possible in a set period of time, i do find when i'm training with someone I don't get the volume i'm looking for even if the weight might be slightly increased

[MITM]

I think a workout partner can be very beneficial on heavy days - particularly chest, shoulders, and legs. I've seen guys max out on bench w/o even a spotter - bad idea!!

[swingslammer]

I think a workout partner can be very beneficial on heavy days - particularly chest, shoulders, and legs. I've seen guys max out on bench w/o even a spotter - bad idea!!

I never bench because I don't have a partner and don't want to ask anyone for a spot. As far as squatting goes....even when I had a partner I told them to stay away when I squatted, I don't need someone back there breaking my concentration and what is the worst thing that can happen? You fall over in the rack, make a HUGE noise and embarrass yourself. My ego can take some bruises.

My Wife was my best partner ever, knew just how much to spot and would do whatever workout I wanted at any time. She got burnt out after about 5 years, 35 years and I am not burned out yet!