Lifting without a partner....suggestions??

[Sonuvagun]

Hey gang! Noobie here. Back to lifting after a LOOOONG layoff (I did an introduction on the Alcoholics thread if you're so inclined to hear the whole stor. Yep,Im one of THEM....lol). I'm slowly trying to formulate a solid routine. I've got a semi efficient plan going...ya know, Ol Faithful...chest&tri's, back&bi's, shoulders&traps, legs, etc. Things are progressing slowly & that's to be expected but where I'm at a loss is not having a workout partner. I've found it crucial in the past for max days,negatives,knowing exactly when to spot, having someone to bounce ideas off of or the most crucial of all...keeping you motivated whether it be keeping the mood light or dog cussin',screaming in your face when maxing out.

I'm not opposed to the idea of staying solo in the gym but I'm kinda without a paddle when it comes to negatives or particularly heavy sets. I'm hesitant to ask a random because I don't wanna be a burden and interrupt anyone's workout.

What are y'alls thoughts? Anybody ever experienced this? If so, what worked best for you? I'm all ears!!!

[so-tex]

If I was a bear, I think I'd wanna be a "teddy" bear because that way all the Lovely ladies would wanna take me home and cuddle with be all night and that would be kind of cool, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't wanna be a "polar" bear though because they're all white.....have you ever seen a polar bears azzhole ?....it's like they walk around all day with a permanent skid mark because their arms are too short to wash the crap off their furry white butt-hole hairs...

yeah.....I'd wanna be a teddy bear if I had the choice !

so anyways....


what was the question ?

Cliffs please, because I ain't reading all of this $hit.

[Bando]

Polar bears are actually black.

and gay

[so-tex]

Cliffs please, because I ain't reading all of this $hit.

Sorry OS. I meant to QUOTE the OP.

[so-tex]

Polar bears are actually black.

and gay

That's just Fuking racist.

[Sonuvagun]

Cliffs please, because I ain't reading all of this $hit.

Just thoughts or suggestions on training without a partner in regards to negatives, max lifts, etc.

Damn,I didnt mean to be off putting with my very first inquiry on here. I'll work on my brevity,lol.

[so-tex]

Just thoughts or suggestions on training without a partner in regards to negatives, max lifts, etc.

Damn,I didnt mean to be off putting with my very first inquiry on here. I'll work on my brevity,lol.

No man I was just messing with you.
I lift solo as well . the only time I'm concerned is when I'm under the bar.
Ususally though, there are other people around that are aware of the situation.
As far as training to failure??
Its overrated in my opinion.

[Sonuvagun]

No man I was just messing with you.
I lift solo as well . the only time I'm concerned is when I'm under the bar.
Ususally though, there are other people around that are aware of the situation.
As far as training to failure??
Its overrated in my opinion.

You think so? I've had varying degrees of success utilizing "to failure", drop sets, negatives etc. But you might be right. Maybe I should just concentrate on building a solid foundation of reps and put the "plateau busters" on the back burner for now.

[mikieson]

i lifted alone 99% of the time and I still pushed myself. In my opinion getting "stuck" is not an option at that point. You either man up and make the lift..OR..well..you get hurt. I wasnt wanting to get hurt,so I made the lifts..

[so-tex]

You think so? I've had varying degrees of success utilizing "to failure", drop sets, negatives etc. But you might be right. Maybe I should just concentrate on building a solid foundation of reps and put the "plateau busters" on the back burner for now.

Well you are working out by yourself right?
I'm not saying training to failure is a bad thing, but trying to do that when you have 325lbs. Or whatever staring you in the face can be pretty damn scary if you can't get that last rep in.

[SteveWright1]

just mentioning the obvious here

but most exercises can be done safely and solo providing your using the right equipment
benching in a power rack for example, with the safeties set just lower than your arched chest but higher than your upper chest and throat area means you can lower the bar to the safeties easily and escape underneath it

squats done in a cage or squat rack = same deal - safeties set to the correct height to enable you to lower the bar to them in the event getting back to vertical is beyond you on any particular weight or rep

not sure if that is an option available to you?

[ArchAngel'73]

Maybe I should just concentrate on building a solid foundation of reps and put the "plateau busters" on the back burner for now.

You're on the right track with this.

[Sonuvagun]

just mentioning the obvious here

but most exercises can be done safely and solo providing your using the right equipment
benching in a power rack for example, with the safeties set just lower than your arched chest but higher than your upper chest and throat area means you can lower the bar to the safeties easily and escape underneath it

squats done in a cage or squat rack = same deal - safeties set to the correct height to enable you to lower the bar to them in the event getting back to vertical is beyond you on any particular weight or rep

not sure if that is an option available to you?

You're right and it is an option. Though those are the "hot ticket" items at my gym. Well, I take that back....squat racks are never a "hot ticket" item with most people, ;-)

[Fishman15]

You're on the right track with this.

^^^this, and if you need someone to workout with you are not very motivated and soon will quit going anyway. Depend on nobody but yourself...

[Sonuvagun]

Thanks all! I suppose I'm just going to just concentrate on the"fundys" for now. I'm trying to utilize every trick in my bag that I can remember when I should be just sticking to the "k.i.s.s." philosophy. Probably over-complicating it, as. As for keeping the tempo & mood correct, Ill just have to rely on 5 Hour Energy and headphones to keep hyped,lol.

[Mark1T]

I have never needed a workout partner. Not crucial for me.

[crupiea]

Just train without a partner. If you are worried, do one less rep.

[ElrondHubbard]

You think so? I've had varying degrees of success utilizing "to failure", drop sets, negatives etc. But you might be right. Maybe I should just concentrate on building a solid foundation of reps and put the "plateau busters" on the back burner for now.

If you want to train to failure and lift alone, then you need a cage with safety bars. Otherwise, I agree with so-tex. Failure is an option, but it's not a requirement.

[JohnSmeton]

yeah when going to failure i always ask people in the gym for a spot