Do you have a Training Partner?

...Kennedy · 10-26-2008, 08:40 PM

A recent thread in the O35 misc. by one of our friendly members (oldernhotter), got me curious about this. How many of you have training partners? What are you thoughts about them?

This is probably a fairly popular topic on bb.com, I hope it's not too recent of a repost, but I was wondering how your thoughts on this have changed over the years.

Personally, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I worked with a couple of partners, but as I aged, the hassle of scheduling finally turned me into a solo trainer. I enjoy this but I also realize intensity isn't as good as it could be. Fortunately I discovered this board and you folks, my vicarious lifting partners.

EnigmaPower · 10-26-2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...Kennedy

A recent thread in the O35 misc. by one of our friendly members (oldernhotter), got me curious about this. How many of you have training partners? What are you thoughts about them?

This is probably a fairly popular topic on bb.com, I hope it's not too recent of a repost, but I was wondering how your thoughts on this have changed over the years.

Personally, when I was in my late teens and early twenties, I worked with a couple of partners, but as I aged, the hassle of scheduling finally turned me into a solo trainer. I enjoy this but I also realize intensity isn't as good as it could be. Fortunately I discovered this board and you folks, my vicarious lifting partners.

Had two in the past (at different times)/ Now I find it easier to focus when I workout alone. My first wo partner was my trainer. When I first signed up at my old gym I was given 6 sessions that somehow became 14. After that we kept working out together which did help since he was extremely strong and that pushed me to "match" him. After about a year he had to drop most of his physical activity due to a flareup of his Crohns disease.

grace_ou · 10-26-2008, 08:52 PM

I think workout partners are alot like marriage... they don't last!

To maintian a workout partner you have to find someone roughly on your level,it helps to have simular training philosophies,then their schedule to workout..... more trouble then it's worth to me. Allthough I like the occasion one dayers!

EnigmaPower · 10-26-2008, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babiegirl

I like the occasion one dayers!

One night stands in the gym

Nikonguy · 10-26-2008, 08:59 PM

I workout at home and have never had one. I think I could benefit from one but finding one is a problem.

Iron Barbarian · 10-26-2008, 09:01 PM

I work out twice a day currently. My workouts are around 1 1/2 to 2 hours per workout per day 6 days a week. In the AM I work out at home solo and in the evening I workout with a partner. Helps to motivate me on my second workout of the day.

omnisjdi · 10-26-2008, 09:05 PM

I'd like to have a trainning partner, but my work schedual is to random from one week to the next.

djwolford · 10-26-2008, 09:07 PM

I usually stay focused a lot better if I work out by myself. I do have a running partner though.

taf1968 · 10-26-2008, 09:17 PM

Almost always train alone. I typically workout at 5am . . . so it's hard to get anyone to commit to meeting me at the gym. Plus I do fine all by myself--can find someone to give a quick spot if needed.

sytennison · 10-26-2008, 09:18 PM

I would like a workout partner, but don't have one. I've appreciated the occasional opportunities that I've had to workout with others. I used to work out at a gym where there were some serious regulars. They weren't my workout partners, but we encouraged each other as we got through our individual workouts. These days, I'm a loner in the gym and if anyone knows me, it's only as "that nut under the barbell who yells and sweats too much."

Old-Time-Lifter · 10-26-2008, 09:21 PM

I generally used to have a training partner back in the late 70's and early 80's before I messed up my shoulder.

Now trying to come back, I'm working out at home, so I'm stuck begging my wife, son or daughter to spot when I'm benching. Would be nice to have a good spotter so I could do some negatives or even a few forced reps, but no can do.........

Bamma · 10-26-2008, 09:26 PM

Since I started working out at home, I have the added benefit of adding my wife as a training partner. She keeps me in line and motivated on those days I just don't feel like lifting, because that would cost her the workout as well. Did not think I would like this arrangement, but I actually do.

Tishalicious · 10-26-2008, 09:29 PM

One of my dogs was my training partner - used to watch me do weights (looking at me like: 'one more set, fatty!'), go for a walk with me... but now my 'coach' is gone (heartfailure about a month ago) and my other dog just sleeps all day.

MalibuDebi1972 · 10-26-2008, 09:35 PM

My partner at the gym is either my trainer Cheryl or my husband Chris. Either way I have someone there on my ass to train hard

johnnyironboard · 10-26-2008, 09:35 PM

I've said before that a good training partner is worth their weight in gold- anything less is not worth the trouble. I haven't had a good training partner in a long time.

MalibuDebi1972 · 10-26-2008, 09:39 PM

IM very lucky to train with my husband. He is someone who has a lot of knowledge about training and all around health and fitness.

heavywt · 10-26-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyironboard

I've said before that a good training partner is worth their weight in gold- anything less is not worth the trouble. I haven't had a good training partner in a long time.

^^^^ x2

I've managed to find a good training partner recently, but they're not so easy to find...

strghtrzr · 10-26-2008, 09:45 PM

I used to train with my wife but our schedules changed and it was hard to sync up for the gym. Of course, right no she is home and I am in Iraq so there is no syncing up. Hopefully when I get back we will be able to workout together. She always keeps me motivated. Plus, she looks hot in her workout clothes.

Coco9 · 10-26-2008, 10:29 PM

I train with my boyfriend and he's an excellent teacher. He makes sure my form is good and keeps pushing my limits like if I was one of the guys. We don't chat much when we're working out since we both are very focused people. It works great for both of us.

StressMonkey · 10-26-2008, 11:50 PM

Nope. All by my lonesome after I ditched the personal trainer. It was great working out with someone so they could push me but it was a giant PITA getting our schedules to sync up.

Stevelegh · 10-27-2008, 12:06 AM

I would happily kill for one.......

Those who've got one, hang onto them like you would a good woman.

Fiend_73 · 10-27-2008, 12:28 AM

The only way I'd have a training partner again is if they cloned me.
I have learned that they either become a liability with your safety, or a liability with your time.
The 4 I did have got worn out, fast.
The one that lasted the longest was the 63 yr old. We still occasionally hit them gym together, acting as each other's spotter, but not training partners.
He's 73 now.

Tifflex · 10-27-2008, 02:41 AM

When I first started training, I longed for a workout partner. I had 2 and we had different goals. I train alone and love it. I have control over my workouts and time. Besides, it's hard to find someone willing to train at 4:00AM

.

KingWill · 10-27-2008, 06:33 AM

I work out with 2 co-workers and good friends. At times we train together and at times we are just there at the same time. Good buddies but they tend to stand around and talk too much in between sets. Right now we are working out together but I will be changing my split in 3 -4 weeks and plan on going my seperate way again for a few months.

Whiskeyjack · 10-27-2008, 06:37 AM

It would be interesting to compare the demographics: this group (O35) with, say, the same question sprung on teens or others. I'll bet this group has more "Never/Seldom".

I've had training partners in the past and have very much enjoyed having them. They have provided great impetus. Their shortcomings aside (and I've dealt with this before), I'd like to have one now but my schedule is haywire...

snoack · 10-27-2008, 07:14 AM

I don't have one now, and I prefer it that way at present. However, my son will eventually become my partner. It'll take some time to get him to my level but it will be worth it when he gets there. He's about to turn 11, so I'm thinking at this point he's got about 3-4 years before he's where I need him to be.

creddington · 10-27-2008, 07:22 AM

Yes. I recently started working out with a guy in our gym. So far its been good, as he has been teaching me some new stuff. It also keeps you motivated and focused. You have to find someone with the same goals as yourself.

phatmike13 · 10-27-2008, 09:43 AM

I've hit the gym with a few of my friends but not on a consistant basis. Mainly because of the crazy hours that I hit the gym. On weekdays I close the gym & on weekends I open the gym. Both are prime time for them to be sleep. I'm not a big fan of crowds so at those times I'm not waiting to use equipment. But I would like to have a partner from time to time. Someone I can push and that will also push back.

bamaborn67 · 10-27-2008, 11:29 AM

It is a very lonely sport! If you get the chance to have a partner you need to treat them like a 1 night stand. Use them and abuse them and don't ask their name and no kissing on the lips.

EBA84 · 10-27-2008, 02:41 PM

I like to have a training partner during my precontest phase. Off season I prefer to train alone. I can always get a spot if I need one.