Results: With and Without a Workout Partner

[HeyItsMoses]

When you go to the gym to workout, are you working out by yourself, or do you have a workout partner?

Also, do you think a person will see better/faster results with a workout partner than he would without one?

I've been doing the Kris Gethin workout for about 2 weeks now. Yesterday (the 29th) was my 15th day, and I notice myself able to lift heavier (not by A LOT, but noticeable), but I get the feeling that if I had someone there to motivate/encourage me, spot me, help me with some lifts, etc, than I'd see results much quicker.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on this?

[dazlittle]

I've always trained alone so can't vote fairly. My motivation comes from within, If I need a spot I just ask someone nicely and the usually oblige.

[painthappy]

I have a workout partner (my wife) but since she really can't spot me, I work out alone for all intensive purposes.

Not at the gym, but a pretty complete home gym. So for my heavy squats, etc, I make sure I have a rack. I've only needed to actually use the rack once, but that one time, it's worth what I paid for it. Before I had that rack, I wasn't pushing it. I was afraid to push it beyond my limit and get stuck.

Now I just stop being cheap and get the equipment I need.

All that being said: I feel you push yourself further when you know you have a saftey net. Be that a good spotter, or a safety rack.

Maybe I would even push myself further if I had a spotter that could help me with that one last rep... but I'm fine with my current program and routine so far.

Glad your seeing gains!!!

[ljimd]

I don't have any idea.

[Firminator4]

I haven't had a workout partner for years so I don't know. When I was first starting out I think a workout partner probably helped but I can't imagine having one anymore.

[-=FLEX=-]

Anyway, what are your thoughts on this?

I'd say it depends on the individual and the situation.

I've had several training partners over the years and I've also trained solo. I prefer training solo.

But I have had some success with various training partners. I once trained with a competitive amateur bodybuilder that won several local shows, and he was strong as hell; I had to really push myself to keep up with him, and I got my best bench press of my life while training with him. I also trained for a brief time with a woman that competed in the Ms. Olympia. Her husband trained both of us and he really pushed us hard. It was nuts.

On the flip side I've had some lousy partners too; my first ever training partner refused to do any leg work. I ditched him. Another one was so pussy-whipped by his wife that he'd leave in the middle of a workout so he wouldn't be 'late' for dinner. Ditched him too.

It's hard to find a lifting partner that is totally in sync with you and your goals is what I have found, which is why I prefer training solo.

That said for the past 2 years I've been going to the gym with my GF and it's been working out just fine. We don't typically do the exact same routine, but she's there if I need a spot. Also I sometimes try a little harder when she's watching.

Maybe try talking to someone that seems serious and is consistently at the gym at the same time as you and see if they want to train with you. Or recruit a friend or family member. See if it's for you.

Good luck.

[-=FLEX=-]

I have a workout partner (my wife) but since she really can't spot me

Why not? My GF spots me all the time.

[HoustonTXMuscle]

Haven't had a workout partner in years. Looking back, partners in my earlier years were probably a distraction that accomplished little purpose.

[cowboybiker]

I prefer to go it alone.
I dont want to chit-chat and lose my focus.
but like Flex, my wife will spot me on the bench.

[latebloomingmom]

yep I prefer to go it alone...will ask for a spot if I need it.

[chodan9]

Why not? My GF spots me all the time.

you know not all spotters are created equal LOL

[-=FLEX=-]

you know not all spotters are created equal LOL

I guess some have better teachers.

[chodan9]

it depends on the workout on workout partners for me

I prefer a workout partner on chest day and shoulder day, especially if doing barbell work.

on back day or leg day not so much. I tend to push those harder than my work out partners and am constantly pulling off weight for them.

[geer_matt]

I've always trained alone so can't vote fairly. My motivation comes from within, If I need a spot I just ask someone nicely and the usually oblige.

This is pretty much what I always do. I have never really run through routines with someone but I make friends at the gym and get to know the guys I see all the time down there by name and just ask for spots when needed. I definitely think the bench press goes up better with a spotter to help you get a couple more reps past that sticking point. Also the psychological factor of knowing you can push it further because you won't get crushed helps.

[ezra76]

I work out with my brother frequently and think it definitely helps. It's more competitive motivation. We are very close in every lift so to get 10lbs. more or 1-2 more reps than him is always my goal.

[rand18m]

A good trainer partner is optimal for safety and intensity issues. However, clearly not necessary as many do just fine by themselves. If I was training for competitive reasons, or this was a profession, I would have a training partner or trainer for optimum performance.

[bigtallox]

I train with a group of about 20 guys. All 20 aren't there everytime, but usually 3-6 of them are. I can't imagine training strongman events alone, but I'd do it if I had too.

[pharmamarketer]

I train alone. I have gone with people but they always end up talking too much. Which reminds me why I always train alone

[-=FLEX=-]

I train alone. I have gone with people but they always end up talking too much. Which reminds me why I always train alone

LMAO. I don't talk when I lift. If any of my training partners ever got to chatty I'd literally say "STFU and do a set". Now that they invented those little i-pod things it's even better. Lisa and I don't even talk to each other at the gym. My earbuds are in the whole time, unless I am spotting her I pop one out so we can instruct each other, if need be.

[Minotaur]

I've never had a workout partner, so I can't say if I'd have done better or worse, or no different in my progress. All I can say is that I like working out alone.

[Iceman1800]

I chose with a partner but I actually feel its best with a whole crew in powerlifting or strongman. Training with a group allows a lot more motivation and competition to make you push harder. Can't comment on bb'ing since I don't do that

[Zjunky]

It really depends. If you have a partner who has similar goals, work ethic, schedule, and you are not distracted by each other, you can do very well working with a partner. Any one of these don't work, and the partnership could wind up being ineffective.

[x-trainer ben]

When you go to the gym to workout, are you working out by yourself, or do you have a workout partner?

Also, do you think a person will see better/faster results with a workout partner than he would without one?

I've been doing the Kris Gethin workout for about 2 weeks now. Yesterday (the 29th) was my 15th day, and I notice myself able to lift heavier (not by A LOT, but noticeable), but I get the feeling that if I had someone there to motivate/encourage me, spot me, help me with some lifts, etc, than I'd see results much quicker.

Anyway, what are your thoughts on this?

With a really good workout partner, he/she will trick you into doing 1-5 extra reps that you think are impossible for you to do!!

[ArchAngel'73]

The only time I would train with someone else again is when they develop human cloning and I can train with my clone.
Only then would the partner know when, where, and how to help, how much I'm capable of, and familiar with my goals.

[litljay]

Saturdays lately (past 2) have been with a partner. It's been ok, I guess. I feel like I get out of rhythm and either take too much time between sets or not enough. I'd prefer to train alone though I don't mind helping this guy out.

[JerryB]

I have always trained without a training partner. I never wanted one. Training is my time to do what I want.

[dunkalicious]

without partner. I always end up talking too much

[-=FLEX=-]

With a really good workout partner, he/she will trick you into doing 1-5 extra reps that you think are impossible for you to do!!

I find having an online journal is like a virtual training partner in that regard. Just knowing that my supporters are going to read my results gives me enough of a push to get in that extra set or rep or whatever.

The only time I would train with someone else again is when they develop human cloning and I can train with my clone.
Only then would the partner know when, where, and how to help, how much I'm capable of, and familiar with my goals.

I hear you. I did squats for 90 minutes on Tuesday. I don't know too many guys that would put up with that.

[billb7581]

I usually just train alone and grab a random person if I need a spot LOL. I am turning my wife onto my program instead of doing the dopey circuit with machines and small weights.

[bodyhard]

I've trained with partners and alone, it really depends on you either way, you have to want it no matter what. A great workout partner can push you to f'cking extremes as you can do the same for him, but if you don't have that desire, that fire, that drive inside of you no workout partner is going to make a difference.