Training partner vs. Working out alone

[Badgergrl]

Which do you prefer?

I train by myself. I think I prefer that because I am more focused that way, but I do like training with others occasionally to get some new ideas and maybe a little push if I'm slacking. It's also nice not to have to search the gym for a spot when you have a partner right there.

[SBT]

I have to go with a mixture of both... I LOVE having a training partner the majority of the time, especially on those days when you need the extra motivation or kick in the pants but there are times too where if its gonna cause a distraction you are better off working alone :)

[ibarramedia]

I train alone. When I was lifting regularly, I would lift alone in my home gym. I would not mind training with someone so that I can max out in my lifts and have a spotter.

[JLB001]

I lift alone usually. If I am in OKC, I lift with someone.

[Lisa]

Def, lift alone, except an occassional spot from a fellow musclehead on leg day....

[FitDancer]

I like to train alone. I work with a trainer or a partner when I need to lift heavy.

[Suzanne]

Generally train alone. I like to WO with Chase ot have a spot but then we seem to be there forever cuz he takes too long of rests

I would LOVe to have Jeremy put me thru WO everyday!

[Betsy]

I like training with my partner.. she pushes me and we spot ea other.. but we also talk alot.. so it takes longer..

I def think off season a partner is good-- but onseason.. i think either is OK-- you just wanna get in and get out! LoL

[marilynny]

I am too chatty to train with someone. I train alone, turn up the music, get in the zone, and kill the weights.

Occasionally I'll grab someone I trust to spot me on a heavy bench attempt.

[joelster]

Training partner all the way, especially if he/she is near the same strength level as yourself. It's nice to have someone there when you are benching real heavy or whatever, so you can go for that last rep without any worry.

[MsGuns]

i say BOTH...

All my trainer partners have been guys...either my trainer or a guy my trainer trains...

my training partner divorced me for his job...he's a realator and now trains during the day...

I luv working out so I dont need motivation but i do need a spotter from time to time...

I miss Clay and Craig...

they tell me they tell their friends they train w/ a gurl and they laugh and call him a wimp and he says nah she'll kick your a$$....lol

[Rainy]

I do both, my training partner is a police officer so when she's working we train separately. Training alone I'm more focused, shorter rests and get it done quicker. But it can be lonely at times, and asking amateurs to spot you and they do it wrong can be so frustrating :banghead:

Time goes by quicker with my partner, it's good to have someone cheering you to get that extra rep in and spotting on the heavy sets. We don't waste any time chatting, it's hard-ass work the whole time :strong:.

[frannyfran]

Until recently I've always trained along. I like to put my music on and just get in the zone, especially if I'm having a bad day!

It's been nice though having my friend train with me lately. We can spot each other and try to go heavier at times.

[teri]

I train alone;noone in my gym understands the intensity thats needed.. then once in a while i ask my hubby to kick my butt...hahaha He understands.:kiss:

[want2blean]

My first choice is alone because I am way more efficient on my own and oddly enough work harder alone usually.....I like to do legs with my boyfriend because he pushes me. He is also pretty cute so I get to spend my time admiring his awesome physique. I am a dork I know.....:D

[ibarramedia]

To paraphrase Clubber Lang from Rocky III, " I live alone and I train alone." "I Pity the fool." "Prediction, PAIN."

[LadyZ]

I like both... Most of the time I train alone... when i'm going to train heavier, I'll meet up with my trainer partner... he was the one that got into training heavy... I'm really grateful that he's in my life.

[jenscats5]

No choice, have to train alone.....

[fbbfanatic]

I work out solo most of the time. I'm either inside the gym lifting or outside running extremely early in the morning. For most people it's too early, but I have a strong preference for that time. Afterwards the rest of my day is spent in a highly social and fiercely competitive environment.

A good training partner would enhance my workouts in some very important ways no doubt; challenging & supporting me while giving me the opportunity to do the same for her/him. I think that tends to work best with people of comparable ability who have similar expectations & goals.

[sdahlum]

I train with my husband, and I wouldn't have it any other way! I don't enjoy my workouts as much when he's not with me. We really help eachother out a lot.

[SunlovinCO]

I prefer to have a workout partner purely for the motivation and accountability. My man starting training me a few months ago but due to time constraints recently I am back on my own... I do grab him when I need a spot though.

[dvsness]

I usually train alone, though I will occasionally train with a friend or my bf. We'll see how often I train with Dan when he moves here.

[ripitupbaby]

I definitely prefer a training partner. My husband is the BEST. I love training with him. We have a lot of fun and he's a great spotter.

It's crucial that I have a training partner for all of my squat and bench press workouts.

[Shelly]

onseason Bets and i train together from day one til the end!!!

its GREAT to push eachother day in and day out... esp those days when your tired and dragging.

Plus it makes cardio go much faster:)

[joelster]

There is one more aspect of training with a partner that has huge benefits. I'll give an example.

Me and my old partner were very close in strength levels on most exercises, we were also very competitive. There would be certain days when i just didn't feel like training at all..........everyone has them. But....i couldn't let my partner see that, hell no! Every rep was all-out! If he did 6 reps, i'd go for 7, and vice-versa. If we were training chest our workouts would go like this...His shoulders were stronger than mine, but my chest was stronger than his. He'd pick an exercise and then i'd pick an exercise. He'd always favor the incline bench (cause his shoulders would better) and then i'd pick flat or decline bench (cause my chest gave me an advantage). It forced me to push extra hard on the exercises I didn't favor, and the same with him.

If I was training alone, I would just steer clear of any heavy incline presses, and not be able to reap the benefits of it.

[cassierose]

I train alone, but love working out in large gyms. I don't EVER go when it's the busy times though. I guess I like a lil bit of a audience haha.:flex:

[Rebecca Lynn Slatt]

I train alone.

Other people are always late or cancel at the last minute. :banghead:

I have used a trainer for leg days on occasion.

[debbiebramwell]

I prefer a trainer or the"right" training partner........I have trained alone since I have moved to Alabama and I miss having someone with me....the workouts are more crazy and intense ......trust me if all of you that train alone trained with me you would never want to train alone again....:Dits just hard to find the right training partner......

example........leg day .......4 exercises 30 reps each back to back......(120 reps)
next round heavier weight 20 reps back to back.. (80 reps)
" " 15 reps back to back.. (60 reps)
" " 10 reps back to back.. (40 reps)
thats just the beginning...........
trainer partner wont let you wipe out....helps you push your limits!

[DANISH DYNAMITE]

I do both. I would love to have a regular training partner, but at the moment I dont. Most of the 16years I've been working out I've had a training partner, because you can push eachother to the limit.
Training partners who are equal create a special bond, where they rely on eachother, know exectly when and where to help and how much they can push you. They so to speak, help you to get the most out of you. I see this as a big advantage.

[debbiebramwell]

I do both. I would love to have a regular training partner, but at the moment I dont. Most of the 16years I've been working out I've had a training partner, because you can push eachother to the limit.
Training partners who are equal create a special bond, where they rely on eachother, know exectly when and where to help and how much they can push you. They so to speak, help you to get the most out of you. I see this as a big advantage.

well said! whenever I train with someone I want to be the "best " training partner they ever had....it is a great time to give!! who says you cant have fun while having a kick ass workout! its all about positive energy and getting it done in a hour(we can talk after)!:awesome:

[teri]

I train alone...but when i need my ass kicked - i call on the HUBBY...:kiss:

[shell88]

Mostly with my man.....I like to chat in between sets and I need a spot!

[DANISH DYNAMITE]

well said! whenever I train with someone I want to be the "best " training partner they ever had....it is a great time to give!! who says you cant have fun while having a kick ass workout! its all about positive energy and getting it done in a hour(we can talk after)!:awesome:

Exactly;)

[Making_A_Change]

With the exception of meeting with my trainer once a week, I prefer to train alone. Now, that my body has changed I have had some people say--I want to workout with you. I have to graciously decline (unless it's an off day). That hour and a half is so precious, not just physically but mentally.

[Sportsgirl]

I enjoy both but I prefer to train alone. I like having someone there to spot me when I'm going super heavy though.

[Blondell]

I prefer to train alone.

[xena]

I train alone at home most of the time. My dogs cheer me on. LOL!!!!

[buffgina]

I train alone - my focus is important to me, and I am not into distractions by the other people working out and chit chatting.....it's called "working out" because it should be work!.....but I take extreme "pleasure" in the "pain" during lifting - the best part of my day:)

[Kpnufit]

Off season I can go it alone...I'm kinda anal when it comes to training w/ someone. I actually go in my "zone" so to speak and rather keep my focus on my workouts and at my own pace.

Competition season, I work w/ a trainer 2x a week, during that time I need the extra push, motivation, and accountability not to mention someone that will kick my booty because my energy levels during competition time is lagging and I probably wouldnt push myself otherwise.

[Brandi-]

I definitely prefer to train alone. I can accomplish more and keep my heart rate ramped!

[jewelofnile69]

Which do you prefer?

I train by myself. I think I prefer that because I am more focused that way, but I do like training with others occasionally to get some new ideas and maybe a little push if I'm slacking. It's also nice not to have to search the gym for a spot when you have a partner right there.

I also enjoy working out by myself. I've lifted with partners in the past but always go back to working out by myself. I just seem to get more done that way.

[Trish]

I normally train alone. I wish at times I did have a training partner so I could push myself a bit more. I hate to pull somone away from their work out just to spot me and at times I just don't bother, but I know that if I would have had a spot I would have tried to go heavier or for that extra rep.

In the past I did try but some people are just not serious and it just pisses me off and to avoid making anyone feel bad, I just work out alone. I hope to work out sometime with some of the girls that I have met and I see regularly but some days I do need to work out alone. I don't know about you ladies but I have my days that I just don't have energy to talk...lol..

[heather913]

I'm both...I have a workout partner a couple times a week but then I also train alone. I like both but it is hard sometimes....my workout partner hates training legs and I love it so sometimes it's hard to find the right balance. :)