Do I Really Need a Training Partner?
By Jason
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If you’ve ever had to work out alone, you’ve been there.
“Can I handle one more set on the bench press? Can I do one more rep, or will I get caught under the bar?”
You might know what your limits are pretty well, but it’s better safe than sorry. Sometimes you muscles just give out a little sooner than you thought they would.
Getting stuck on a heavy set without a spotter can be a disaster. It’s never happened to me because I have a phobia of it, and I will never do a heavy set of bench presses without a spotter.
But I’ve seen it before. I’ve had to run across the gym to save some poor kid who was lifting a weight he wasn’t ready for alone. Having a trainer partner at your side is best, but it isn’t for everybody.
Why you should have a workout partner:
- Spotter: You have a built in spotter every time you come to the gym. No need to worry about getting stuck below a heavy bar that is smashing your chest in.
- Motivation: When your workout gets tough, it’s great to have someone that can help to push you through the end of that heavy set when you feel like calling it quits.
- Routine: The fact that you’re going with somebody else usually helps you to plan out your workouts ahead of time. That way, you’re less likely to just go into the gym and “wing it” without a plan.
- Consistency: Sometimes the fact that you have a partner is what gets you into the gym in the first place. If your partner is dragging you into the gym each day, work on your motivation and ask yourself what you really want to get out of your workouts.
Of course, having a workout partner is the best method for keeping your workouts safe, motivating, and consistent. But again, having a training partner isn’t for everybody.
The drawbacks of a workout partner:
- You’re anti-social: Maybe you just don’t like people, I don’t know… but the reason most of us workout alone is that we just don’t have a friend that goes to the same gym.
- Time conflicts: Fitting workout times into your own schedule is tough enough. Working it out with another person can be even worse, and it sometimes becomes an excuse to skip a day.
- Needs conflicts: You squat with 10 pounds, your partner squats with 300 pounds. Changing the weights on each set can be a real pain. Also, beginners and advanced trainees have different needs and should be on different routines.
- Your partner is a wuss: Maybe your partner is one of those sissies who’s going to try to convince you to ditch the free weights for the machines and quit squatting so that you can spend all your time on your arms (it doesn’t work that way).
Whatever you decide, try to never workout alone. Home gyms are where most of the injuries occur, so be sure that someone is close by to save you in case of an emergency. Hearing a popping noise when you’re all alone under a bar can really suck. If nobody is around, take precautions and have the equipment you need (power rack, collars, etc.)
Meeting people: Don’t be afraid to ask people for a quick spot when you need it. When you do, take a moment to get to know them. It doesn’t have to be a lot, and you don’t have to become “best friends forever”, but taking just a moment to get to know someone can go a long way.
The people that come to the same gym at the same time as you usually make great spotters for the next time you’re in the gym. If you have the same goals, work ethic, and motivation to succeed, and if your schedules work well, you may have found yourself a great training partner.
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Topics: Rest & Recovery, Workout Principles |
February 2nd, 2008 at 8:06 am
Hi Jason
Sound advice as usual. Partners are also good for cathartic purposes. If you’re like me you will get the occasional day when you feel like the world and its best mate are against you. When you have an understanding partner this isn’t a problem, give them a good ear bashing and forget all about the stuff that’s bringing you down. A good partner will not be offended and will kindly return the favour in the not too distant future.
February 4th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Daniel- Very true, getting a partner is great so that you don’t have to be such a loner all the time. Sometimes I enjoy hitting the gym on my own, but I’ve definitely enjoyed my time more with someone for the reasons you’ve mentioned.
February 5th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
I’ve always stayed solo in the gym. I’ve found that partners seldom last and usually everyone has their own personal philosophies they adhere to.
I have found what works for me and don’t need anyone else to influence my workouts. While I’m always open to advice, but what works for someone else may not work for me.
Also, when you religiously hit your workouts by yourself I believe you develop more inner strength and discipline that way. If you are truly serious about what you are doing then you do not need anyone else to be there for you.
March 27th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Great blog!
Unfortunately doesn’t work for me. In my limited and narrow experience, most of the times partners want to workout for a “chat”. I’d love someone to spot me though esp on my bench press!
March 27th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
rissam- sounds like you’ve been having wussy partner troubles, and it happens. Grab someone close by for the bench though. That’s probably the one exercise that I’ll never do without a spot or catch bars in a power rack. You don’t want to limit yourself from being able to ever go to failure when you need to. Otherwise, I’d just use dumbbells that can be dropped to the sides when you miss reps.
March 28th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Thanks for the response, Jason. (Un)fortunately I work out at home. I just dont attach my clips to the bar. In case I fail, I bend the bar and dislodge a weight on the side so as to place the bar back on the rack…