Do you lift with a partner?

Mike Tuvre, USA · 04-19-2006, 08:59 PM

I don't, but a guy who has been lifting longer than me asked me to be his partner. I like lifting alone, but is it more productive to have a partner? Thanks.

**P-funk** · 04-19-2006, 09:03 PM

i don't.

having a partner can be good or bad....

good:
a) someone to push you
b) always have a spotter
c) someone to watch your form and give you feedback
d) someone to fill up your water bottle
e) someone to shave your back in the shower

bad:
a) you have to work on the same time schedule
b) you have to train on the exact same program
c) if they are having a bad workout, chances are you are haing a bad workout
d) they may want to chit-chat and you want to train
e) they may hold you back

goandykid · 04-19-2006, 09:10 PM

I usually don't

Bakerboy · 04-19-2006, 09:19 PM

I don't even go to a gym because I hate being around people.

because I train at home.

I have in the past but it's hard to find someone with a similar schedule...

Besides a good partner is hard to find....

NMOY · 04-19-2006, 09:30 PM

I do and it is EXCELLENT! I MUCH prefer working out with a good partner.

GenDJ · 04-19-2006, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P-funk

e) someone to shave your back in the shower

I dont, if i need a spot, i will ask a random person..

tgill25 · 04-19-2006, 09:45 PM

When I first started working out I didn't, but I do now and the main reason I workout with a buddy is because I push myself harder when I workout with him... and yea this is my first post so i just wanna say hi to everyone.

Squaggleboggin · 04-19-2006, 09:46 PM

I train with my brother sometimes but my intensity is way higher alone. I sometimes ask him to watch my form, but other than that I find it a negative thing.

shiznit2169 · 04-19-2006, 09:48 PM

Always been a loner

I tried training with a friend one time and it led to a lot of chitchat because most of the time they are not serious and motivated.

Seanp156 · 04-19-2006, 09:48 PM

I prefer working out alone... Less distracting. However, if it was someone that was very motivated, had similar experience, and was concentrated it may be an advantage.

Nate K · 04-19-2006, 09:54 PM

Looks like we are all loners here. Same here.

kcoleman · 04-19-2006, 10:17 PM

Most people I talk to say they prefer lifting with friends. I can't get good intensity in my training with other people around, so I guess I'm a loner too.

**CowPimp** · 04-19-2006, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanp156

I prefer working out alone... Less distracting. However, if it was someone that was very motivated, had similar experience, and was concentrated it may be an advantage.

I agree, and they should also have the same goals so that it's not a problem if you're performing the same/similar programs. I lift with a friend occasionally, although it has been a while. I do enjoy it, but typically I get slowed down.

rmcfar · 04-19-2006, 11:39 PM

yah i tried lifting with a guy that is around the same strength in me in everything (except he has chicken legs)

and it sucked having to go at a certain time for a certain amont of time and do exercises we both could agree on

so thats the end of that and im way happier being able to do as i wish

DiGiTaL · 04-19-2006, 11:48 PM

Quote:

I dont, if i need a spot, i will ask a random person..

if only it was that easy...

TJ Cline · 04-20-2006, 05:08 AM

I have not trained with a partner for 3 years or so, I actually perfer to but I really don't know anybody here who I would want to workout with.

fufu · 04-20-2006, 08:30 AM

I don't and I prefer not to. I might if I found someone very motivated and serious about weight lifting.

AKIRA · 04-20-2006, 09:05 AM

Looks like everyone already said the same thing. I am usually alone.

Drink Milk.

Seanp156 · 04-20-2006, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiGiTaL

if only it was that easy...

How is it difficult to ask someone for a spot?

ReproMan · 04-20-2006, 11:50 AM

I prefer working out by myself. I'm real strict when it comes to rest intervals and keeping my nose to the grindstone, a partner is cool when I'm doing chest, thats about it..

shiznit2169 · 04-20-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanp156

How is it difficult to ask someone for a spot?

It's not asking for a spotter that's difficult, it's finding the right one. Most guys do not how to spot correctly since they usually ..

a) Give assistance too quickly
(e.g. Pulling up the bar too fast even though the bencher can still manage it on his own)

b) Are too weak
(e.g. Same as above, you struggle on the last rep and they can't even pull up the bar because they are struggling as well)

c) Wait until it clearly shows you are in trouble and would be too late to giving you assistance before you hurt yourself
(e.g. Same as above, you reach total muscular failure and the bar drops down on your chest before they pull up the bar)

In my experience, 9 out of 10 times it's A

Seanp156 · 04-20-2006, 12:58 PM

So just tell them how you want it if it bothers you that much, or ask someone that looks like they know what they're doing...

Triple Threat · 04-20-2006, 01:14 PM

If I could clone myself, I'd have a partner.

MACCA · 04-20-2006, 01:50 PM

I do shift work, so every third week i have a mate who i workout with, it has its good points like pushing me harder sometimes, and its bad points like chatting too much, but generally i prefer to work out alone same as above i suppose.

ReproMan · 04-20-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanp156

So just tell them how you want it if it bothers you that much, or ask someone that looks like they know what they're doing...

Is that what you told your girlfriend? j/k

section8 · 04-20-2006, 02:51 PM

I don't. I don't know that many people at my gym and I find it less distracting so I can concentrate on what I am doing. On the other hand it is nice sometimes to have someone to spot for you and have someone to push you to go a little more.

katt · 04-20-2006, 06:28 PM

I do - my husband.. I really like it, just because he doesn't let me slack off and pushes me to my limits.

**CowPimp** · 04-20-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seanp156

So just tell them how you want it if it bothers you that much, or ask someone that looks like they know what they're doing...

In my experience telling the people does nothing. That information goes in one ear and out the other. Now what I do is either bench press in a power rack setting the pins at chest level BEFORE retracting my scapula so that I am above the pins afterward, or I just bench without clips on and dump the weight if need be, or I actually do a situp with the bar on my stomach.

I don't need no stinkin' spotters.

kcoleman · 04-20-2006, 10:19 PM

I always bench in a power rack. Like cowpimp said, set the safety pins so you can touch the bar to your chest in proper benching form, but if the shit hits the fan it won't crush you

Squaggleboggin · 04-20-2006, 10:39 PM

I find that no one can motivate me like I can. This may sound strange, but 'motivational phrases' that are degrading just annoy me. I really don't get angry (actually I've never been angry in my life; it's kind of annoying) and it doesn't help me at all. Others say that I help them, though. I just concentrate like crazy when I'm in my own mindset.

04-19-2006, 08:59 PM	#1
Mike Tuvre, USA Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 74	Do you lift with a partner? I don't, but a guy who has been lifting longer than me asked me to be his partner. I like lifting alone, but is it more productive to have a partner? Thanks.

04-19-2006, 09:03 PM	#2
P-funk Patrick Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: AZ Posts: 30,574	i don't. having a partner can be good or bad.... good: a) someone to push you b) always have a spotter c) someone to watch your form and give you feedback d) someone to fill up your water bottle e) someone to shave your back in the shower bad: a) you have to work on the same time schedule b) you have to train on the exact same program c) if they are having a bad workout, chances are you are haing a bad workout d) they may want to chit-chat and you want to train e) they may hold you back
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04-19-2006, 09:10 PM	#3
goandykid Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 4,379	I usually don't
	You guys are going to lose. You might as well just cheer for me, because Boston isn’t winning in Boston for the season opener. I’m sorry. " - Gilbert Arenas

04-19-2006, 09:30 PM	#5
NMOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 127	I do and it is EXCELLENT! I MUCH prefer working out with a good partner.
NMOY Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 127

04-19-2006, 09:46 PM	#8
Squaggleboggin Functional Lifting = Life Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 3,540 Photos: 3	I train with my brother sometimes but my intensity is way higher alone. I sometimes ask him to watch my form, but other than that I find it a negative thing.
	Push yourself. Enjoy yourself. Be yourself. Knowledge is power. Obsessed with functional strength. Journal

04-19-2006, 09:19 PM	#4
Bakerboy cat burglar Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: the city of champions Posts: 4,146 Photos: 3	I don't even go to a gym because I hate being around people. because I train at home. I have in the past but it's hard to find someone with a similar schedule... Besides a good partner is hard to find....

04-19-2006, 09:45 PM	#7
tgill25 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 4	When I first started working out I didn't, but I do now and the main reason I workout with a buddy is because I push myself harder when I workout with him... and yea this is my first post so i just wanna say hi to everyone.

04-19-2006, 09:48 PM	#9
shiznit2169 flawless Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 4,097 Photos: 1	Always been a loner I tried training with a friend one time and it led to a lot of chitchat because most of the time they are not serious and motivated.
	My Journal

04-19-2006, 09:48 PM	#10
Seanp156 Myostatin Whore Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 6,266 Photos: 11	I prefer working out alone... Less distracting. However, if it was someone that was very motivated, had similar experience, and was concentrated it may be an advantage.
	My Journal

04-19-2006, 09:54 PM	#11
Nate K Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,679 Photos: 3	Looks like we are all loners here. Same here.

04-19-2006, 10:17 PM	#12
kcoleman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: . Posts: 533	Most people I talk to say they prefer lifting with friends. I can't get good intensity in my training with other people around, so I guess I'm a loner too.

04-19-2006, 11:39 PM	#14
rmcfar i love cutting Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 266	yah i tried lifting with a guy that is around the same strength in me in everything (except he has chicken legs) and it sucked having to go at a certain time for a certain amont of time and do exercises we both could agree on so thats the end of that and im way happier being able to do as i wish
rmcfar i love cutting Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 266	"When i was 15 years old, i took all of my clothes off and looked in the mirror. When i stared at myself naked, I realized that to be perfectly proportioned I would need 20 inch arms to match the rest of me." -Arnold

04-20-2006, 05:08 AM	#16
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544	I have not trained with a partner for 3 years or so, I actually perfer to but I really don't know anybody here who I would want to workout with.
TJ Cline Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 12,544

04-20-2006, 08:30 AM	#17
fufu fiendish thingy Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 16,447 Photos: 7	I don't and I prefer not to. I might if I found someone very motivated and serious about weight lifting.
	fufu's 1337 Journal Your diet will set you free.

04-20-2006, 09:05 AM	#18
AKIRA I am Rollo Tomassee.. Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Outside the box Posts: 7,907 Photos: 3	Looks like everyone already said the same thing. I am usually alone. Drink Milk.
	6' 209lbs (8/16) Bench 360 (11/29) Weighted Pullups 80lbs 3x3 (3/19) Squat 370 Deadlift after herniation 385lbs 3x3 (3/17) NASM certified 2/06 Journal

04-20-2006, 11:50 AM	#20
ReproMan SeÃ±or Member Elite Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Stuart, FL Posts: 7,226	I prefer working out by myself. I'm real strict when it comes to rest intervals and keeping my nose to the grindstone, a partner is cool when I'm doing chest, thats about it..

04-20-2006, 12:58 PM	#22
Seanp156 Myostatin Whore Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 6,266 Photos: 11	So just tell them how you want it if it bothers you that much, or ask someone that looks like they know what they're doing...
	My Journal

04-20-2006, 01:14 PM	#23
Triple Threat ... Elite Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Lost Posts: 9,481 Photos: 6	If I could clone myself, I'd have a partner.

04-20-2006, 01:50 PM	#24
MACCA Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: on the tarmac Posts: 545	I do shift work, so every third week i have a mate who i workout with, it has its good points like pushing me harder sometimes, and its bad points like chatting too much, but generally i prefer to work out alone same as above i suppose.
	Male, 38 years old, 5ft 11", 187lbs Goals; 10k sub 46mins 10 mile sub 77 mins half marathon sub 120 mins

04-20-2006, 02:51 PM	#26
section8 War Eagle Elite Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Some where between right and wrong Posts: 472 Photos: 117	I don't. I don't know that many people at my gym and I find it less distracting so I can concentrate on what I am doing. On the other hand it is nice sometimes to have someone to spot for you and have someone to push you to go a little more.
	Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. -George S. Patton-

04-20-2006, 06:28 PM	#27
katt Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 4,121 Photos: 37	I do - my husband.. I really like it, just because he doesn't let me slack off and pushes me to my limits.

04-20-2006, 10:19 PM	#29
kcoleman Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: . Posts: 533	I always bench in a power rack. Like cowpimp said, set the safety pins so you can touch the bar to your chest in proper benching form, but if the shit hits the fan it won't crush you

04-20-2006, 10:39 PM	#30
Squaggleboggin Functional Lifting = Life Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 3,540 Photos: 3	I find that no one can motivate me like I can. This may sound strange, but 'motivational phrases' that are degrading just annoy me. I really don't get angry (actually I've never been angry in my life; it's kind of annoying) and it doesn't help me at all. Others say that I help them, though. I just concentrate like crazy when I'm in my own mindset.
	Push yourself. Enjoy yourself. Be yourself. Knowledge is power. Obsessed with functional strength. Journal