Partner Helps!

[Blieb]

For the past 6 months I've been working out solo. I don't push too hard, and have pretty much stuck to my own routines.

A few weeks ago a buddy of mine came up for a 3 month contract gig, and we've been working out together.

The first round of chest, I pushed myself about 20 lbs over my usual (10 per side) ... and didn't have a problem ... Sunday night, I was about ... 30 lbs over my usual ... and it felt gooood. I think I could go up higher, but want to pace myself.

Anyways, I'm not sure if it's having a spotter or what, but I think knowing that if I need it, I have help - is really doin' me some good.

Anyone have a similar experience?

 

[P-funk]

I always feel like I can push harder going solo than with a spotter. I feel like even if they are not helping me lift but there hands are there I am not doing it myself. When I go solo it is a kind of do or die thing....."If I don't press this weight it is going to crush me!".

But I am not stupid, I always have a spotter when I am going heavy.

 

[Blieb]

Oh, he hasn't once touched the weights ...

But if I was like "help a brotha out" ... he's standing within 2 feet of me ... it's not a normal spot ...

 

[Scotty the Body]

Just the fact of someone watching has motivated me to do another rep or more weight than I thought I could do.

One of the biggest boosts I got the other week was a guy that commented on me taking roids as I grabbed the 110's off the db rack for bench, I got an extra two reps cause I knew him and his partner were watching me.

 

[DaMayor]

I agree w/ Pfunk to a certain extent regarding the do or die mentality. The other night I grabbed a couple of db's 15 lbs. over my previous 'max' working weight just because I knew I'd either have to lift them or be embarrassed (or have to buy some teeth). Things got a little shakey by the last rep, but I knew I couldn't quit. I'm sure this isn't the best thing for one's form, but it makes me work.

 

[Striking_Cobra]

I think there's a trade off, good in both ways.

When i'm alone I get through my workout faster with less rest periods giving a nice cardio effect. I notice I stay more focused too since i'm just in my zone with my music.

Though when I have a partner I usually am pushing myself harder getting more reps (for obvious reasons).

I train with my wife and have for 7 yrs and I have to say it's alot different than training with a male partner because of different goals.

One thing I do have to say is that a good partner won't spot too much or too little. Some people i've trained with just spot like hell and it sucks trying to get out those last reps and they basically lift the weight for you.