Training Partners...

[Maharg]

Train with a lifting partner? Personally I do, its safer because you always have a spot and when you are tapped for energy you can always challenge the partner to a liftin contest and I dare you to not bust your balls to win. However, I know some people believe that lifting with a partner is for pansys. What is you're feeling on it?

[rcrott1]

It depends.

if my lifting partner shows up..i train with one, but many times i train alone because i just train in my apartment. i have an adjustable bench....bar..300 lbs of weights, and a dumbell rack from 40-100 in 5 lb increments.

[Rotlex]

I'd love to train with a partner, if I could find a reliable one willing to workout at 5am. For now, my partner is the power cage. It never lets me down, and is never late for a workout!

[Punisher]

If ya have one you need a good one with the same goals as you, is consistent and is also knowledgable in diet and training. a good training partner can be your best asset.

[Maharg]

It depends.

if my lifting partner shows up..i train with one, but many times i train alone because i just train in my apartment. i have an adjustable bench....bar..300 lbs of weights, and a dumbell rack from 40-100 in 5 lb increments.

damn for a home gym you gotta a pretty slick set up.

[rcrott1]

gotta love getting xmas gifts for yourself...and this is all in my apartment

[widdlewade44]

It's difficult to find good, reliable training partners. As I'm sure many of you have probably burned through partners over the years too, I train alone. When push comes to shove it's you vs. the weights anyway. Strap in and floor it!

Kevin
widdlewade44

[Bear]

I don't know.. I've never had a training partner. I prefer to train alone.. But if I had one that was as serious as I was and had the same goals, then maybe.

[J-Dawg]

I'm used to training alone, so it's hard for me to adapt to working out with a partner. Plus I have limited time to workout and try to make the most of it by training quickly yet efficiently. I've been lifting 10+ years and always revert back to training alone.

[G Diesel]

I've burned out many a training partner over the years... To have a good one, who is reliable and highly motivated can be an invaluable asset. At the very least it is a plus to have a spotter that you trust close at all times. Peace, G

[Toughyman]

Hi guys, Toughyman here.

This is my first post on Animal.

For me, I love to train with others. But....it seems hard to find partners who can train with me and keep up. I know, I know, sounds like I am full of it. But tis true. So I generally train alone. This is my setup.

I have a gym membership which I use, yes for working out but also for the free tanning I get. I also, which is so cool, have a complete home gym downstairs in my home. My home has a full size basement and there I have this:
Olympic bench
Olympic bar
Olympic size plates
incline adjustable bench combo with preacher curl apparatus
cambered bar
two dumb bell racks of hex dumb bells
vertical leg press machine
inversion table
Frank Zane "Leg Blaster"
Total gym
recumbent bike
power tower station which includes pull up, chin up, dip, and push up capability
treadmill
two exercise balls
various exercise bands
boxing heavy bag with complete stand for use
boxing gloves
stretching mats
mirrors
stereo setup for music to go with work out
t.v. for watching and hearing such things as workout tapes from Frank Zane, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jay Cutler
Chair for resting
table for holding such things as my gloves, straps, etc

I think that is it. There I make magic guys and gals!!! Pure magic.

I do agree that the benefits of a partner are great, but for the most part, right now I work alone. But I am open to anyone who could join in. I am also a teacher of fitness. That is my job. I am a trainer not only on the gym floor, but also in the world of goals, goal setting, mindset, preparation, diet, how to work out, etc. I am redoing my website right now so later we will be back on line with all new stuff!!

Oh, one more thing, last year I had to have open heart surgery to replace a valve that was bad. Just like Arnold!!! Hey, I want to be like him but not that much!!!! Anyway, talk about having to bounce back, having to rehab, and work in ways you never dreamed!!! That is me!! I was born with an Aortic valve that had only two flaps instead of the normal three. Lucky me. Yea, right. It was a very hard time for me and my wife for sure. It hurt, I was so scared too. But I am back and back with a vengeance.

So, that is me for now. I look forward to hearing from you all. Take care.

Mars Rowell
Michigan

[RowdyRobby]

Man a good partner is sure hard to find. But they can sure help get you motivated.

[Thorgrym]

I train alone but one of my friends from work trains at the same gym at the smae time so Im never missing a spot if i need one. Its also great for mitivation cause this guy is pretty motivated and can give me that push that I need once in a while.


Thor

[Freakshow]

If ya have one you need a good one with the same goals as you, is consistent

Exactly

[NumeroUno]

I swore off training partners after my last one. I was doing incline and he decided he wanted to watch TV. The one time I needed a spot he was watching fucking ESPN. He finally realized I was struggling and helped out, that was the last time I even bothered with a partner.

[Malice]

I used to always train alone id get 1 person to go with me for a while and then theyd quit on me. id always be the one to push my gym partner. Now i have a new partner, hes my buddy and he works with me, hes bigger then i am and its good cause we go right from work everyday and hes the one pushing me and i push him so its good for both of us.

[Hulk]

I only like to train on chest day with a partner. It allows me to go further than I usually would attempt without

[Karma]

I've burned out many a training partner over the years... To have a good one, who is reliable and highly motivated can be an invaluable asset. At the very least it is a plus to have a spotter that you trust close at all times. Peace, G
Nothing to add BIG G!! No partners but always a good spotter to take a look.

[Reacher34]

As you all have posted, partners never seem to stick around. A couple times I thought I had found a good one who was as hungry as me.....wrong. The guys that come with me now are just frustrating: Talking too much, too long rests, low pain tolerance, and no heart. Damn I sound like an A**hole, its just a sore issue for me. I work out every summer with my best friend from home. He was a big dude (compared to me), and I was always trying to work my skinny ass a little harder. Now that I overshadow him, its like he just plain gave up. Last week I finally squatted until i puked. HE was the one who went home, i kept working out! Recently i tried to set him up a good bulking diet to help him out (at his request), i did practically everything but spoon feed this guy. It only lasted a week and a half. Wow, my apologies for turning this into a rant. But i kno some of you know what im talking about.

[TheOak_akl]

As you all have posted, partners never seem to stick around. A couple times I thought I had found a good one who was as hungry as me.....wrong. The guys that come with me now are just frustrating: Talking too much, too long rests, low pain tolerance, and no heart. Damn I sound like an A**hole, its just a sore issue for me. I work out every summer with my best friend from home. He was a big dude (compared to me), and I was always trying to work my skinny ass a little harder. Now that I overshadow him, its like he just plain gave up. Last week I finally squatted until i puked. HE was the one who went home, i kept working out! Recently i tried to set him up a good bulking diet to help him out (at his request), i did practically everything but spoon feed this guy. It only lasted a week and a half. Wow, my apologies for turning this into a rant. But i kno some of you know what im talking about.


I totally know what you are talking about.Training partners come and go like seasons, especially the ones who are motivated up until the first sign of pain, and then run off with their tails between their legs. Those who are left standing will reap the benefits...Keep it up

[LuvsThePain]

I've gone through a few training partners and I've had to work out on my own for the last couple years. It is motivating to be able to work out with someone that has the same determination as you do, but if you don't have that luxury you have to motivate yourself. I'll snag some random person in the gym if I have to have a quick spot, but other than that I've had to kick my own ass for a long time.

[Maharg]

i didn't realize I was so lucky. Course i realize once i out grow my dad im gonna have to either gonna have to have him keep coaching me but i know ill eventually be in the same boat as you guys. Better enjoy it while i can huh?

[Arbalest]

I hate training partners... i've NEVER had a good one. Either no dedication, too busy, can't handle the workouts... bla bla bla

its just me and my mp3 player!

hell, we're ALL busy. I goto college fulltime. Work full-time. Dayshifts AND overnights, so my sleeping is ****** up most of the time, and i still make it to the gym 7days a week and i bust my ass. PLUS i make time to see the girlfriend... lol btw she's ALWAYS pissed at me. "you workout too much.. bla bla bla" lol


whatever though

as far as spotting goes, i don't really use them. The only thing i'd need it on is bench, cuz theres no such thing as safety bars on those. I know how far my body can go at any given time, and i take it to the limit... sometimes over.. then desperation kicks in and when that weight starts falling back down on me, i scream and push it back up.


one of us should create a course to teach people how to spot... "step one: do NOT lift the weight for them!"

how damn hard is that?!

[jatta palu]

Don't have one. I haven't found one that resists the urge to talk. I workout in the morning but am no where near a morning person. I have limited time before I leave for work so my workout is timed perfectly with prescious time for rest let alone talking.

[Toni69]

I always train alone, but at times this becomes a pain in the ass when I want to lift heavy on a certain exercise and would feel more comfortable with a spot I can trust. I am the only female in my gym that lifts as heavy as I do..esepcially for my size, and a lot of the guys are either intimidated by me (believe it or not), or they are just horrible spots, or, you get these guys that go off to the extreme in thinking because I asked them for a spot they automatically assume we are now full-on training partners...God, that is the worst, at least for me it is.

I had to change my times once because this one guy spotted me on squats and every day after that he would show up when I did and just follow me around the gym, thinking we were going to be partners. What a freak!

[Havok]

I personally like to train alone but maybe that is because I have never been able to find a good training partner

[Wolf Man CHG]

hard to find someone who is as dedicated and adhere to the same methods as I do.....thus I normally train alone...

[teutates]

I find it really difficult to FIND a training partner... most men who are serious about lifting are far out of my weight range... and most women are no where near as intense or heavy as I lift.

So I go it alone. At 4:45 a.m., 7:00 p.m. or any hour in between.

The iron doesn't care that I come alone.

[The Train]

I'd love to train with a partner, if I could find a reliable one willing to workout at 5am. For now, my partner is the power cage. It never lets me down, and is never late for a workout!

Well said Rotlex, well said.

[propstm]

I'm a fan of working out w/ a partner. My buddy Biggy and I have worked out together since I met him about 2 and a half years ago. He's been cutting and i've been gaining the entire time. Aside from knowing i trust him to spot, he knows how to piss me off enough to want to lift more.

[Demolitionist]

I dont have a workout partner most of the time. Sometimes I do work out with this guy named Al, he was in the Canadian Power Lifting championships or something along those lines. But in may im going to drop the Athletic Club and go train with The Train at his gym. Hes already given me the perfect diet. Now I want the perfect workout routine.

[karmazon]

I can't focus if I train with somebody else. That's just me.

[TheNaturalG]

I don't rea;;y want a training partner, but more of someone who comes to the gym same times as me and can spot me when I need it. I hate standing there like wtf I need a spotter and the only people here are the 2 skinny kids and the fat lady on the treadmill. I go to failure on every set so without a spotter I can't workout lol.

[Tron]

I'd love to have a training partner, but like so many people on here, it's hard to find somebody as determined/has the time/worth the time.

[BendingOrPretending]

At times, when my partner shows up, it is alright. When you lift more than they do, it really isn't worth having them there, except for moral support, if you need it. He's not very loud or outspoken, so when I start to struggle, it seems like he's whispering into my ear when he's trying to push me.

I have no preference when it comes to a partner. I can produce the same without.

[determined]

Partners are like eggs at my house. First of all I can't keep them and the other ones I break.

[Buckeye]

I hope i put this in the right forum. My name is Todd and i live in Phoenix AZ. I lift at a small gym with few people which is nice but have no one to spot. Just looking to see where you guys in the area lift so maybe I can switch gyms. Thanks

[O-Zone]

I have been hitting the gym hard since September 2006. Any time before that I always had a partner; this time I don’t. The higher in weight I go, the more difficult it is to fall into starting position or go until failure. I find myself dropping weight and doing higher reps just to get that burn. With a partner I could through that extra plate on and do that extra rep even if I fail. In the past I have been picky of my partner selection. I always wanted my gym partner stronger than I and just as motivated. Now that I am to the heavier weight that starts to require a spotter what should I do? Asking someone else in the gym is a forbidden action in my mind because they are there to lift and not to baby-sit. Thanks in advance!

[Shark]

So I have been training for a while now. I take this stuff seriously. I have made a ton of sacrifices already and continue to do so without any complaint at all. But of course, I know where my line is as far as what I will sacrifice for this lifestyle. I will not party, I will go to sleep earlier than everyone else and wake up earlier too. I will not eat things that can hurt me. But of course I would never risk anyones life or hurt someone to do this.

It would take a freak emergency or disaster to keep me from training. I will always find time.

So your wondering why I am posting?? We all feel this way right?

I have been friends with someone for a long long time. We damn near do everything together. I would call him a brother even. We went to school together, got "fat" together and chased girls together. I have been training for a good while now and for a good 6 months now he has been training with me. He has made some awesome gains and I recently introduced him to animal pak and this forum. He joined and was immediatly taken by this lifestyle.

Still wondering where I'm going?

Well today he called me before the time we normally hit the gym and told me that he wouldn't be able to make it. Now I thought to myself, " Oh no.. Is his kid sick? Did he get hurt? Is there some emergency??" NOPE! He had to miss legs day because he made an appointment to get his HAIR STYLED. Now I thought to myself, " Didn't we have to cut legs day short two weeks ago so he could go get his hair styled?" Yup. Holy shit, I wonder if he got his nails done too??


Now, I am not mad or anything I just think it's funny. I hit legs day HARD today by myself and cranked the ipod. I love alone days sometimes. I just want to bust his balls because I know he posts here and I told him I was going to post this. His response to this will be "At least I have hair". I was told to tell him, "my body is so extreme that it pushed my hair out so I never had to miss a training day to get it styled"

So I ask you other animals, you ever had a good training partner that left you high and dry for some bullshit reason?

[emcdaniels]

Hair cuts are easy...Clippers and a #2 blade, nuff said.

Haven't been ditched by my partner for any bullshit yet...Hope it stays that way.

[Phil800101]

My hair stylist is me, with a disposable razor, a thing of "headslick" shaving cream, a sink, and a mirror.

I usually train alone, and the one person I do train with at times is as dedicated as I am if not more, so if he were to miss a workout he'd have a damn good reason. But yeah, "going to the hairstylist" is a pretty bullshit excuse, especially if he's serious about his training.

On the flip side, I'm just playing devil's advocate here, but I wonder how many times people that we know have thought it stupid to hear the answer/excuse "I can't, I have to go to the gym." as to why we couldn't go somewhere or do something? I'm sure most of us have said that at some point. I know I have. Just some food for thought.

[loiacanoa]

I like to have a training partner. Especially on the days that I train chest, legs, and arms. I feel that a good training partner knows when you need a spot, and gives a good one. They also can motivate you through a set, and even a whole workout. Always good to have a watchful eye when puttin up that weight!

[k1usa]

my training partner is my girlfriend....Im currently using Wrath's split work out....and she goes light and higher reps...but hangs in all 6 days....when she is sick..or cant make it...I just plow through.....and I love doing training by myself at times....the beast gets fed either way

[ct italian 1]

for me has just begun. Since Dec. I have been training w/ a family friend who is a personal trainer (and over 40years my elder). He has done so much for me & pushed me past all of my preconceived limits. However he will be out of the gym regularly until sept. & that's when I leave for college. So now brothers I must dig deep inside for the stamina & drive I never seem to have when I workout alone. It's gonna be a tough battle but this is just the next step in my own journey. I have my diet down pat, so now it's gonna be all in the training for me. Hopefully I'll be able to find a reliable lifting partner w/ similar goals soon to help me work past failure & the hurt, 'cause that's what I really need...that extra push in the gym. My heart & soul is there just I'm not always pushing myself hard enough.

[karmazon]

Good luck. Personally I CANNOT ever workout with somebody else, I need to be alone.

[MassMonster]

i agree.... when u do your workouts my yourself you get more of an adrenaline rush that helps you ripp out more reps or heavier weight because your body knows your in a dangerous position but when u train wit sum1 else it relaxes bc u set a pace where both of u can train.... but you'll be fine man even if your training partner shares no goals with you he's only there to spott you if he gets in the way toss him find another.... there great diversty in gym rats heheh

[leafs43]

Just keep your dedication and attitude in the right place and all shall go well



Good luck. Personally I CANNOT ever workout with somebody else, I need to be alone.

amen to that, the other person just slows me down. Im in the gym for ass pushing workouts cause i have places to be so I gotta get it done, im not there for social hour.

[rocky36]

i love being alone in the gym other ppl usally just get in the way

[***WTM***]

i love being alone in the gym other ppl usally just get in the way

I agree. I like to go at it alone also. Every workout partner I have ever had never takes the initiative, never comes up with good workouts, and never pushes me or themselves. I like to be able to just do my own thing and not feel like I have to babysit anyone else.

An occasional spotter is okay, but not the partner. But, some like them...just don't use it as a crutch or depend to heavily on having that workout partner because there will come a day when they say they don't feel like going, then you don't go. And it just snowballs from there.

[Aggression]

I agree with everyone else. Id much rather lift alone than with someone else. They say you shud lift with someone stronger, but that means you're just going to try to lift the same amount of weight as them bc you feel you have to. Thats when you end up going 1-2 sloppy reps instead of a good 6-12. working out with someone weaker, you bring yourself down to their level unconsciously and dont get a good workout.

training alone is the only way to go, for me at least. i get a spotter on the heavy sets and thats all i need. i just have my ipod at full blast with music thats get me going crazy and i pound the weights.

[H Bomb]

As long as you got a power rack for safety it is all good.

[Mike Hancho]

Maybe you should take your laptop with you to the gym so you can read the forum inbetween sets.

[Rhino1986]

sometimes i train on my own sometimes with someone. like most of you i've lost a few partners. just got a new one and i'm loving making him train f##king hard! he trains wiv me 3 times a week but i train 5 usually, so i get time on my own too which i like, although it's hard when i need a spot and no1's around but thats not very often.

[Hines22]

I think that there is nothing more important than a partner

As you both gain you push each other fighting to get that extra weight up trying to beat each other. Its a competition bewtween each other that fuels my desire to lift more and I know it does the same for my partner

[mgmmaze]

I used to lift with a partner when we were out in Iraq but now that guy works at a differnt place we dont have the same schudle so its all me somtimes it sucks but hey you got suck it up. Sometimes

[feelthepain12]

I like working with a partner as long as he shows up and doesn't mess around. I've noticed that when I do have a training partner my strength actually goes up faster and the workouts are actually sometimes more intense because I know that I can add more weight because I have a spot. But that's just my take.

[rcrott1]

I think that there is nothing more important than a partner


while this is true, you need to have a partner that you can depend on both for the time, and the weights. if you dont have a partner that can effectively spot you..it could kill your lifts, and you.

[ct italian 1]

Alright, so I have a real lot that I need to get off my chest, stuff that's been driving me mad and breaking me down inside terribly. I'll start from the beginning. Summer of 7-8th grade I was 5'8" and 204lbs...all fat of course, having never stepped foot in a gym in my life. From changing a few eating habits such as cutting out soda & biking around a lot, I slimmed down to 155 but in the completely wrong way, since I doubt I was eating enough & the right things. At 155 I was still very "skinny fat" & had grown to 5'10". When I started working out in the summer of last year I was about 160 & had a high bodyfat still. By the winter of '06, I was weighing about 175 pounds & had more of a muscular yet still bulky look to me. It was in late December that I began training w/ a close-family friend who is 63years old and has been personal training for many years. Last week I found out that due to personal reasons he will be out of the gym until September. I am now on my own once again. In between the time I started with him, he had me cut down and I had dropped nearly 20lbs. About a month ago he reformulated my diet for heavy weights & we began to train hard for size. Problem is, I'm all fucked up. I look in the mirror and see a twig. I'm 153.5 pounds now, and ever since I have been forced to train on my own my strength has gone down the shitter. The last week I trained w/ him, I repped 225 on incline 4 times, yesterday I was doing sets w/ much much less. I don't know what's wrong with me. I feel like I have withered away & am anorexic in a sort. I follow the diet he made me meal for meal exactly, measuring everything out at all times. I'm currently getting around 2900 cals a day, with 230 or so grams of protein & 500 carbs, which are mostly fiberous. Fat is keep minimum with only around 40g/day, half of which are from oilve oil on my salads or coleslaw. My motivation is rapidly declining & I feel as if I don't even look like I work out anymore. I love being shredded & having amazing definition but I look so thin it's eating me alive. I feel like despite the mass diet and trying to push myself hard in the gym, I am still losing size & strength. I will be training w/ a friend, and fellow animal when he comes home from college May 12th & am praying that will help get my weight up once again. Please any advise/support/encouragement is appreciated. I have dedicated my entire life to this sport and feel now as if I have barely anything to show for it.

[Space Cowboy]

I usually like to train before i start work at 8am, my gym opens at 6am and im there on the dot, tho my regular partner prefers to go 6pm after work. This is ok, but i always make sure we train together on barbell bench and squat days. Its allways good to know you have a spotter you can trust, will encourage and push you and help push yourself to failure.

EASI
COWBOY

[Giant Killer]

You need to get motivated. What are you in this for? You need a fire under your ass my friend. A training partner does not make you what you are. Are you a bodybuilder or in the gym as a social event? Let me tell you, if you want that shit, you gotta' take it. Blood, sweat, and tears. Does any of those things sound like an Ice Cream Sunday? Hell no. If you're not lifting what you used to, check your ego & pay your dues. Lift what you can, whenever you can. Keep pursuing your dream, and don't take no for a fucking answer. Get to work.

[ct italian 1]

def. not in it for a social event, and have more desire & fuel behind why I want to achieve my bodybuilding goals more than anything. I've come so far already but just not far enough in my eyes. I get compliments on my physique all the time, but I just want more. Maybe I just feel so thin because I was so overweight all of those years? idk

[rcrott1]

People that say they are lacking motivation and are posting on here must not read anything that others are posting...this irks me to no end.

You want motivation, start reading damnit.

Get off your fucking ass and hit the God Damn gym. get your head out of your ass and fix this shit man.

if you feel that you arent getting results quick enough...welcome to the real world. we all know this shit doesnt happen OVERNIGHT. welcome to reality...the body is a simple machine. If your mind is in a bad spot, your body will respond negatively.

You feel like you dont look good...start hitting the gym harder and/or more often.


Just get this shit squared away.

[Shark]

Some people just need the support of someone else there. It pushes them to try harder. It could be that you push harder because you don't want to let them down. Or it could be that you push harder to compete against them in a way.

When we find a comfortable place it can be easy to grow. I was making amazing gains for a while then I went on vacation. Even though I was eating the same and training the same, the gym didn't feel the same. I wasn't comfortable at all. My body and gains suffered a little.

When I first started lifting weights I would go to the gym with my father a lot. He would teach me things about lifting and give me encouragment. As I grew a little older it turned into a competition to be stronger than my old man. When I moved away and went into a gym alone it seemed intimidating for some reason. Things I was used to just didn't feel the same.

I liken my whole experience to something as simple as a t shirt. Here's some metaphor for you. I used to wear the same sleeveless t every time I trained. It was sort of a superstitious thing for me. Whenever I forgot it, for some reason training never felt the same. After a few years it became stained, bleach spotted, torn, ripped, eaten by who knows what. ( My training partner can vouch for all of that) But after a while I realised I needed a new shirt to train in. So I bought one. At first it didn't feel the same. Didn't have the right look. But I realised something. It was never the shirt. it was me. I chose to have good training and bad training days. I had to look inside myself and stop making excuses and hiding behind things. Now, I can train in a fucking clown suit and still have a good training day.

You have to realize that the only person that can DO IT is yourself. People can offer advice and support along the way. But you have to look inside yourself for that animal that drives you.

As far as anything else. If you need training advice or any other type of advice or just someone to talk to then you are in the right place bro. Whenever I feel alone I know I can just jump on here and be with hundreds of other people living the same situation. People who can understand the shit I go through. No matter how big or small.

[JMC]

Dude, if you want more, you've got the tools to get it done. Patience my friend...there has been guys in this game for YEARS who still aren't where they want to be. I don't understand what the issue is. We all feel small every now and again. Push that shit aside and don't let it set you apart from your goals!

[Shark]

Maybe I just feel so thin because I was so overweight all of those years? idk



lol Wow you and I are in totally different boats. because I used to be fat I see nothing but a fat dude in the mirror. I can get down to 4% bodyfat and I will still think I'm too fat.

[loiacanoa]

Gotta find that motivation from somewhere when your training partner is out. Keeping goals in mind always are motivating. Where you are now, where you would like to go. I feel sometimes I can get a better workout by myself than with someone else. I wouldn't give up yet man, its a long road to gettin big. If you can find someone to train with during the time your original partner is out that may help to.

[karthik]

I am really thinking of starting my own journey log, but I will use these powerful gym warrior stories as a test to see how people respond. I was doing heavy powerlifting training with 3 of my training partners, while my other training partner who is NAS (North American Strongman Society) athlete was training extremely hard in preparation for a competition on June 30th. While we were busting ass on squats and deadlifts, he was doing over head presses from the ground with 225 timed for a minute by a former world champion powerlifter Phil Zarnick. After that he did farmer's hold with 625 pounds again timed for a minute, log presses with 225 for reps, followed by crucifix holds with a 45 pound plate for time, he got 1 minute 15 seconds a p.r. As if that wasn't enough he fucking deadlifts 455 for 15 reps for 1 minute with a pause after each rep. Looking at the competition chart of the events and the amount of weight required to be handled, I could tell this competition was strictly for warriors and ride or die soldiers only, no room for half-stepping or those who were not willing to die on the battlefield to go to the next level. Most people would be done by then but not Andy Bible. He then went on to lift a 250 pound keg to shoulder level ran 60 feet and back and loaded it on to a truck. After about 2 sets though he tossed the keg to the ground and passed out, I was a little bit nervous but after about 5 minutes he regained his consciousness (it was more than 100 degrees outside and plus he trained extremely intensely), and as crazy as he was, he reached for his gym bag snorted some NOSE TORK and did another set and hit a p.r. by beating his time by 6 seconds. I also had to do deadlift for reps that day as per my training program so I did 455 for 2 sets of 8 after doing heavy squats. I was about ready to pass out, but of course Andy Bible being the awesome training partner that he is rooted me on so that I could finish both sets, and so I did, and felt great albeit a bit exhausted. That's one thing I love about this game, the longer I keep at it, the better my endurance, stamina, and strength gets, I think it is because I get more experience.

[peterpyper]

sounds like fun but as long as u keep it up,def gonna get stronger for sure.
your body adapts to the things u do its survival

[RoJoHen]

A friend of mine just started going to the gym with me a couple days ago. He's never really worked out before, so I've been trying to show him the best way to do things. I've found that doing this has also helped me. I'm trying to be the best example I can, so I've been more focused and dedicated than I have in a long time. I've never been a slacker, but with someone else watching me and working out with me, I've found I'm a lot less likely to cheat and my form is 100% perfect all the time. Also, just being able to pass down knowledge to someone is giving me an extra boost of mental energy that has really helped my lifts.

[ironshaolin]

yeah sometimes its a big help. Others, I feel with a partner a workout that should've been done in 45 mins is done in an hour because I'm spending extra time explaining proper form, discussing what weights he should use, so where it feels good to help someone out, and I have a spotter for my heavy sets, I like being alone so I can get in and out.

[Powerfreak]

While a good training partner is very hard to find they can be a huge asset to your training sessions.
They help spot, load and unload the weight, help to motivate you for that last rep and even make sure you get to the gym on those days when you just don't feel like it, cause you know they will be there waiting for you..
I am lucky, I have a whole team.

[billmd1334]

I used to have a workout partner, and it was more trouble than it was worth... he would often rather sit and talk or take his sweet time doing things. I think it's good to have a spotter if you need one, but I'd prefer to just do my deadlifts and squats without having someone following me around explaining to me why deadlifts and squats are bad for me.

[Powerfreak]

I used to have a workout partner, and it was more trouble than it was worth... he would often rather sit and talk or take his sweet time doing things. I think it's good to have a spotter if you need one, but I'd prefer to just do my deadlifts and squats without having someone following me around explaining to me why deadlifts and squats are bad for me.

It can't be some random idiot. Ya have to find someone with the same goals and training style that you have.

[SpartanGlory96]

Damn, I dont have anyone to train with. Since moving on to college most everyone is either hungover or blazed. Really pisses me off, but im glad I kept clean and kept lifting. Occasionally they come in the gym, and talk to me and watever, but they dont really train. For me, I gotta pull this shit solo.

[ChandlerXJ]

I used to have a workout partner, and it was more trouble than it was worth... he would often rather sit and talk or take his sweet time doing things. I think it's good to have a spotter if you need one, but I'd prefer to just do my deadlifts and squats without having someone following me around explaining to me why deadlifts and squats are bad for me.

I FEEL YOUR PAIN!

[xjoshiex]

training with a partner is good for days when i need spots, but i prefer to train alone. when i train alone i can set my own pace and not be slowed by a partner.

[MassMonster]

spots arent good when they dont have your values... but when they do and can train as hard as u do they are a great commodity...

[Toni69]

There are days when I trained alone but wanted to lift heavier and wouldnt attempt to without a spot, any spot. I would ask someone in the gym who seemed to be able to handle the weight I was using. Low and behold, I may as well have done the weight myself cause half the time the spot didnt know what the hell to do even after I explained what I needed them to do.

I have this guy I train with regularly now and I have to say, he is a great training partner but there are days I would rather train alone. Its not that he gets on my nerves, just sometimes you want to train alone. Although, he does always train with his Ipod on and this bugs the shit out of me. I dont care if the volume is off..I want the Ipods out of your dam ears and pay full attention to what I am doing! Im just funny like that.

I admit, Im not easy to train with because I like shit done a certain way and some people take training too lightly where I am very intense.

I have found so many people here I would love to train with but would be highly unlikely given the situation..for one..I live on the other side of the world! LOL

I guess, if you can find that one person that is compatible to your training style, then stick with them. Some people do need a push and hang onto you like a parasite, afraid to spread their wings and fly. I guess I was like that when I first started out. Shit, I may have annoyed many in the past..but that was because I was learning and I understand that when people hang around me now.

I have met many people that couldnt even step into a weight room without feeling super insecure and scared of what to expect. When most find out they have what it takes and they can fit in, their self esteem goes through the roof and thats a good thing.

Others, well...either you help them out a bit or they are just not meant to play the game. Either way, I have learned to give the benefit of the doubt and if shit doesnt work to my advantage, I move on.

I appreciate the partner I have now cause he really helps me move foward and pushes me to attempt weights I never would have attemped a year ago.
So, I cant complain too much. He leaves in Nov..so right when I get ready for my next show, Im on my own once again.

[ShaqFu]

I kinda have a split view on partners. They're great for a spot and the boost of motivation if you're lacking in certain areas, and the relationship is reciprocal. It's a good feeling I think when you work out with someone and see them progress as well as you have.

However, that is a general application of the use of a partner. I think however it is a much more subjective subject to talk about since everyone is different. I'm a farely independent person, especially in the gym, I like to move at my own pace and by my own rules. I HATE waiting for someone else in the gym because I feel it hinders my own progress. I should not have to suffer for the inadequacies of someone who wants to be my partner. That being said, my brother and I work farely well together, but I only see him during the summer, so 3/4 of the year I like to be on my own. If you have someone to lift with who you would consider your equal, or even better, someone who is superior to you, then go for it, but in the end the topic of a lifting partner I think is a purely subjective one that is dependent on the individual's experiences.

[wolfsburg2]

I've been working out on and off for about 7 years. I trained with wifey for probably 3 or 4 years. The wife trains pretty much spot on the same as me. she bails on calves and traps, otherwise she's doing wahat i am doing. so she knows how to train. I've trained with a motivated buddy for another year or so. It went well but of course there are some differences in our training styles preferences and the like.

This year i've been pretty much flying solo. I workout with the wife on some weekends, but the rest of the time i fly solo.

I was talking to my friend i used to train with and he was mentioning how poor his workouts are solo compared to when we trained together. At the time i wasn't so sure i agreed. I am motivated in the gym, i am "an Animal" in the gym. I told him i liked havign a partner but i get pretty great workouts solo.

Maybe i had forgotten the benefits of a training partner?

Yesterday i ran into a neighbor at the gym and we decided to team up for a back and Biceps workout. Now the dude isn't super hardcore but he is motivated. He wanted to follow the routine i was doing which was a nice change of pace from "old training partner". What a good workout i wound up having. The ability to do stuff like drop sets a little quicker, the help loading unloading plates, the help in timing your rest between sets it was nice. That extra motivation there to get the job done, that little bit of confidence boost you get from having your partner there, it helps.

I remembered what i liked abotu training with a partner.

Now that's not to say there aren't downsides :) We all know how much it sucks sitting in your partners living room for 30 minutes while he's gettign his shake ready and brushifg his teeth and etc etc. Havign an overeager partner who has you upright rowing 250lbs on a bench. A partner who bails on you last minute etc.

there are downsides. But i think in a perfect world training with a partner is best.

[IRN-NML]

It's great if you're both on the same page as far as being dependable, intelligent training and growth oriented training. Good to know you can get that last rep, forced reps, neg. reps and just motivation that will be beneficial.

I hada great one but eventually we both moved. Don't have one now, but I'm selfish; I'd want one better than me.

[violator]

yeah, havin a partner helps me push the envelope - heavy stlye - this can be a help sometimes & dangerous if the ego gets in the way....
but they have their pros & cons, at the end of the day id say a dependable, solid animalistic training partner is a great advantage.....look at all the greats, they all give props to their training partners.......

[the-craig]

im not too sure i get distracted sometimes when im training with others but saying that couple of my friends train at same gym and if im in need of a spot or driving on mid set always someone to help

[wolfsburg2]

I think one of the traits of a good workout partner is knowing when to shut yer yap :)

[Tron]

I think one of the traits of a good workout partner is knowing when to shut yer yap :)

It's helpful, but even if they know when to be quiet doesn't mean they are the greatest of training partners. If they don't know what they're doing, having that partner is like pissing in the wind.

[wolfsburg2]

I agree, i was just listing it as one characteristic of a good training partner.

[Toni69]

Your very lucky to have training "partner" who is also your wife, to train with. I wish I had a man I was "with" to train with...LOL. I miss having a partner sometimes, not all the time..I mean a real training partner who understands how I train, who knows how to push me and spot me on heavy lifts. I admit, I like training alone as well..cause sometimes you wanna just zone out and not feel obligated to talk to anyone or be chummy with anyone. You just wanna do your own thing, but the advantages of having a solid partner are endless and finding that solid partner is rare at that!

[naturalguy]

A great training partner can be invaluable however finding one is rare.

[kyderz]

Hell, my training partner is 33.

He does what he does, I do what I do, but we're there everyday, and push each other to the max, to say the least.

I wouldn't lift what I do, if it weren't for him.

[B.C.]

Fuck yeah it's rare. I had one once. He pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in his neck and hasn't been the same since. He used to be so much stronger than me. It motivated me a lot! Now, he can't even go as heavy as I do. I definitely like having a training partner who's significantly stronger than me. Powerlifters make great workout partners for BB'ers for shorter periods of time, like say a summer.

[kyderz]

Fuck yeah it's rare. I had one once. He pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve in his neck and hasn't been the same since. He used to be so much stronger than me. It motivated me a lot! Now, he can't even go as heavy as I do. I definitely like having a training partner who's significantly stronger than me. Powerlifters make great workout partners for BB'ers for shorter periods of time, like say a summer.

My partner benches damn near 400.

I've put up no more than 225 to date.

Does it motivate me?

FUCK YES!

I can leg press as much as him, though :]

Even though, he DID cut some tendon or ligament in his leg with a chainsaw, so it's all tight and shit now LOL.

[shortstack]

I had one for a short time but he didn't want it as much as i did and he eventually quit. There are enough guys that I can ask if I need a spot on a heavy load but I don't need anyone for my motivation.

Maybe if I was training with some of the guys on here I would get more intense but if I can't motivate myself to push my self to the limit, WTF am I doing there anyway???

Besides, just before I do a lift I look in the mirror and see flashes of the Animal posters and think of those guys as my training partners. But that's just me.

[Testpolska]

In my eyes to rely upon another for a source of strength however insignificant you see it, You become dependent on that person to push you, to be your crutch when your weak, This to me is no way to be. Not saying a training partner is useless but to consistantly train with the same person, seems like your trying to make bodybuilding a team sport, which its far from.

That and I kind of enjoy the solitude.

[bigbull52]

My chick trains with me some to, she works hard....but she just isn't a good spotter when I start getting into the real weight.... I have only had 2 good partnes my whole life...One quit lifting, ( almost killed me )...and the other we trained for about a month and a half and then he moved...in that month and a half I got stronger, bigger, and faster than every before...So without a doubt, if you can find another animal... it's over

[wolfsburg2]

I only need a big spot once in a while. most of the time wifey dukes can cover it. if i am maxxing on bench i need a real spot. but for somethign like overhead dumbell presses or skull crushers, she's solid and knows how to push me.

[saintsplaya]

my best workout partner ever was my brother. ive never had such short but intense workouts in my life since. we would go to failure and then a few more reps after that. plus we both wanted to see improvements in each other and there wasnt any jealousy one of us was stronger than the other. ive had a good friend who i trained with but he wasnt nearly as good. he wouldnt show up on time to the gym, talk too much in between sets, and if he saw i was stronger than him on an exercise he would try to do the same weight i was doing even if his form was bad. it felt like he was only worried about him growing and didnt care about my progress. i had to ditch him. i say workout alone unless ur partner is really worried about both of yalls progress.

[wolfsburg2]

I am sure everyone here can relate bro. There is a fine line between a partner pushing you to get stronger and ego lifting. Sadly this is one of the reasons it is so hard to find a good training partner.

[LIFTORDiETRYING79]

What's goin on fellas, i'm new to the forum and just wanted to get some advice on "TRAINING PARTNERS". In the past 2 years i've went through like 10 different punks that just don't have the same mentality that I have. I've bent over backward to lift with these people and they just drop like it's nothing. It's pisses me off so bad but I stay with it no matter if i'm alone or not. Don't get me wrong I need no one and I lift as heavy as humanly possible but it would be great to have another force to compete against and help at the same time!! So some advice on how to inspire and keep training partner would awesome.

[norrim1]

What's goin on fellas, i'm new to the forum and just wanted to get some advice on "TRAINING PARTNERS". In the past 2 years i've went through like 10 different punks that just don't have the same mentality that I have. I've bent over backward to lift with these people and they just drop like it's nothing. It's pisses me off so bad but I stay with it no matter if i'm alone or not. Don't get me wrong I need no one and I lift as heavy as humanly possible but it would be great to have another force to compete against and help at the same time!! So some advice on how to inspire and keep training partner would awesome.

Where are you from? A lot of guys on the Forvm have been getting together through what we call the Animal Barbell Club. There may be a chapter in your area.

[naturalguy]

Calling people "punks" is not the Animal way.

Please become familiar with these:

http://forum.animalpak.com/announcement.php?f=5

As suggested above, the Animal Barbell Club is a unique chance to get to train with like minded Animals in your area:

http://forum.animalpak.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71


Welcome to the forum.

[ShaqFu]

Dude I hear ya. Finding the right training partner is like finding a needle in a haystack. It's like a fucking medical procedure or transplant or whatever the fuck it is. Your partner has to be a match. A really good partner will expose your flaws and make you work harder for the goals you want to achieve. Finding the one person, your significant other of lifting, is fucking hard. I still haven't found one that I would truly call a 'lifting partner'. Welcome to the forum brotha. Peace
ShaqFu

[Legacy]

Yeah man training partners are hard to come by. The best way to pick one up is just lift by yourself and become familiar with guys in your gym and ones that feel the same desire as you. An even better way I used was a local bodybuilder that was in my gym. We both decided to train together and compete in the same show. It was some good motivation cause I saw what i was up against and and always tried to outdue my training partner. But the best ones are the ones who share the same interest that you do and follow the shit to a T.

[spyderman4g63]

I found a good one. We were both moving just about the same weight, so we were pushing each other for that extra rep or two each set. I had some great strength gains. unfortunately I took a better job, which meant that i have to work midnights for a month and then days for a month. Partner went back to school, so our schedules don't mix at all. I train by myself and most of the time there isn't anyone around to stop me, just some old guys if I go in during the day.

If you can find a good reliable training part it can bring a new intensity level to training. But some can just cause more problems.

[Lift405]

Yeah man training partners are hard to come by. The best way to pick one up is just lift by yourself and become familiar with guys in your gym and ones that feel the same desire as you. An even better way I used was a local bodybuilder that was in my gym. We both decided to train together and compete in the same show. It was some good motivation cause I saw what i was up against and and always tried to outdue my training partner. But the best ones are the ones who share the same interest that you do and follow the shit to a T.

That's good advice. I found my tp the same way. I knew that I wasn't gonna fit with the guys that don't work legs or back. He's been a real asset in helping me achieve goals that without him I don't think I could have reached. Keep looking.

[Tron]

If they don't agree with you on something, let them be. Just keep hitting it yourself and you'll be so much better off than them. You really don't need a partner and don't conform to keep one. On the other hand, If you find one that will work out with you then congrats.

[king1]

Ive tried to get all of my friends to start working out. I dont really make an effort but i encourage them to. Only one of them has worked otu with me since day 1. You cant make a good training partner you have to find one. If you need to "keep" one you have LOL, progress with them and be more intense than them.

[carpediem300]

Ive tried to get all of my friends to start working out. I dont really make an effort but i encourage them to. Only one of them has worked otu with me since day 1. You cant make a good training partner you have to find one. If you need to "keep" one you have LOL, progress with them and be more intense than them.

Maybe a take from a slightly different angle here ... (and tying this up with another thread about us taking the time to offer a complement or a helping hand to others in the gym once in a while) ... and BTW, I am not offering any opinions on how the original poster relates to his partners ... but just a thought ... I wonder if we try and stay as interested in our partner's growth and development, etc ... as our own if maybe we might have more longevity to our partners. Again, not commenting on the original poster's attitude in any way ... but I have seen unhealthy competitiveness take over a partnering relationship and that is poison. Kind of a life lesson almost.

But granted it is hard to find the right fit ... but as far as 'being pissed" about it. Hey, that is just wasted energy. We can't control others actions. No need to get wired over it.

Just a few rambling thoughts.

Good luck though ...

Joe

[krazyassmexican]

my training partners whenever i am lucky enuff are jac, jimmy, hjays phil and josh

other than that
i ride with my gallon of water and my belt

it is hard to find animals
and we must respect everyones decisions
yeah for me some people is just a fitness shit head

but what can i do?
nothing!

now if someone ask me to workout together at least for an exercise i wont refuse

[G Diesel]

What's goin on fellas, i'm new to the forum and just wanted to get some advice on "TRAINING PARTNERS". In the past 2 years i've went through like 10 different punks that just don't have the same mentality that I have. I've bent over backward to lift with these people and they just drop like it's nothing. It's pisses me off so bad but I stay with it no matter if i'm alone or not. Don't get me wrong I need no one and I lift as heavy as humanly possible but it would be great to have another force to compete against and help at the same time!! So some advice on how to inspire and keep training partner would awesome.

Burning through training partners is a part of the life, but over the years eventually you'll find some that will stick and be able to hang and help you elevate your performance. Back when I was in S. Jerz I had a few solid ones and of late in PA Wides and Juggernaut help me raise my game week in and week out... It is all about hunger and desire and pride.

"Don't try to carry your friends on the wings of your dreams." That is often a fool's undertaking. You can't expect other folks to match your committment, it is unfair both to you and to them. This can be a solitary path; you have to carry on whether alone or with a crew. Peace, G

[brandona]

I never really looked for a partner. Would be nice, but i think that i found a better sitution. I found a whole gym of like minded folk. Hell even the kid at the front desk knows his shit. He was spotting me and shouting all the right shit..."Keep your elbows in"...Shouting like he owned me...LOL...it is a great place to pump...Keep looking bro, you will find the right sitution...

-B

[fireman9]

Well yesterday I had the best chest workout ever. I took my last test in the first can followed by pump and 3 NOX3s. Chest day and I do 135 just warm up my shoulders. Then I looked at what I did last time for my first set. 235 x 8, so I put on my weight and do my 8 reps. It was easy, then I looked at it. I just put 265 on the bar. I thought I put 245 then in a rush to push this weight I lost my ability to count. So every set I went up 20 lbs from last week in a simular fashion. 285 x 5 second set. 295 x 4....well almost my fourth rep I pushed the bar twords my stomach and here my work out partner with two fingers under the bar, suddenly freaks out and steps away from the bench completely. He is probably 60 lbs lighter than me. I am not doing assisted reps so if I miss a lift lift the shit off. So to anyone that has ever had a bar on there chest imagine having your workout partner shake his head and step back and not even attempt to help. So here is my issue. He is a friend of mind that I have been trying to help and I want to but he is seriously effecting my gains and the idea that if I ever need some help he get's scared. The constantly changing plates is starting to get to me. Anyone ever been in a simular instance that your workout partners gains are falling significantly to yours. What would you do?

[h 3 L L b 0 y]

Yep, i take it as a little motivating factor though as i can lift more than him, im always trying as hard as i can to widen the gap :P You could either get a new workout partner or your just guna have to stick with him?

[fireman9]

Yep, i take it as a little motivating factor though as i can lift more than him, im always trying as hard as i can to widen the gap :P You could either get a new workout partner or your just guna have to stick with him?

Yea, I rarely used workout partners in the past because they were rarely consistant. But when I did we were all around the same size and strength. I think I am going to have to start going on my own and asking for the occasional spot and just give him advice.

[prowrestler]

i have had different partners but none of em where consistent.

training partners are variables but i am the constant.


best is to find one at the gym, someone you know is going to show up. someone who is around your size/strength. but realy, i am alot stronger them my partners. i know though that they are not going to just back off from a failed bench attempt and leave me with a loaded barbell on my chest. i would never let a person like that anywhere near my training space. i know the people who train with me and i treat them like objects. make them hard.
i see a smile on their face and i tell them to pack their shit up and leave my gym. that is why so few have stayed longer then a month. i know have one who wrestle with me. he is a friend of mine that i have known for 3 years. he knows he needs the training for the WWE. i taught him the old school, tough as nails style of lifting.

thats all i got man, know who you train with. know them well.

[scals17]

I hear ya 100%. I used to workout with my roommate. He's one of my best buds, but he can't spot me anymore. I felt bad when I basically just started taking my supps, getting dressed and going to the gym on my own. I mean I never minded him coming with me, but if I want to push some weight that is quite heavy and I may need a little help, it was basically giving him a workout just spotting me. I started benching in the 300s and he only weighs 140. The initial lift off was getting tough for him. I would feel bad when one of my other friends at the gym would see what I was lifting and he would come over and basically take over. I think that my roommate got the hint that he was no longer able to really help. I feel bad, but I have high aspirations and I can't let anything hold me back.

[Ter11h]

I've been going at at it solo for a long time, or just with someone here and there at the gym, but today my buddy came to me and asked me about lifting with him. This kid has never lifted a day in his life, yet he has a carved out six pack and is an all state athlete, makes me sick, lol. But he wants to put on some weight and just get bigger, he asked me about what all he should lift to get started or what he should be taking supplement wise. I told him to just start with high reps of what I'm doing which is Chest, Shoulders, Tris on monday and thursday and Legs, Back, Bis on tuesday and friday. But as for supps I thought protein for sure and maybe creatine, what do you guys think?

[killyouintheface]

I've been going at at it solo for a long time, or just with someone here and there at the gym, but today my buddy came to me and asked me about lifting with him. This kid has never lifted a day in his life, yet he has a carved out six pack and is an all state athlete, makes me sick, lol. But he wants to put on some weight and just get bigger, he asked me about what all he should lift to get started or what he should be taking supplement wise. I told him to just start with high reps of what I'm doing which is Chest, Shoulders, Tris on monday and thursday and Legs, Back, Bis on tuesday and friday. But as for supps I thought protein for sure and maybe creatine, what do you guys think?

If he wants to get bigger and put on some weight, shouldn't he just eat and push heavy weights to hypertrophy?

[excessive endorphins]

If he wants to get bigger and put on some weight, shouldn't he just eat and push heavy weights to hypertrophy?

x2...

Creatine isnt neccesity,but it will help,especially for someone whose never used it

[LHS Monster]

yea i kno what you mean about the never lifting part and being gifted a kid i go to school with benches like 4 times a week and the only other excercise he does is curls and triceps excercises and benches like 375 now and ive been lifting for like 3 years and barely bench 300 now its fucked up lol

[killyouintheface]

Creatine isnt neccesity,but it will help,especially for someone whose never used it

Creatine's a funny thing, I think. I started using it around three weeks ago, and I can't really tell any kind of difference. Either it snuck up on me and I just didn't notice it, or I'm not getting anything out of it.

This is not to say, of course, that anybody's experience will be anything like mine; and I don't want to discourage anybody from trying things that might help them.

[Pokoritel]

He is just starting out...so fuck the creatine...put him on Animal Pak and Whey...other then that get it through his head that solid whole foods IS MOST IMPORTANT. Kick some ass bro.

[hallde]

I agree with pokoritel, i would not think about putting him on any supplement beside a whey protein until he's got a good year or two of good hard training under his belt. He will most likely respond very well to just about any training stimulus if he hasn't lifted before so there is no sense wasting money on a supplement he won't get the full benefit off.

[intoodeep25]

He is just starting out...so fuck the creatine...put him on Animal Pak and Whey...other then that get it through his head that solid whole foods IS MOST IMPORTANT. Kick some ass bro.

x2..people need to just get it in their dome's that whole food, and alot of it, is the key

[Chubster]

My "new" training partner is my best friend of 8 years. He trained with me before, but getting drunk and chasing ass was a higher priority. He has now come back after he gained forty pounds of beer and I-n-Out over two years. Long story short... I have progressed in my training exponentially from when i used to train with him, and i have had to simplify my workouts now to fit his level.
However, I'm going to kick it up a notch (well, more like a few notches) in a couple of weeks to the point where either he starts to keep up or he fizzles out and falls by the wayside. I gave him a good month of solid, simple lifting to make sure his body was acclimated to weight-training again. Now, his body has to get used to the feeling of constant pain. Its kinda sadistic, but its for his good. Its the only way he'll get better.
So I suggest either drop him, or just put him through the fire and see if he just quits.

[loiacanoa]

In my experience I have had no reliable training partners. I take em while they are around

[LittleMan55]

Got a hell of a workout partner, which is hard to find so I consider myself lucky. We both try to kill each other work out after work out, so the gains just keep coming. I dont know what to say about the piss poor spot you got. I have had it happen a few times, and it is a good way to get pissed off, not to mention injured. If the training partner isnt keeping up in gains, or is providing inadequate spots I would almost say loose him. Because the journey is hard anyway and who needs extra baggage to drag with them?

[Genetix]

This dream we chase is individualistic in nature to begin with. Finding someone who shares your drive and interest is hard to begin with, hence a good reason to train alone. Let me share a thought with you that I was given quite some time ago as I see it applies here to you:
When you go to the gym you want a sparring partner. Someone that is willing to trade rep for rep set for set until the job is done. This should be a beneficial experience for all involved in training. If one can't keep up or is severly behind, as much as he may be the best friend in the world outside of the gym, it is time to part ways.

That has stuck with me. I used to train with many friends, loading and unloading plates. Providing proper spots only to have my set come and train under my potential because they couldn't comprehend how to properly spot no matter how many times I instructed them. If you are in this same situation it is time to move on and progress on your own, be on the lookout for the hungry warrior in the gym sharing your intensity who is willing to fight with the iron day in and day out, now that's your new training partner.

[WeeMan]

Well yesterday I had the best chest workout ever. I took my last test in the first can followed by pump and 3 NOX3s. Chest day and I do 135 just warm up my shoulders. Then I looked at what I did last time for my first set. 235 x 8, so I put on my weight and do my 8 reps. It was easy, then I looked at it. I just put 265 on the bar. I thought I put 245 then in a rush to push this weight I lost my ability to count. So every set I went up 20 lbs from last week in a simular fashion. 285 x 5 second set. 295 x 4....well almost my fourth rep I pushed the bar twords my stomach and here my work out partner with two fingers under the bar, suddenly freaks out and steps away from the bench completely. He is probably 60 lbs lighter than me. I am not doing assisted reps so if I miss a lift lift the shit off. So to anyone that has ever had a bar on there chest imagine having your workout partner shake his head and step back and not even attempt to help. So here is my issue. He is a friend of mind that I have been trying to help and I want to but he is seriously effecting my gains and the idea that if I ever need some help he get's scared. The constantly changing plates is starting to get to me. Anyone ever been in a simular instance that your workout partners gains are falling significantly to yours. What would you do?


i am in exactly the same position, i was benching to my max and failed, instead of watching carefuly my partner was looking about at all the big guys and pictures on the wall. so after nearly breaking my neck and shouting at him alot...i ditched him. i suggest you do the same, A BAD PARTNER CAN BE VERY VERY UNSAFE!!!!

[Cstlfx]

Dont use them. hahaha. I dont have a workout partner because I dont want to be distracted by that. I'll just grab a spot from someone if i need it.

[WeeMan]

Dont use them. hahaha. I dont have a workout partner because I dont want to be distracted by that. I'll just grab a spot from someone if i need it.

x2

[k1usa]

other than friends in the gym....thoes that also have no training partners that push hard....I would not want a partner...If I need a spot...I ask some one to help....and I also like to help others at times...but in the gym....its me...and my beast....the beast is the partner of pain....its what I bring into the gym to punish...and go home to rest and eat.....I have had partners before...and it neve worked out.....this gig is a one man thing....even when my girl friend and I were training together...it did at times mess with my schedule...so not..I just train her on Fri-Sat-Sun one on one....and I train early before I train her.....its that simple

[bigrhino]

WTF!!! Your partner got scared? He left you pinned under 300 pounds and just backed up. What the hell is wrong with him? Seriously, what kind of person does that, especially a training partner, people who are friends at the least?
It's ok to have partners who are not as strong as you, it is possible for the smaller man to have a stronger resolve than the bigger man. No reason to rule out a parter immediately if he is weaker. Other than a few exercises, if equipment is limited, is having to unrack and rack lots of weight an issue.

[newbreed]

I only workout with my one friend SOMETIMES only to use him to help with forced reps and spotting. A lot of the people and my gym have no clue what the forced reps are so I figure instead of wasting time explaining what they have to do, I'll bring my friend around. But most of the time, I prefer to be on my own just me against the iron the way the war should be.

[rcrott1]

i have the toughest spotter in the world.... we all do..



Gravity.

[MassMan]

I'd love to train with a partner, if I could find a reliable one willing to workout at 5am. For now, my partner is the power cage. It never lets me down, and is never late for a workout!

AMEN!!!

[Malloy1344]

I'm lucky. I have a workout partner who is as insane and demented as myself. Pushing each other beyond failure everyday. No complaints.

[phlex_ing]

I think it’s great to have a training partner but I’ve found that they don’t last. It seem like it takes about 4 to 6 months to lose them, they don’t eat right so they are sour all the time so they stop ,or they reach a goal and think they look good so they stop , or when the going gets tough they stop. I’ve gone though a lot of partners over the years. The only one that stayed with me longer then 6 months was my ex-wife. When we were married we trained off and on together for years even before we were married when we were teenagers we trained together, then she found some one else to “ train “ with (if ya know what i mean) . So I train alone for now. Ya just have to keep on keepen on .

[SDR]

Been through tons of training "partners", 85% of the time it turns out to be a fucking joke,
as long as YOU yourself dont stop or fuck up, all is good...

[Enforcer]

I don't have a set training partner. They come and go - mostly go on leg day - lol. I train alone for the majority of the time but anytime someone wants to come along they are more than welcome.

[Maharg]

I don't have a set training partner. They come and go - mostly go on leg day - lol. I train alone for the majority of the time but anytime someone wants to come along they are more than welcome.

After seeing your leg day, I would love to lay that down with you.

I am lucky, i started this thread and still have the same training partner i did the first day i started. My dad. He says i push him cause he can't have me get bigger then him and start thinking i can whoop his ass. I am trying to still get to the same weights as him, and do on everything sept chest moves, i still have yet to hit 300, he is still blasting away with 365.

[Zac]

I have been training with a partner for the last 6 weeks and now he is starting to bring his girl to the gym and play kissy face from the other side of the gym and that shit is really pissing me off. So I was wondering how many of you work out with a training partner. Do any of you train with someone or by your self?
ZAC

[Hoffdogg]

I have been training with a partner for the last 6 weeks and now he is starting to bring his girl to the gym and play kissy face from the other side of the gym and that shit is really pissing me off. So I was wondering how many of you work out with a training partner. Do any of you train with someone or by your self?
ZACYou need to set his ass straight.

I train alone.

[eblnyc]

i train alone if i need a spot i just ask someone..

[panzerwagen]

alone

[IRBS]

I have been training with a partner for the last 6 weeks and now he is starting to bring his girl to the gym and play kissy face from the other side of the gym and that shit is really pissing me off. So I was wondering how many of you work out with a training partner. Do any of you train with someone or by your self?
ZAC

Ditch him. I've been training solo and make it just fine.

[rcrott1]

I have been training with a partner for the last 6 weeks and now he is starting to bring his girl to the gym and play kissy face from the other side of the gym and that shit is really pissing me off. So I was wondering how many of you work out with a training partner. Do any of you train with someone or by your self?
ZAC

ditch the mother fucker, and when your goals have surpassed him, and he comes-a-runnin to you for help, help him.


never turn away someone in need of help.

[Torque757]

You shouldnt be paying enough attention to him to notice. Just go at your own pace, if he falls behind so be it. Just get in and get your shit done, what he is doing should not come between you and the iron.

[Mr.Totality]

going along with everyone else, ditch him. when u need a spot just ask

[live2lift]

Okay everyone else already said this, but drop that sorry ass training partner. If he wants to bring his girl along and train like that, tell him to take his gym membership to curves.

Oh yeah to answer the question...I always train alone. I think it is better that way.

Peace

[LegendKillerJosh]

I have a partner, but he is as hardcore as me, and we don't look at anyone else except each other during the lifts to help out. And if our schedules conflict, I'm not afraid to lift alone.

[callme47]

i think every1 needs a lifting partner its just more motivation. shout out to brotherinarms

[BrotherInArms]

I like seasoned lifters to spot me cus they know just when to give a little. Then there's this other dude in my gym who thinks you're spotting him when he's behind you.. he keeps grunting and throws up my weights. C'mon, JERRY.

[MichaelBechel]

I personally don't care either way, but it's nice to get a spot from someone you know when you need it. And, I think I get a little more motivation with one. But, without one, I get to focus more on myself rather than the other person.

[Weakness]

I'm asking whenever I need a spotter. I prefer to train alone.

[Thetasteofink69]

I train with my dad.. Partners are great cuz not only is it safe to go 100% since you have a spotter, but they also push and motivate you..

[Survivor831]

Training partners are good for that last heavy set of bench's, but thats it. You shouldn't need anyone to motivate you. If you have to train with someone, set some ground rules. Don't always do what they want to do. It will only benefit them.

[Stovall]

I prefer to train alone. It helps me keep my mind on business and lets me keep a mind-body connection. But I always ask for a spotter when I think I might need one. I'm not scared to say it's too heavy.

[SQUAT or DIE!]

I prefer to train alone. It helps me keep my mind on business and lets me keep a mind-body connection. But I always ask for a spotter when I think I might need one. I'm not scared to say it's too heavy.

x2!

[sanga]

If I could find someone that could live up to the following I`d love to have a training partner.

1/ turn up on time, every time
2/ be focussed on the training
3/ can spot me properly or willing to learn how to spot me as an individual properly as I would him.
4/ not moan about the pain, in fact shut the fuck up and train

These critters are as rare as rocking horse shit in my neck of the woods unfortuneatly, I have had 4 training partners and all without exception moaned about the pain or didn`t conform to the above.

[mritter3]

i think for some people training partners are essential, some people need some motivation during there workout, or just to get them to the gym, for me looking in the mirror or having some disturbed on my i pod is all the motivation i need, althought they are great for a spot and on cardio days to push one another.

[Rajati]

I'm with the ask-for-a-spot-if-you-need-it people. Some other guy barking at me while I'm training just isn't very motivating. It seems safer to me to work alone and be completely focused.

Besides, bodybuilding is a pretty selfish sport. As Survivor said, a partner means you have someone else's intentions to worry about. We've all got our own needs and goals to focus on.

[Joseb]

training partners are good IMO.
they're there for spots but they're also PEOPLE with goals just like you.
if i could find a person who has the same drive as i do, it would be great to train together. Too bad I can't find any animals to train with.

[BiG in NYC 823]

If I could find someone that could live up to the following I`d love to have a training partner.

1/ turn up on time, every time
2/ be focussed on the training
3/ can spot me properly or willing to learn how to spot me as an individual properly as I would him.
4/ not moan about the pain, in fact shut the fuck up and train

These critters are as rare as rocking horse shit in my neck of the woods unfortuneatly, I have had 4 training partners and all without exception moaned about the pain or didn`t conform to the above.

x2. I agree!! I have been training alone for quite awhile and I love it b/c it's just me and the weight..FOCUSED and armed and ready..but luckily for me, my cousin is my training partner and interested and focused just as me..so he has met all these criterias and we are pushing each other to the max..

[Vaze_06]

As Machine says in one of his articles (A Day in My Life) ''You're born alone, you're onstage alone, and you're probably gonna die alone, so you might as well train alone.''

For my part, it's how i feel! and anyways most of my friends aren't even able to finish a complet work out with me and i hate having people just sitting there looking at you training, complaining that their body hurts and asking dumb question on ''How the hell are you able to train like this??!''...
Simple... i shut the fuck up and train :)
soooo simple to say... but seems so hard to do and understand!
so until i found Animals to train with... continue alone and i think in a way its best

[danny414918]

i usually lift with my one buddy. we've been hangin for a few years and finally got into lifting with him.

i lift by myself sometimes, but i'd rather have someone to spot me and push me to do more

[big H]

people say alot of things about parters but its something where i dont see any downsides IF there a good one.. me and a freind of mine both train alone.. i dont really talk to him much cus hees done school by a few years now. but whenever we see eachother we figureo ut what we could work togather that week and get it done.. because we both train alone a parter is just a spot and a time keeper. only resting for as long as it takes him to do his set and then im up. there always intense workouts and hees alot bigger than me (6'4 270) so i always set PRs. parters are great.. if there the right ones.

[silence]

fuck that i rather train alone becase they are never on time, or wont show up, the bar , the iron is always gonna be there for me i just gotta go and pick them up and that way i m not training alone!

[Ferrum Pectus]

Training partners are outstanding as long as they share the same drive and motivation, and strive to push you as hard as you push them. It can be a pain in the ass at times but the pros outweigh the cons. I find if I have some one to push me in the gym I am that much more inclined to perform at my peak and not make any excuses for poor effort. Having a training partner does not mean social hour at the club...it means a gym full of regs. wondering what those to "freaks" are doing. I love the expressions on peoples faces...Priceless.

[Mindaugas]

it depends what kind of partner is it.... whih some the workouts are pretty dull for me.... but with this one friend when we hit legs we crawl out of the gym.

[SQUAT or DIE!]

im trying to get one of my neighbors to workout with me, not as a partner, just so he can actually get a work out, not his and my roommates workouts, ive seen girls curl more than them, i know they are jsut tryin to tone up/ thin down a bit..

Hes a big guy too and apparently used to squat almost 500 in highschool, i wanna ssee what hes got, if hes worth tryin to have him as a partner.. unfortunetly hes very lazy and has to be yelled at to go work out at all... i think i could kill this kid on a leg day with some cardio afterward... but if i survive it no reason he shouldnt either right?