Workout Partner vs Solo Show
Whats up Fam!
I’ve always wondered if there was a greater benefit in having a workout partner vs working out alone. I’ve been the star of my show now for a number of years, not necessarily by choice, it just worked out that way. However, I’ve often wondered if my progress would be a little further along if I had a partner.
Problem is, I dont exactly have a good track record with partners. In a nutshell, they never last. In the past I went through partners like beer at an open bar. My own brother wont work out with me….lol. Please understand that I dont push people into doing things that they cant do, however, if you work out with me, then thats what we are going to do. My only conversations are going to revolve around, how much do you want on this set, do you need help with the lift, etc.
I think workout partners serve critical roles for both parties. However, if you cant find someone that shares your same mindset, then, like me its best you go at it alone. When I work out, I block everything else out thats going on around me. So much so the other day I found out I have a nickname in the gym. They call me Big Business. Apparently because I’m all business when I come in. (I had to laugh at that one) But I’m like that mainly because I have a goal i want to achieve. Its not just going to happen one morning when I wake up. When i go in the gym, I’m inspired by thoughts of all the other competitors that are working as hard as I am. So that means i need to work 2x, sometimes 3x’s as hard. Some see it as being antisocial, but my gym, in my mind is not a social hang out. And this is partly the reason i believe I’ve worked out alone so many years.
Truth be told, I’d like to have a workout partner. There are days when I struggle mentally just to strap on my gloves. But you know what they say; if it aint broke, dont fix it. If something transpires in the future, great, otherwise, "Big Business" will remain a solo venture.
Peace!
October 13, 2009 at 10:12 am
I think if you can find the right partner it is very beneficial. It is hard to find someone witht he same drive,dedication, goal,and discipline. Even if you are not on the same strength levels it is still beneficial as long as you see eye to eye. You are going to have off days and it is nice for some extra push on these days!
October 13, 2009 at 10:23 am
Well i once had a workout partner who bench pressed like 25pounds more then me and that kinda motivated me and now i bench more then him
So if you decide to have a partner in gym then look for someone stronger 
(if there is… you look like a very strong guy). I know one guy who has like 3 different workout partners. One for chest day, one for arms and so on..
October 13, 2009 at 10:25 am
Very good thread I must add. I have the same problem as well, 9 times out of ten. I am working out alone with the occassional people coming up to you asking you how much you bench and how you get that big and yata yata yata. I do have some buddies that work out in the gym also, but I"m the type of person that don’t really like asking nobody to come, cause you figure you on your game and they are on theirs n stuff. But I honestly feel that without a partner, your gains will only go so far because you can only do so much by yourself and the more weight you throw on the bar, the scarier it gets.. 315 on bench by myself, no no.. I have been under the bar at time where I could have been under a bad injury. One time I was lucky I didn’t have no collars on the bars at one time and I just let the weight slide off…
Also workout partners can boost moral and have you push yourself the extra mile.. On a side note, if you do want to go heavy, but don’t want to ask somebody, make sure you be friends with Mr Smith if you know what I mean. Smith Machine is the Greatest non talking helper
October 13, 2009 at 11:29 am
I’ve had a workout partner for the past 5 weeks.
I wasn’t sure how well it would go at first because I like going at my own speed and was afraid she might slow me down.
But it turns out to be working great because we work at the same pace. Neither one of us is holding the other back at all.
I wouldn’t want to work with someone who needed constant prodding to get the job done.
October 13, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I’ve been working out by myself for almost 30 years, I know there would be advantages to having a workout partner….just can’t think of any. lol When it’s "game time", its just me and the iron.
Good post Lex
October 13, 2009 at 6:54 pm
How strange I was thinking about this today. I went to the gym with my hubby because I needed to figure out my 1 rep max for a few exercises. I realized that I would be able to squat/bench much heavier if I had a spot- the hardest part for me is getting the weight off and on the rack, but I’m really strong when it comes to actually lifting the weight. We have different work schedules so can’t always workout together, but It would be nice to have a spot.
Besides that though I actually prefer working out alone- I push myself hard, and like you I don’t like to converse at the gym. Most of my friend aren’t interested in working out anf if they were they wouldn’t be able to keep up!
October 19, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Man, I completely agree with you…I have been solo because either people are intimidated, are busy trying to compete against everyone or the schedule is off and I understand because at times my schedule gets me…If you & i train together we share the common goal of meeting our own individual goals through helping each other and pushing one another in & out of the gym. There is no competition amongst us - its hard finding good partners these days.
Try being recruited as a training partner by a guy about 3xs your size… but when we train I have to remind him that we are there to train and not socialize…I can outlift him him on everything but bench and when its time to train legs he whimps out and gos with someone else he use dto train with to train arms or chest. NEVER BACK OR LEGS?!?! SO solo I am unless I’m in with lady P who can’t lift with me but sure can motivate the hell out of me by talkin’ the biggest $#!t in all of the world….(LOL)…I would like to have a partner myslef, but it’s just me.
October 28, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I feel so lucky, the 2 huge guys I train with (and have been lost without these past 2 weeks) are all business. I can get at least 25lbs more on leg extensions for about 6 reps more with one or both of them there pushing me, than alone. We don’t talk except to say what we want weight/reps wise per exercise during training and it helps me keep my focus. I got accused of being intimidating in the gym this week because I look so serious and dont chitty chat. I’m 5′4" size 2 of antisocial gym bish I guess. Good. I’m the one who walks out of the gym with shaking muscles and walks back in 1lb lbm heavier each week. I think that’s an acceptable payoff lol. If you can find the right person, golden, if not, maintain your focus and kill it alone.