Training Partner

[CrystalChick]

Just wondering how may of the ladies actually have a training partner??
Do you think it make a difference in your training?

I wish I had one but..... I would never ask someone I didn't know Im way to shy.

 

[scrummy]

I don't have a training partner right now, but I really wish I did. I play rugby so my training involves a ton of cardio, speed training and weight training. I moved from my home town and none of my friends here train hard. I have gone through a few people, but all either bowed out or just wanted to "tone" (don't even get me started).
A training partner helped me get to the gym or the track when I really did not want to go. I loved having a spot when I needed it. I don't like asking for a spot b/c I rarely get someone who knows what they are doing even when I explain exactly what I need them to do.
I like to think I was able to push and motivate my training partner to levels she might not have reached on her own. At 6am after 20 hills and some almost pukes, while I was yelling at my partner to do another one (5x) I was also yelling at myself. There is no way that either of us would run as hard as we did without some encouragement from each other.
I have not had a partner in over 2 years, and I can still train hard, but I would love a hard core training partner. It makes it fun and a little competitive. That's just my thoughts. scrummy

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

Currently my training partner is my husband (a former personal trainer), however before that, I did chummy up with a young woman at the gym and occasionally we would train together.

While I believe that differences in ability does not matter (ie., one person stronger than the other should not hinder each other's workouts) -- the same "work ethic" must apply between partners. The woman I was working out with, was not timely nor committed. I would spend time waiting for her -- either she was extremely late or conducting a social coffee clutch. It was more of place for her to go rather than really putting in a good workout.

I like having a workout partner for some of my workouts but do like to train alone as well. Yes it motivates you and provides a good spot for forced reps. For me, working with my husband, it gives us time to be alone together...no phone, no bosses, no child, no dogs! Just us.

 

[MsBeverlyHills]

I workout on a 4-day split-- 2 days I have a PT so Im doing heavy lifts & 2 days on my own--- I had a traing partner before but the problems were-- they talk too much & they lift much lighter... so if you need the company-- go for it-- but personally I concentrate better on my own.

 

[BrickGirl]

I workout with my husband and I always have. I wouldn't want it any other way, we both push each other when we need to. It works out great

 

[Gladiola]

I had one for close to a year, but he decided not to renew his membership at the gym since he is a student & can use the Univ gym for free. I happen to teach aerobics at that gym so I was going to workout there too, but that didn't work.

Sooo, I'm back to solo - this is effective 2 weeks ago. I'm liking the environment in the AM at my "real" gym (A Gold's I bought myself a membership to) - but I KNOW I will soon miss a partner again.
Yes, it is VERY valuable to have a partner! Not only to motivate you, but just to spot & help you with doing negatives, etc.

My personal plan is to get familar with the typical AM crowd, strike up a few conversations & hope to find someone. I'm serious enough about lifting that it shows so hopefully I'll meet up with someone else equally serious & interested in a partner.

 

[JJFigure]

I haven't lifted with a training partner for years. I attempted at one point, but she wasn't very committed so I gave up on her. I could really use a consistent spotter though - especially with my bench work. I sometimes train with my PL friend, and with one of my customers when I'm working at his site, but other than that, I go it alone.

I tend to be a loner though - I don't like to talk while I'm lifting, and I like to keep the intensity high by keeping the rest intervals shorter, and it's hard to find other people who will train that way. Hell, it's hard to find someone who will spot you and keep their hands off the bar - one of my ongoing frustrations!

 

[NDGirl]

I workout with my fince. I love it. We both help each other and motivate each other.

Having a workout partner could also be a negative. If their not as motivated as you. You can get screwed if they dont show. (I would leave without them) but some people need that other person. You want to be able to feed off of eachothers energy. It gets tiring being the motivater all the time.

That is just my thought. If you can find someone, just make sure they are into it and want to do it.

NDGirl

 

[vinylgroover]

I don't train with a partner. I have never had a problem motivating myself.

Problem with partners is it's hard to find one that's as committed, and it's even harder to find someone who has the same goals and likes to use just free weights and compound exercises.

I'm just not prepared to compromise on any aspect of my workout, especially when it comes to using cables, machines etc. I just won't use them and that often pisses off other people.

As for spots, you can ask anyone at the gym to spot you.

 

[2Shy]

I had to give up my partner because she isn't as committed as I am. (Why do I feel like I just fed everyone a straight line?) She constantly changed our workout times at the last minute, never showed, and when she did had to be motivated to up her weights. If left up to her own devices, she'd still be lifting the same weight she lifted six months ago.

I felt like I was training her instead of working out with her. I'm also a very punctual person. All the schedule changes were driving me nuts. Rather than lose the friendship, I opted out of training with her. She'll have to motivate herself.

I do enjoy having someone I know working out at the same time with me. Heck, they don't even need to be doing the same routine. But they're there for a spot or encouragement if you really need it.

But I don't need them. I motivate myself just fine.

I recently had the opportunity to work out with the Asylum crew. It's a lot different working with people who are intense and committed to their goals.

Guess that leaves me at an ambivalent "I like working out with a partner, but I don't need them."