Who else prefers to train alone?

TheAth-ah-lete

TheAth-ah-lete

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I went to a PT for a while a few years ago, and when I started working out myself I kinda wanted a workout partner. Then I realized how hard it was to find someone who wanted to lift on my schedule, then I realized some other things I am finnicky about with my weight lifting.

I'm very strict on my rest periods, I don't like to talk between sets, I like being able to concentrate very hard on exactly what I am doing, and most importantly I feel that lifting alone forces me to be more aware of my real limits so I am more inclined to use less weight and better form than count on someone being able to save my ass when I go past "pushing myself" and start being stupid.

The other thing is, when people comment about how much you workout, how often do you hear them use the excuse that they don't have a workout partner? How many of these people who want a workout partner are going to be dependent on you for their motivation??? Screw that.

I'm not saying I never work with partners, and I have spent time showing friends how to workout, but I cringe at the thought of "training" with those same friends.

Anyone else feel the same?
 
Haha, my friend is exactly like that, he just cannot go to the gym unless someone goes with him. I think partners are a good thing if you can find someone near your level and who wants to get strong rather than have mad biceps.

For me, thats damn near impossible, of all my friends who go to the gym, only one wants to get strong...even then he doesn't train like it, rarely ever does the big lifts.

Plus everyone seems to have the urge to 'spot' you at the slightest sign of effort.
 
Depends what I'm doing.

Lifting -> alone. I hate training with people when lifting.

Conditioning -> benefits from a partner, I don't like doing it so making it some kind of contest between someone else (like crossfit does) makes me not hate it as much, and I work harder
 
They both have their advantages IMO. When I have training partners they push me to do more and not drop sets. When I'm alone I can focus much better and work out in much less time. I like lifting with others better though for the motivation factor.
 
Training in company is a good motivation. You can cheer each other up on bad days or share your effords with someone.
Maybe I'm just lucky with my partner.
 
Conditioning I really prefer to do with someone else, conditioning just bores me.

Lifting I can do either way, but if I lifted at home I think I would like to lift alone. At a gym I don't mind either way, as long as the person has comparable goals to me. I would like to go with one of my friends but he admits he goes to the gym to 'slim down and get huge arms'. I tried to get him to start an account here, I'm not sure if he did but I know he was lurking for a while.
 
What is this tomfoolery? You go into the gym to get stronger and faster, not have a fucking tea party.
 
Both are good. Sometimes I like people for company and encouragement.
 
FatAlToTheMax said:
. I like lifting with others better though for the motivation factor.
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See, that's what I'm wondering about. I RARELY ever go in there and half ass it, if I do it's because I am sick or I haven't had a day off from training in a couple weeks. I have no problem motivating myself and pushing myself. It kinda seems like that's the whole point. That's the biggest thing I've learned from lifting.

I've gotten stronger, not just physically but mentally as well. Doesn't anyone else feel like the trials they go through in the gym help their perspective on life. And if you want to be bigger, stronger, or faster, and you can't motivate yourself to do THAT, then what can you do for yourself?
 
p.s. I did mean mostly weights. The majority of the time I do conditioning alone, but I have done it with a partner and find it ok. You don't really have to stay together to do that though, one person is almost always going to be faster.
 
I used to work out with a training partner and it was really good motivation to get to the gym. Sometimes I'd be tired from a long day at work and not feel like going, but he'd get on me to go. Other times he wouldn't feel like going and I'd motivate him to go. Knowing someone else is expecting you can be good motivation. At this point, I don't really need anyone to convince me to go. When it comes to just getting the work done, I'd rather be alone. I generally don't want to chit-chat there and waste time, so I'd rather not have someone making small talk.
 
I never work out with anybody. I generally am in a pretty pissed off mood whenever I go to the gym (cramped, no space, only one squat rack that invariably has some dumbass in it doing curls, wanna be bodybuilders flexing in front of the mirrors etc.) and all I want to do is get in there, put in some good work, and get the hell out. The last thing I want to do is talk to anybody beyond asking them how many sets they have left so I can do my sets.

Honestly, I really, really, really, really hate it when I see three or four people all working out together, rotating on one piece of equipment, and gabbing during all of this. GOD it pisses me off.
 
Maybe if I actually knew anyone who trained pretty hardcore, I would like to lift with a friend, but I much prefer to lift alone.

I can't stand doing exercises that demand a lot of concentration (like cleans) if there is anyone within about a 20ft radius from me.
 
I would love to have someone to train with, if they have the same levels of dedication and perseverance that I have. Unfortunately, I don't have a large pool of workout partners to choose from in bumf**k, Kansas.

I was once required to train with a partner (who I did not choose) in my weighlifting class in high school. I broke that up when he was like "let's do bench and curls today".
 
"You know when I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself." - George Thorogood
 
I think it would be great to have someone to workout with who is on about the same level and wants to push himself. Too bad none of my friends fit these criteria. hell, I'd be surprised if there was a single person in this city that does.
 
I use to like lifting alone until i went to a real gym and now i get inspired by other people lifting there.
 
Zerocrew1984 said:
I use to like lifting alone until i went to a real gym and now i get inspired by other people lifting there.
Click to expand...

I agree with Zero. If you are in an environment where (1) everyone has similar training philosophies; (2) greater knowledge about training than you; and (3) and a lot of people stronger than you, then you would be stupid to train alone.

If you look around your gym and no one has a clue what they are doing, then go all George Thorogood.
 
enright3060 said:
I agree with Zero. If you are in an environment where (1) everyone has similar training philosophies; (2) greater knowledge about training than you; and (3) and a lot of people stronger than you, then you would be stupid to train alone.

If you look around your gym and no one has a clue what they are doing, then go all George Thorogood.
Click to expand...

QFT...I guess. Only gyms I could go to around here that have many people are OVERRUN with cardio bunnies and curlers. Maybe someday I'll get that opportunity, but for now I'll stick to having an entire gym to myself like I do about everyday. :icon_chee
 
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