Sometimes I train alone, but if I can, I prefer training with my brother-in-iron. I have achieved some positive gains training alone in my garage. But that's because there was a season whenit didn't work to have a partner. I remember adopting the philosophy that I would be my own best training partner. That was an important step to be able to progress on my own. But I soon discovered I have a talent for squandering time in the gym, being lazy and fiddling with my Iphone. A good training partner doesn't tolerate those kinds of gym shenanigans. So I found one.
If you don't have a partner, and getting to the gym is difficult, seek someone out. I've heard too many people say they just wish they had someone to train with. I'm thinking geez, there are 7 billion people on the planet. Call one of them! It doesn't mean you are weak. It means you are committed to being strong. Plus, it's amazing how having someone counting on you strengthens your resolve to show up. The first battle is just getting there. We can let ourselves down much easier than letting a friend down.
I've had some great training partners over the years. If we trained together in the past, thanks for helping and pushing me. When I couldn't find the motivation to go to the gym, I would call a friend with the same mindset. Sometimes it was an old friend out of the blue. I don't remember a training partnership ever coming to me. I'm usually the one looking. The other person needed it just as much. There's no better way to rekindle old friendships, than over a protein drink and a sweaty towel.
A committed training partnership can bring out a powerful energy and drive that is difficult to conjure alone. When you're muscles are screaming and you are ready to rack the weight, your partner reaches out to help you crank out a few more. Sometimes he doesn't even need to touch the bar, just to hear "C'mon!!! Or "one more", is such a powerful stimulant that makes you stronger. There's always more in us, but sometimes it takes someone else to bring it out. When Mike says, "C'mon, don't quit", I know what that means. Its an instantaneous reminder to demand everything out of the muscle before it's done. The mind usually fails first. Training partners can circumvent that.
And you can't be outdone. If your partner does 12 reps, it behooves you to do 13!
I'll never forget when Mike insisted we stack 315 lbs on the bar for my last sets of squats. (That's three 45 lb plates on each side) I never had strong legs, that was more than I had ever done. The thought was crushing. He said, "I will help you, I want you to get yourself under that weight just so you can know it's not going to kill you." I did. He spotted me perfectly, and I got two or three reps with his help. I will never forget the rush I felt doing something that scared me like that. Probably relief too. We broke through my mental barrier in seconds. A few weeks later, I squatted that weight 6x in my garage, alone. I yelled...loud. It probably looked pretty awesome! :) I would have never attempted it without Mike's help. As I update this, 405 lbs for reps is the new dragon. 315 has been slain.
Aside from the motivation we gain, and progress you can make with a training partner, it just makes it a heck of a lot more fun! If you need one, get one! Then be one.
Some things I seek in a training partner, and I expect to live up to:
Is committed to be there. No excuses.
Has similar goals.
Can focus, and not talk when it's their set.
Isn't a whiner or complainer.
Will push you to progress.
Positive attitude.
Good company.
