Do you have a consistent workout partner?

[Phigment]

Because of my schedule I can really only go to the gym very early in the morning (5am) and no serious lifting friends who care to be up that early.

I wonder whether this is a hindrance on my development since I don't have someone spotting me consistently and motivating me to push out a few more reps or if going it alone is actually making me more focused on getting it done at my own pace.

Do you go it alone and if so what are your thoughts for doing so if that's your preference?

[HawaiianPride.]

If you've been training for several years, you basically know by then your limitations in each lift. By this time you can bang out a training session and make it intense enough but know when to stop so a spotter isn't necessary.

I wouldn't call it a hindrance if you don't have a training partner. As long as your feeling the movement, getting that mind muscle connection, squeezing and contracting with good form, you will grow.

I can only train with a select few. There are ways I like to be spotted, and only a few I can really get motivated off of and feed off their energy. If I'm cycling, I'll usually set a routine up with a partner for the duration of the cycle and lift with them. Most of the time I go solo, though.

[MACHINE5150]

i work out solo.. always have too.. I used to have a buddy in college that i cycled with and worked out with.. but it is too hard to match both schedules.. If you have been working out for a while you don't need a partner to motivate you. Also, at the gym i work out at i have a rack with moveable bars to replace a spotter... so i can go 100% and if i can't get it all the way up i can set it on the bars.. that only works for barbell exercises.. but usually that is all you ever need a spot for anyways.

[Nooomoto]

Nope...always work out by myself. Can't really depend on the vast majority of people to be consistent in the gym, so I don't bother any more after a few years of trying to make that work. I just workout by myself, and if I feel I'm going to need help I ask one of the people around me who looks like they know what they are doing.

[CDiesel313]

Being in the military and currently in Iraq I have not found one person who does the same type of training I do. I will say, that if you are surrounded by people with like minded goals, matching intensity and good energy, the results you can achieve by training with them can be astounding. Especially with powerlifting. Back when I used to train for bodybuilding I always trained alone and got great results. You can always grab a spotter in the gym or use a power rack with safety bars. In powerlifting, a good environment can make or break your training. There's always exceptions though I suppose. I think it depends on what you train for.

[vegasbound]

I work out with my wife occationally, but I usually work out alone and enjoy the peace and quiet with out her yapping lol...

[JustDoIt12]

always had a workout buddy.. the only problem is he works nights at times, so its not consistent. but, he's usually around for chest day, which is usually where I need most help. as well as shoulders. i think its beneficial but we will always push up two more reps, whether he is its completely on the spotter or not, its always the best pain.

[NMacFar]

My best friend cycles w/ me and we train together. I love having a spotter because I feel much better with 375lbs over my head if someone is there to catch it, god forbid.