Training alone and at a regular gym

[JPlatz]

Most everything I see or read seems to revolve around having a training group or at the least a partner. I currently work out at the local YMCA which has some great equipment, but not at the level of most hardcore gyms. Powerrack, bench, etc. I don't have a training partner because of my schedule and am concerned this could hinder my progress.

For those in the same boat, what are you doing to help you succeed? Any suggestions to help my growth would be apprectiated too.

My current squat pr is 505 and my DL is 495. I'm 46 haven't competed yet but am hoping to in the near future.

All help will be appreciated.

[SecondsOut]

i think most MaB'ers train alone, at least the folks i know. it sounds like i'm less experienced than you, but i've always trained alone. i've never felt like it hindered my workouts; actually, i prefer it this way.
i don't feel like i do anything to "replace" the experience of having a gym partner. i can say that i don't risk getting under weights that might pin me, and i don't do forced reps. if i need a spot, there's always been someone hanging around who could spot me. at any rate, i feel safe with the power rack there to bail me out, although this has only happened to me a few times.

[Ramrod]

First things first Ultimate Orange... HELL YEH, I remember that stuff back in the late 90's.. Loved it..

I have mostly trained alone. Untill now I always thought a parnter would slow me down and screw up my tempo. Thats when I trained like a BB. Now I'm training to become a better PL. It would be nice to be around some guys who have more experience then myself in PL. I'm looking to join a team and a new gym. Just for that fact.

[Soldier]

I train literally alone. As in, in my garage, no one else around, alone. There are definitely frustrations. A huge one for me is bench press. Having to unrack every single lift myself is exhausting, frustrating, and tears my shoulders up real good.

But yes, it's doable. In fact, I revel in the positives. I don't have to convince someone else to do the same program I'm doing, and when I'm ready to move on to the next lift I don't have to worry about anyone else. It's also very helpful on those days where I'm just completely off and can't get much done.

[IrishHitman]

I train "alone," mostly. There is usually someone else around if I need a spot or some form assistance, but the power rack is a wonderful thing. I am hoping to start training with the owner of my gym after July, though, which will hopefully take my lifting to the next level.

[IronWill]

I prefer training alone, but I'm not on the PL track as most here. Training alone doesn't seem to have hindered you so far with those numbers.

[IainK]

I have pretty much always trained alone. Id much rather train with a good group of lifters. Bit hey ho. Got yo do what you got to do.

[Trevor Lane]

Originally Posted by JPlatz

Most everything I see or read seems to revolve around having a training group or at the least a partner. I currently work out at the local YMCA which has some great equipment, but not at the level of most hardcore gyms. Powerrack, bench, etc. I don't have a training partner because of my schedule and am concerned this could hinder my progress.

For those in the same boat, what are you doing to help you succeed? Any suggestions to help my growth would be apprectiated too.

My current squat pr is 505 and my DL is 495. I'm 46 haven't competed yet but am hoping to in the near future.

All help will be appreciated.

It sounds like a non-issue. I train alone and just set the rack up for lifts that I need a "spot."

[JPlatz]

Like most, my biggest concern is when I'm doing squats or bench. Do any of you find it difficult to get motivated during a workout when you're alone?

[Tannhauser]

Originally Posted by JPlatz

Like most, my biggest concern is when I'm doing squats or bench. Do any of you find it difficult to get motivated during a workout when you're alone?

Yes, sometimes.

For example, I ought to be getting back into bench following an injury, but I just can't be arsed to set up the rack and safety bars. Squats near the limit downright scare me.

On the rare occasions I train with others I enjoy the novelty of it. And getting someone knowledgeable can be fantastic - I lifted with IainK a couple of times and learned loads from him in doing so.

On the plus side, I don't have to make conversation and I can do whatever I want to without afecting someone else's plans.