Training Partner(s)

[damonwells]

Good training partner(s) are crucial to success, in my opinion. I have trained with a team, with partners, and solo, and in general the more people I have concerned about my performance, the better I do. Plus, as a powerlifter, the spotters are a necessity. I have worked out fine on my own, but it feels more rewarding and productive to have some support there.

[fnet]

I'm a month away from turning 45. I'm 5' 6" at 185 lbs. I used to train at the YMCA but now I train alone at home. My current numbers as of this week:
Squat 3x5 @ 305 LBS
DL 1x5 @ 360 LBS
Bench 3x5 @ 207.5 LBS (A spotter would be nice to get me over my fear of a crushed windpipe and force me to progress at a faster pace)
Press 3x5 @ 132.5 LBS
Cleans 5x3 @ 135 LBS (A knowledgeable partner's feedback would be nice as I've had to reset several times because my cleans start to become a weird jumping power reverse curl)

Its damn near impossible to find a good training partner. At the gym, opinions are like assholes...Everyone's got one. My friends and family think I'm goofy for spending so much time in the basement lifting weights and have no interest in joining me. Despite all my cajoling, my wife has no interest in weight training. Unfortunately, she believes all the B.S. about women getting big and bulky from lifting weights. She's an avid runner who can't run due to numerous foot problems, hmmm. So while it would be good to have a reliable training partner, its probably not going to happen any time soon. Until then, I will rely on my trusty log book for motivation and feedback. Now, if I could only learn how to set up the video camera and record my squats without taping my squats over one of my kids' recitals...

[NolanPower]

Haven't had a true training partner in about 4 years, key is to be mentally tough enough to push yourself through the workouts as hard as anybody else could. Take videos and endlessly analyze your own technique and flaws. Nobody said it was going to be easy.

Info: I'm 5'10 212 lbs
Squat - 565
Bench - 375
Dead - 705

[cjangelo]

How old are you, NolanPower?

[jameson]

Thanks for the responses, really. You all make some really good points and suggestions. I guess I'm needing an e-hug so this thread is motivating. Much appreciated.

[jayknow05]

Bench 3x5 @ 207.5 LBS (A spotter would be nice to get me over my fear of a crushed windpipe and force me to progress at a faster pace)

When I work out alone near a failure weight, I just pull a bench into the power rack.

edit: If you're working out at home, you could setup the camera to give you a live feed onto a TV. You could critique your own form while you lift!

[NolanPower]

I'm 23

[ILiftAlone]

As my name states I lift alone, like the way George Thorogood drinks.

I lift alone because out of my friends that do workout, they are following some kind of bodybuilding/random bench press type of workout with lots of arm work. Now that I have gotten accustomed to training alone I just prefer it. It alows me to get into a good mental state before my lifts. I actually go out of my way to avoid talking to anyone at the gym for this very reason. Looking forward to the day I have my own garage gym.

[DaveN]

Holy crap, Nolan, those are huge numbers!

[damonwells]

No doubt it takes serious discipline to work hard on your own. Big props if you posting numbers solo.

Guess I've just been lucky. Working in the Department of Physical Education helps...

Sometimes I've had to resort to having my wife help me, but whatever works, I guess.

D