Is it better to train with a partner or lift alone in the weight room? Both methodologies have worked for many bodybuilders. Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger had several training partners over the years. Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman usually trained solo when preparing for the Mr. Olympia contest.
Presumably, if one lifts with a partner, both athletes improve more than if training alone. Pro bodybuilders Jo Palacios and Paul Hindson have found that having a “ride-or-die” partner helps them thrive when they prepare for competition.
The two IFBB pros have been training partners since 2021, when Palacios was an amateur. Hindson sought someone to trade sets with and saw Palacios’ passion, which led to their connection. Palacios saw training with Hindson as an opportunity to get better.
“I really like learning from anybody I can, especially if I can get there fast,” Palacios said. “It started as a training partnership; recognized by hard work ethic, and turned into a real, strong friendship. He’s my best friend.”
Hindson reaps the benefits of having a younger competitor with great energy; it motivates him to put more effort into the next rep. “We just mesh really well,” Hindson shared.
The two bodybuilders push each other through friendly competition in the gym and have a lasting friendship outside of it. The investment in each other has paid off.
“When I was low, he was there to hold me accountable,” Palacios said. Hindson, age 45, returned the admiration for his training partner. “At that age, I don’t think I would continue growing year after year if it weren’t for me working out with him and him getting stronger and pushing me to chase him.”
What Does Science Say?
There is research that validates that training with someone can help improve mental well-being versus training alone. (1) Older adults can also benefit physically by working out with someone else. (2)
Studies dating back to 1995 even compared married couples who exercised together versus separately, and determined that couples who train together were more likely to fulfill a 12-month training commitment. (3)
Nonetheless, there are still lifters who prefer to train alone and there is evidence to suggest that self-motivation can be reliable for therapeutic exercise. (4)
The answer to training alone versus with a partner seems to be preferential. Both methodologies have been shown to be effective if consistency is constant.
Hindson is about to enter his final year of pro competition. If possible, they intend to enter the same pro shows. Even after Hindson curtain calls his pro career, he suggested he would remain in Palacios’ corner. “I will back off my training a bit and help [Palacios] train to be his best.”
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References
- Harada, K., Masumoto, K., & Kondo, N. (2019). Exercising Alone or Exercising With Others and Mental Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Longitudinal Analysis of Cross-Lagged and Simultaneous Effects. Journal of physical activity & health, 16(7), 556–564. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2018-0366
- Kanamori, S., Takamiya, T., Inoue, S., Kai, Y., Kawachi, I., & Kondo, K. (2016). Exercising alone versus with others and associations with subjective health status in older Japanese: The JAGES Cohort Study. Scientific reports, 6, 39151. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep39151
- Wallace, J. P., Raglin, J. S., & Jastremski, C. A. (1995). Twelve month adherence of adults who joined a fitness program with a spouse vs without a spouse. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 35(3), 206–213.
- Dishman, R. K., & Ickes, W. (1981). Self-motivation and adherence to therapeutic exercise. Journal of behavioral medicine, 4(4), 421–438. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846151
Featured Image: @ifbbpro_jo_palacios on Instagram
