Hey whats up everyone, I'm brand new to the board and I am going to the gym for the first time Wednesday. One problem tho...my partner decided that he doesn't want to start going yet. :mad: I worked out a little bit a few years back with my dad on a regular bench and he swears by free weights so I don't really want to get attached to using machines. Is it safe to workout alone and can I still get an effective workout without a spotter?

And if someone has time, can you help me either figure out a routine or give me a link to a site that has a good beginner's split that does not require a partner?

Thanks a lot in advance,
LJ

The only lift i need a spotter with is the bench. Try Max OT its on here somewhere, just search for it.

The only lift i need a spotter with is the bench. Try Max OT its on here somewhere, just search for it.

I searched for Max OT in the search box but nothing really showed up, what is this?

You can get away without having a spotter present if you don't go to failure. That will keep you from dropping the barbell on yourself. Don't use so much weight that you can't handle.

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt lol But a search for Max OT will bring up a lot of results. :)
http://www.johnstonefitness.com/misc/MAX-OT.pdf

I have been researching Max-OT .. but I just can not see how to impliment it without having a workout partner. If you are constantly going to failure you have to have a spotter on Bench and Squat .. and if you have a workout partner and he/she is also working out then you turn a 30-45 minute workout, as recommended, then you turn it into a 60-90 minute workout. I would appreciate anyone's input on this.

I have been researching Max-OT .. but I just can not see how to impliment it without having a workout partner. If you are constantly going to failure you have to have a spotter on Bench and Squat .. and if you have a workout partner and he/she is also working out then you turn a 30-45 minute workout, as recommended, then you turn it into a 60-90 minute workout. I would appreciate anyone's input on this.


Get a rack. I never have a partner (nor a rack for that matter) and get stuck under the damn bar all the time. No fun.

I have been researching Max-OT .. but I just can not see how to impliment it without having a workout partner. If you are constantly going to failure you have to have a spotter on Bench and Squat .. and if you have a workout partner and he/she is also working out then you turn a 30-45 minute workout, as recommended, then you turn it into a 60-90 minute workout. I would appreciate anyone's input on this.

Bench is the only lift that i need a spot. I rarely go to failure on the squat.

I started Max OT this week actually and i don't like it. I don't like going to failure on every set (last rep of the last set is fine).

Are you a newbie? There's many good routines and Max OT is one but i don't like the style myself.

I have lifted free weights regularly through high school and college in sports but I haven't done much in the past 5-7 years.. So I am getting back into it. I have been lifting for the last month using machines at ballys but I know I need to head over to the free weight area. So I have been gathering info and deciding on a plan before I jump in.

What are you looking for? Fullbody or a split? Mass or fatloss?

Since you have experience you certainty could do some advanced routines i believe. Personally i like chad waterbury and his programs..fullbody & compound programs.

Right now am doing fasted cardio at 6AM then lifting 3 nights MWF after work. That works fine schedule wise. The thing I liked about Max-OT is the short duration so I could feasibly workout 5 days a week during lunch. So I am pretty open either way. Thank you for your help.