Well i finally have a training partner, something i needed in a while i believe.

For those that train with others how do you usually arrange it? Tips?

In a gym it would be easier because you have alot more room and access to dumbbells. However, i use my own weights and to change DB's over every set would be a pain.

Do you still time your sets?

Considering i'm doing a daily split much like CT's East European Bodybuilding on t-nation, i was thinking each of us would just spot each other and do our sessions one after the other, separately. It still would only take 30-45min for both sessions, twice daily.

East European Bodybuilding
http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-060-training

It's usually easiest if you're both doing the same routine. Then you just take turns, simple.

I used to train with a partner, and it was rather nice. We would use the same routine and alternate. I liked it because we could push each other, and I had something to do between sets.

However, I work out alone now, and am starting to like it better, mainly because of the flexibility I have with my workout now.

Would it work to pick up another set of dumbell handles so you don't have to change them so often?

Barbells usually aren't too bad to switch weights back and forth on since you can each do a side, just don't get too far ahead of the other, or you'll launch the bar.:D

I have a male training partner who lifts much more than me but we always do the same routine (alternating) changing the weights in between. it does take a bit longer but we make an effort to be as efficient as possible (no timing though) and we came up with the rule that there would be no talk during the workout unless its related to the exercise...chatting can be a real temptation sometimes :)

I actually see a lot of guys at the gym who train alone but spend ages between sets staring into space (or at other people) - at least I've got somebody who can motivate me and do the spotting during the exercise :tu:

Thanks for the tips folks but my partner just got a new job and won't be able to train with me. :doh:

My motivation is pretty good these days thou, i'm doing 2 daily sessions that are short, probably my favorite way to train.

Training parterns are pretty big help to me because I often go to the gym around 5:30 am and it is often tempting to just turn off the alarm and say I'll go later in the day but that often doesn't work out. But if I know that someone else will be there if I miss I have to get up. Even when I had a partner that was kind of flakey I still felt the urge to go just in case he showed up.

My current partner I don't rarely do the same exercises but it is a chance to see a friend and it forces me to go. My previous partner we usually alternated exercises which I liked because he usually didn't let me slack.