Shift of mind set; Team to self?

[Cameron_R]

I've been lucky in my short gym 'career' to have 2 very motivated and knowledgeable training partners. From these guys I've got motivation, I've learnt (mostly) correct form, how to structure a weekly split, and I've always had a spotter. (But I've completely ignored their attempts to get me to eat like them!)

In about 7 weeks I'm moving to live in Mexico City for 18 months for work. Training partners ain't coming with me!

Without a doubt I will keep moving forward with my gym habit, but the one thing I'm worried about is the lack of a spotter. I'm sure I'll eventually manage to find people to spot me, but I'll need to learn some more Spanish (or sign language!) first.

So in the short term I'm interested to hear from you what you think are some tips to help me with the mind shift required to go from a team, to solo? From having a spotter to not?

I'd rather not stop myself from lifting as heavy as I can, just because I'm worried I'll fail.

Thanks!

[Grover]

try GVT lower weights higher reps

might be a good change for you, diet will be an issuse there

Should be able to hire a spotter cheap enough

[Darkmanx]

There are plenty of spotter on the side of the road every morning so prob there. Food on the other hand, hope you like... well i think anything goes over there.

[Pseudonym]

It's hard going solo after having a training partner. It always takes me a while to get used to it again.

I think there are two factors here - motivation, and safety.

As far as safety goes, that's not too hard. You might want to steer clear of the barbell bench press exercises (flat and incline) if they don't have good safety racks. But you can always drag a bench over into the squat rack and use the safety bars there. Or simply switch to dumbells.

Motivation is a harder one. When you're used to having a competition with your partner to go that little bit further, it's hard to push yourself that hard without them. What I do is replace the competition element with a goal physique. Then on the last few reps when you want to give up, picture that goal and you'll grind out one or two more reps. Sounds corny, but it works - at least for me.

[Cameron_R]

I'll have to look into GVT. I'm not much of an organised guy outside of my work, so if it means tracking things in a spreadsheet or writing things down after every exercise, I'll fail miserably. Either way, I'll read up.

I think I'll be ok with the motivation. I'll have to be careful to make sure that (new) work, and the fact that I'm in a new and CRAZY place still fits with regular sessions.

Good idea on the safety rack / squat rack idea. ta

[PeterDolan]

Mexico = OTC Vet gear = No shortage of big essays to give you a spot

[Cameron_R]

Mexico = OTC Vet gear = No shortage of big essays to give you a spot

So I've heard. A couple mates keep telling me they're coming for 12-14 week visits :roll:

[Chemo]

GVT, Heavy 3's! lower your rest time between sets, go bat shit crazy and have a mean workout!

Just be sure to set up your gear to allow you to fail and you should be sweet!

I havent really trained extensively with a training partner, but all I know is that

the major advantage of training alone for me is the ability to get a really intense workout done in a short time!

Good luck mang!

What you doing in meh he co?

[Cameron_R]

Thanks Chemo.

I work for a enormous American technology company and have an 18month assignment over there. Good deal for me (everything paid for), good experience, and a new challenge.

That's part of the story.

The other part is that I'm gonna go cave diving in the Yucatan :grin:

[olympia]

Power racks. That is all

[thatwaslight]

Gvt without spotter On bench = recepie for disaster. If you dint have a power rack or squat rack to use your shit out of luck when it comes to flat and decline bb, incline is sweet you just roll down onto your hips.

[Kracka]

Gvt without spotter On bench = recepie for disaster. If you dint have a power rack or squat rack to use your shit out of luck when it comes to flat and decline bb, incline is sweet you just roll down onto your hips.

Roll a heavily loaded bar down onto yur hips? I Think not.