Question about lifting weights

[TripletDaddy]

Not trying to dredge up more Pelagius bulking phase references, but I did have a question about gaining mass as opposed to toning.

I go to the gym and work out alone. However, is it really possible to effectively lift for mass if you are by yourself? It seems that in order to max out, you need someone to spot and help. If you are by yourself, are you really doing more than toning?

[pelagius]

I go to the gym and work out alone. However, is it really possible to effectively lift for mass if you are by yourself? It seems that in order to max out, you need someone to spot and help. If you are by yourself, are you really doing more than toning?

I usually workout alone. I have for years ... its just easier that way.

I assume by "maxing out" you don't mean performing a one rep max. Very little reason to perform a one rep max unless you are a powerlifter. If by max out you mean training to failure or near failure then you can do that training alone if you have the right equipment (sometimes these are referred to as max effort lifts). For example, if you want to train to failure with a barbell bench press then perform it in a power rack. Just set the support appropriately so you dont get crushed if you fail (although lift offs are annoying by yourself because of the position your shoulder is in for the lift off). Or better yet quit doing barbell bench press and switch to dumbbells. I do zero pressing with barbells. Same with squats in terms of using a power rack. I do close to maximum effort squats ... I just always do them in a power rack and set the supports appropriately. If I crash, I crash. Also, you can lift heavy safetly on good leverage machines. I love the Hammer strength stuff. Does your gym not have leverage stuff? Finally, if you workout at home ... I don't recommend anyone lifts heavy at home without a power rack.

[TripletDaddy]

I usually workout alone. I have for years ... its just easier that way.

I assume by "maxing out" you don't mean performing a one rep max. Very little reason to perform a one rep max unless you are a powerlifter. If by max out you mean training to failure or near failure then you can do that training alone if you have the right equipment (sometimes these are referred to as max effort lifts). For example, if you want to train to failure with a barbell bench press then perform it in a power rack. Just set the support appropriately so you dont get crushed if you fail (although lift offs are annoying by yourself because of the position your shoulder is in for the lift off). Or better yet quit doing barbell bench press and switch to dumbbells. I do zero pressing with barbells. Same with squats. I do close to maximum effort squats ... I just always do them in a power rack and set the supports appropriately. If I crash, I crash. Also, you can lift heavy safetly on good leverage machines. I love the Hammer strength stuff. Does your gym not have leverage stuff? Finally, if you workout at home ... I don't recommend anyone lifts heavy at home without a power rack.

Thanks, p. this is good to know. I workout at LA Fatness so they have plenty of equipment. I just assumed that I needed to work out with some meathead that was yelling at me the whole time and carrying around a bottle of Muscle Milk.

I also prefer dumbbells to barbells.