Bodybuilding is a serious commitment. Finding your way into the gym after a long day at work or school can be difficult sometimes. But, we do it anyway. It's as if a primal gene drives us there. So there you are, music blasting in your ears, the touch of cold-rough metal against the palm of your hand, and that intoxicating combination of muscle pumps and cold sweat. It's an accelerating feeling and we've all been there. But, just because you've managed some pit sweat and some muscle pumps doesn't mean that you are getting the most out of your workout.
If you are going to the gym without a partner you are already one step behind the competition. What competition? If you don't think you have any competition you are either ignorant of the fact or plain lying. That underwhelming feeling you're not big or strong enough, that guy/girl lifting more than you over by the squat rack, or those weight's that will send your body into a humiliating shock if you dare to lift them. That's your competition.
The problem with not having a partner at the gym is that you do not have a safety net. Let me explain; let's say your bench press is stuck at 225lbs. No matter what your exercise regimen or how hard you train you just can't get that number to rise. The problem is that you could be training harder. Going solo on the bench press leaves that fear of not being able to push that weight back up strong in the back of your mind. Don't be that person suffering the pain and shame of having that barbell crushing your torso. By having a workout partner you can avoid this pitfall and get those extra two reps or raise that weight an extra couple pounds and feel safe knowing someone has your back.
Don't have any friends that lift? Go make some. The gym is the perfect place to make friends who share your passion for fitness. Look around, observe the scenery. There are plenty of people who train alone who would benefit just as much as you would from a training partner. Don't let a person's size or athletic ability intimidate you. You both share the same goal, to better yourself. So, next time you're in the gym ask for a spot, maybe you'll make a friend and in the long run make those gains that have been hiding just under the surface.