To Work Out Alone or With Training Partners

Before I get into the details of the debate, I would like to clarify my stand on the issue. I believe that a large chunk of your time must be spent training alone, but occasionally you must work out with training partners.

Lets us first of all detail the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Training Partners-
 Advantages-
1. A positive environment is infectious. If you find a good place the first principle of success- a positive mental attitude, will be in the bad.
2. Your ability to exercise will increase when you see others working out.
3. You  will have spotters.
4. You will have people to monitor your form.

Disadvantages-
1. Its too easy to over train.
2. Unless you are incredibly advanced and have the focus of a zen master, you will not be able to keep focus.
3. You will not be able to listen to your body.
4. Its harder to find positive gyms than 22 inch arms.

The point is, I don't think there is any point training with people, unless you can find a genuinely motivated training partner/s.

Exercising Alone-

Advantages-
1. You ca n focus on every movement and every sensation in your body.
2. You will learn to  listen to your body.
3. You will develop a reverence for exercise that stays way beyond the energy of friends.

Disadvantages-
1. Its really easy to slack off.
2. If you are not motivated, you are doomed.
3. It requires great self control.

I personally feel that by spending 50-60% of your time working out alone, you get the best of both worlds. Even if you go to a poor gym the rest of the time, the feeling of being stronger than everyone else will pump you and motivate you.
Once you are motivated, there is no stopping you when you are alone. Then, as you mature as a lifter, you will learn to listen to your body and you will understand your body. This is critical, as only than will you be able to apply individuality to your workouts. Also, the focus aspect of training is more important than most people bother to realize.

You must understand that even the most ardent proponents of training partners have succeeded because they were capable of intense concentration despite  training with people. Than training with others juiced them up to no end. Arnold, Savacs, Pyrros Dimas, Johnathan Horton, hell even Tiger Woods 4 years ago- all of them  have that unique ability to focus even in the midst of utter chaos.

Must people are not born with that attitude. Therefore it must be learnt the hard way. Workout with people to motivate yourself and workout alone to learn this fine art. Slowly, over time, learn to apply it when you work with others, until you reach the ultimate stage in focus. Even then, I think it is important to have an occasional workout alone, just for the soul, just to understand how much you have changed.