Trainee Partner

Off Topic
1

I have a problem that I know some of you can help with so shed some T-Wisdom, Brothers.

About 4 months ago I finally got an older friend of mine (45) to start working out with me in my basement. He started with a small knowledge base on lifting and so was pretty much a newbie. What he did/does have is a fairly decent build due to a lifetime of hard work and constantly sore knees from years of down hill racing and moguls.

As I’ve explained to him, it has been my intent to get him to a point where he can take off by himself and go with it. I have introduced him to T-Nation and various excellent books for people on his level. I also discuss nutrition and low level supplementation with him all the time. Basically I’ve tried to give him the tools to succeed without me.

You’re probably guessing by now where I’m going with this, but wait, before saying that maybe he’s not ready to go it alone, consider this…he has come a long, long way. For example, he started deadlifting with 65lb. dumbells and now pulls 250 for reps. He started squating with 95 lbs. mostly due to his knees but by carefully squating with excellent form he’s now doing 225 for reps. It’s the same across the board. His nuerological system is up, his strength is up, he seems really excited and enthusiastic about it all BUT he won’t visit the site, doesn’t read the books with any real motivation and his diet sucks. He has proven time and again that he won’t work out unless I lead him.

I have an awesome opportunity to develop a friendship and mentorship with a younger man and our common interest is guess what…weightlifting. That may prove to be a kick in the pants for me also because this guy is M.o.t.i.v.a.t.e.d.

I am dedicated to my current trainee partner but don’t want to have to lead him forever. I feel as though he should be at least challenging me on various issues and things that I tell him by now.

Here’s the real problem with the situation; the guy that I currently train with and instruct is really, truly a good and close friend of mine and there in lies the struggle. Perhaps some specific time line goals need to be set.

What do you think and thanks for your input.

Holmdog

2

[quote]holmdog wrote:
…I have an awesome opportunity to develop a friendship and mentorship with a younger man and our common interest is guess what…weightlifting…

What do you think and thanks for your input.

Holmdog

[/quote]

It sounds like you want to butt bang the younger guy. Don’t fuck over your friend just because you have a man crush on the younger dude.

3

Hey, thanks alot dookie. If I really wanted to bang a man, I’de travel to Texas and bang you. But then I’m sure it wouldn’t be worth it.
Fortunately, I don’t do men.

4

That was my honest feedback. I called over a couple of other people to read your post, and they pretty much have the same opinion (though they expressed it with a bit more tact).

5

well on a serious note…Can’t you train both? If you have enough room and equipment can’t they both come in and train? The older guy could be there and since he seems to be well on his way, he won’t be taking up much of your time.

Another point…if the older guy slacks off without you constantly on him, isn’t that his fault? At some point you’re going to have to let go and the trainees will go their own way and make their own decisions. Some continue with the routine and some don’t. That’s just the way it is but you can’t hold their hand forever.