Started out in the high school weight room lifting with my football team.
After college I trained with a big juicehead who showed me a lot of things I didn't know about gear, and some bodybuilding training stuff. We trained hard together for a few years in my early 20s, and he was also my supplier for my gear. Then he scammed me out of $350 for gear....so I banged his fiance. We stopped training together after that lol.
Used to train with a powerlifting team and it was the most fun I've ever had training, and the best gains over those years. Having a team with the right atmosphere to push you, and everyone working towards the same goals was the best. I also come from a team sports background so I naturally gravitate to that kind of training atmosphere. Uphill Climb and POB were there and can vouch for the great times and gains we had.
Then my kids started getting older and life started getting in the way, and I built a home gym. I've trained alone there since then. I still get my work in, but it's not the same imo. I really do tip my cap to the guys who can train alone and really really push themselves. I know I still train harder then most, but I've always done better in a group type atmosphere - as long as your training partners have the same mindset as you do.