Jan 24 2009
Should You Use a Training Partner?
Should you use a training partner? I think the obvious answer to that question is yes but with a major condition on the “yes.” Your training partner must be dedicated to your fitness success. If you get stuck with a bad training partner then your progress will be severely limited. With that in mind here are a few things that you can look for in a training partner.
1. They must near your fitness level. No matter what you are doing whether it is cardio or whether it is strength training they must be close to your level of fitness. If you are going for a 5 mile run and they can only do 1 mile before collapsing to the ground they will not make for a good training partner. If your strength levels are much different you will lose too much time between sets switching weights back and forth rather than keeping a good pace to your workout.
2. Find someone who is passionate about working out. If you are ready to go everyday and excited to see what you can accomplish each day but you pair yourself up with someone who is constantly dragging through the workout and is wishing he/she was somewhere else it is going to effect you. Find a training partner who matches your passion for fitness.
3. Stay away from chatty training partners. Remember you are there to get work done. You can talk when your workout is over. I am not saying that you can’t speak at all but I have seen training partners that have a love for telling stories and the other person feels sort of obligated to listen rather than train. Talk all you want but when it is time to do your next exercise or set you want a training partner that will shut up and let you work.
4. You only need one training partner. Anything more than one training partner is counterproductive is you are in the weight room. If you are just getting together for a run or to do some interval training then it is OK to have more than one. However, in a weight room having more than one training partner will slow down your workout too much.
5. Make sure you pick a training partner who values their time. Their is nothing worse than agreeing that you will meet at the gym at 7 PM only to have them drag themselves in to the gym at 7:30 PM. Make sure you find a partner who is punctual and who respects your time.
6. Make sure you pick a training partner with whom you don’t have a personality conflict. Some people are nice but too much of them can wear on you. I take the train in to work with a guy who is quite nice and personable, however, I could never workout with him. He is constantly talking about his injuries and an incessant complainer. I can take this for the few minutes that I see him on the train but if I had to put up with it for an entire workout I would sooner or later look for an excuse not to go. Find a training partner that you enjoy and who will motivate you to show up.
These are just a few of the things that you want to look for in a training partner. When you pick one right it can be a big plus to your workouts. A good training partner can provide motivation, friendship, and , of course, safety (spotting). So pick your partner wisely.
