Working Out with a Partner
Over the last 10 years of working in the fitness industry, I’ve always found that there are two types of people: those that ENJOY working out with a partner and those that DON’T. For the record, I can understand both sides of the coin. For some, exercise = me time, a chance to disconnect and reduce stress, reflect with some introspection, and work on your own health and fitness. That person wants nothing to do with a workout partner and avoids group fitness activities like the plague.
The other type loves to workout with a partner. They might have grown up playing sports as a kid and love a little competition. Their idea of an ideal workout is having someone there to motivate/push/encourage/have fun with/spot/etc. When that person has to work out alone, they may find that they don’t work as hard as they do when they have a partner. They might skip that extra set, or forgo those last few reps, or even skip the gym altogether.
I generally find myself in the latter group. Growing up playing high school football, we always worked out as a team. I made it a point to choose a partner who was stronger than me, thinking that it would encourage me to lift heavier weights and help me improve my strength faster (it worked!). Friends would routinely come over to the house, we’d head down into the basement, blast Linkin Park music, and pump iron for an hour…Mom couldn’t stand all of the grunting and slamming noises.
Introducing my newest workout partner…
As you can see from the picture, Wynken the Mini Australian Shepherd loves to run, which makes him a great cardio companion!
If you are the type of person that enjoys working out with a partner, here are some benefits that you may experience:
Workouts can be more fun
A little competition can help you perform better
Having someone there to help motivate you…and vice versa
Makes your workouts safer because you always have a spotter
Can drastically increase your commitment level
Keeps your form on point with someone else there to watch/guide you
If you haven’t already, try working out with a partner. You might find that you enjoy the workouts more and actually look forward to your next exercise session. That’s a recipe for helping you stay consistent and reach your fitness goals.
Do you workout alone? What’s your favorite thing about working out with a partner? Let us know in the comments below!
Tom Daubert
ACSM CEP
Compel Fitness