You and a friend decide to join the gym together. The two of you are excited by the prospect of getting in shape and helping each other stay motivated. Having a training partner can be a great tool to stay focused in the gym. However, if you choose the wrong partner it can lead to failure and even strain your friendship.
There are a few things you want to look for in a training partner. Sometimes the enthusiasm and the idea of training together doesn’t match up with the logistics of the situation. First and foremost, you want to choose a partner that has a similar schedule and can train at the same times as you. Make sure that the two of you will have ample time to do a proper workout. You don’t want to feel rushed, and you need time to properly get through each component of your workout.
It is also important to find a partner who has similar goals. It is hard to train with someone if you both have very different goals in mind. For example, if one of you is focusing on increasing muscle mass and the other is looking to shed weight, it might not lead to an efficient workout. Are you both into the same types of activities? If not it might lead to some friction when planning out a workout routine. Know what it is you want to get from a training partner. Is it just a person to head to the gym with or is it someone to share a training routine with?
Having a training partner can also open other dimensions of training. You will train harder just by having someone around because you won’t slack off and drop your rep count. You will find yourself trying to keep up or outdo the other person.
There is also a better degree of safety because you will have someone to spot you for each exercise. This may lead to being able to use heavier weights because even if you can’t complete the concentric contraction, you will have outside assistance to help you. This method is known as negative repetitions.
Before you train with a partner, it would be good for both of you to look into proper spotting technique. You don’t want to be in each others way and you want to make sure you know how and when you should provide assistance.
There are also a multitude of exercises and stretches that can be done with a partner. Take the time to look into which ones will be best suited for your training. These exercises are usually not what you would do when training alone and add another degree of difficulty and enjoyment.
If you don’t take the time to properly choose a compatible training partner, you could end up in a negative situation that could ultimately lead you to giving up on training. You want to choose someone with a positive attitude that will give you a motivational boost when you need one. You also want to choose someone who is consistent. If they miss every other session, it will eventually get frustrating and could take you off track. Take the time to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons of training with someone. Will it be a positive hard-working relationship or is it a logistical nightmare? Will your motivation level be linked to theirs or will you follow your workout plan regardless of whether they train or not?
Having a training partner can be a lot of fun and extremely motivational. It can take away the nervous jitters of starting something new and provide a much needed spark. A good training partner helps make even the hardest workout enjoyable. It is great having someone you can count on and have a good time with in the gym. Choose wisely!!!
When it comes training with a partner at the gym, it is important to find someone who will help to motivate you and be consistant. They should be a positive force that provide that extra boost and keep you on track.
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