Finding Your Perfect Training Partner

Training on your own can be tough. If you’re not naturally incredibly self-motivated (and let’s face it, who is self-motivated ALL the time?), you may find it hard to hold yourself accountable for things like getting to the gym every day, or finishing those last few grueling reps that matter so much for improving your fitness level. I know that I ALWAYS work harder when I train with someone else. It’s that pressure to A) get to the gym and not let them down and B) train with high enough intensity to make sure that I am a positive influence on my training partner. I can tell you from experience that the perfect training partner can go a LONG way to helping you get in amazing shape. For that reason I strongly suggest you look into finding your perfect match.

Training with a partner or group of people that motivate you is invaluable for your motivation and fitness progress.

Now, when choosing your training partner, keep in mind that the only thing worse than not having a partner is finding one that has a NEGATIVE influence on you! It’s a tricky thing, finding that perfect match – much like finding a mate. You have the right to be picky. You have to complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses, drive and motivate each other, hold each other accountable. When one person is having a low energy day, the other has to pick them up (not stoop to the low energy level of the other). Where one excels at lower body exercises and technique, it helps if the other is awesome at upper body movements so you can teach and learn from each other. However, keep in mind that you must be around the same fitness level so each partner can train hard enough to improve – it’s a two-way street. Finding the right partner is a fine balance, but it can be reached.

In summary, here are some ways to know if you’ve found your perfect match:

• They hold you accountable to get to the gym, and they push you on your last reps
• They spot you and know enough about technique that they can help with your form
• They complement your weaknesses by having them as strengths
• They have their own weaknesses that are actually your strengths (teaching and helping someone else is an incredibly motivating feeling)
• 90% of the time, they are positive, uplifting, and energetic (everyone is allowed to have an “off” day now and then)
• Motivating each other is a two-way street (when you have your off days, you know your partner will help bring you back up)

Good luck finding your perfect training match!

Steph