Some of the best workouts I’ve ever had were with a training partner I had during high school and college. Although we have remained very good friends, because of responsibilities and geography we haven’t trained together since. We’ve made plans to train together at the famed Muscle Beach in L.A., the Mecca of bodybuilding to recapture the glory days. Training partners can develop a close workout relationship, learning each other’s strengths, weaknesses as well as any number of idiosyncrasies. A good training partner brings out the best in the other – with a needed spot or the right words at just the right moment. Making the most of this relationship can reward you in and out of the gym.
You Got This
For me the best part of the training partner relationship is the psychological support and encouragement. These can take different forms and don’t always come in the form of a cliché or a speech. Knowing the other person has your back, that he won’t let that heavy barbell fall on your chest and he’ll call you out when you try to weasel out of an early morning squat day (source).
But when words of encouragement are needed he’ll be there to boost you up and get you back to the task at hand. Like any good relationship, training partners develop trust and camaraderie that transcends any workout.
Make the Most of it With a Training Partner
Having a training partner can be like having a loyal friend and a crack personal trainer rolled into one. This is a great opportunity to take your training to the next level. Motivation, or lack of it, is often the number one obstacle people cite for disappointing results (source). Whether you’re training for a triathlon or trying to shed those last few pounds the feedback and support training partners provide can be the missing piece that helps you achieve your goals.
Mike Phelps
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