This Valentine’s Day, choose the right partner…training partner, that is. We all run into training ruts. One way to resist the temptation of collapsing on your couch watching Netflix after work, is to find a training buddy. Not only can a training partner keep you motivated and on track with your fitness goals, but exercising becomes more fun and effective when someone is cheering you on. However, as with romantic relationships, you must choose wisely or all of your best efforts may go to waste.
- She has similar fitness goals.
If you want to lose weight and your training partner wants to bulk up, you are a mismatch! Success will come to a training duo with compatible goals.
- He is stronger than you.
This is where a competitive edge comes in. A training partner who is either physically stronger or mentally more motivated than you will push you past those devilish training plateaus.
- She is NOT your gossip buddy.
As tempting as it may be to train with your best friend or the friend you spend hours upon hours with sipping tea and chatting, don’t do it! Neither of you will benefit from turning your workout session into a gabbing session.
- He actually wants to train.
Avoid twisting your friend’s arm to be your training buddy. If they really have no interest in training and don’t have fitness goals, let them be! An effective training buddy doesn’t always have to be super motivated to exercise, but a general interest and intention must be present.
- She’s willing to invest in her health.
What do we mean by that? Don’t let the blind lead the blind: sounds harsh, but it’s true. Unless one of you is a certified fitness trainer, you should have a professional design a program for the both of you. Do it right and ask the pros!
There you have it! Let the courting begin! <3
