Finding A Reliable Partner for Your Workout
Finding A Reliable Partner for Your Workout
A good workout partner can motivate you to push your limits and achieve better results. This person should be someone who makes you feel comfortable, someone who has the same goals as you do and is able to go all the way through with you. Before deciding on your workout buddy, here are some things.
Are best friends best workout partners too?
If you’re in need of a workout partner, probably the first person you’re going to turn to is your best friend. Seems logical, but is it really the best option? The fact that you share everything and enjoy spending time together doesn’t mean that you are the perfect workout combo. A good relationship with a workout partner requires a certain level of competitiveness, which isn’t usually the case between best friends. Also, your best friend may not be so keen on exercising, but still wants to be supportive, so they won’t take it too hard if you decide to let them off the hook.
Look for someone with the same goals
The ideal workout partners are people who share the same goals. If you want to lose weight, having a workout partner who wants to gain muscles won’t be very productive for either of you. Losing weight is best achieved by doing cardio work while gaining muscles involves lifting weights. You can compromise and do some of both, but by doing so you may lose a lot of time on some exercises that aren’t helpful and only prolong your way to success. Making sure that your workout partner is focused on the same things as you are will facilitate your progress.
Find a workout intensity that works for both of you
Having a workout partner who trains with the same intensity as you do may produce the best results. Someone who’s taking a light approach to exercising may slow you down, while someone who’s fitter than you might make you try harder and push your limits, but they can also impose a rhythm that’s impossible to follow and may make you want to give up. The golden middle is what you should strive for, as it will enable both you and your partner to accomplish your goals.
A joint start
Being equally skilled can be extremely beneficial and time-saving for you and your workout partner. Having the same level of skills means that you both start from scratch and improve your abilities together. On the other hand, if you have more experience and skills than your partner, you may need to spend a lot of time explaining what they need to do and neglect your own training.
Make a timetable that suits both of you
All of this is of no use if you don’t have time to train together. If you’re not able to synchronise your schedules, you may feel tempted to miss out a session because your partner can’t make it when you’re free. Also, if you are a morning person, don’t team up with someone who prefers to sleep longer and exercise later. Similarly, if evening hours work best for you, don’t settle for someone who’s an early bird. Be sure to make a schedule that’s suitable for both of you. Otherwise, you may grow tired and lose the will for training.
Consider your dog as a workout companion
If you wish to take up jogging, your four-legged friend might be the best company. Apart from running, you can also cycle, walk, go rollerblading or even engage in a go-fetch game with your dog. However, if you’re into extreme sports, your loyal companion won’t be able to keep up. Fortunately, your dog doesn’t have to be alone while you’re pumping the adrenaline in the great outdoors. There are plenty of reliable pet boarding services where you can leave your dog and go training worry-free.
We often lack the time and will to exercise, but as with everything in life, it’s easier to work out if you have someone to keep you company. Use these tips to ensure a win-win workout combination and accomplish your training goals together.