Having a workout partner or ‘swolemate’ can provide numerous benefits to improve your fitness routine and help you achieve your goals. A workout partner can hold you accountable and provide motivation to show up and put in the effort, especially on days when you may not feel like working out. The guilt of letting your partner down can be a very strong motivator! Other benefits are:
Safer workouts – Exercising with a partner, especially for activities like weightlifting, can be safer as they can provide a spotter and help prevent injuries.
Variety and friendly competition – A workout partner can introduce you to new exercises and activities, keeping your routine fresh and fun. A little friendly competition can also push you to work harder.
Celebration and social benefits – Achieving fitness goals is more rewarding when you have someone to celebrate with.
Working out with a friend also provides an opportunity to socialise and take a break from daily responsibilities (win/win!).
Key tips for working out effectively with a partner are:
- Compatibility: Choose someone with similar fitness goals, experience level and scheduling availability – this will ensure that you can work together productively.
- Set ground rules and expectations: Speak about your goals, preferred workout styles, pet peeves and communication preferences before working out together.
- Plan workouts: Discuss frequency and types of workouts ahead of time to stay on the same page.
- Take turns: Alternate who plans the workout to keep things fresh and try new activities.
- Communicate – verbally: Be clear and direct – don’t be afraid to speak up if something is bothering you or if you need to adjust a workout. Provide constructive feedback in a respectful way.
- Communicate – listen: Pay attention to your partners needs and respond accordingly, whether that’s providing encouragement or backing off. Good communication is a two-way street.
- Communicate (but about workouts): Avoid excessive personal discussions during workouts and save lengthy personal conversations for before or after the workout to keep the focus on the exercise.
- Communicate (conflict): Resolve conflicts quickly if any issues or disagreements arise, address them calmly and work to find a compromise – don’t let problems fester.
- Encouragement and accountability: Motivate each other but avoid over-coaching. Compliment your partners efforts and progress to boost motivation and moral – a little encouragement can go a long way! Use the partnership to stay motivated and on track.
- Focus on proper form: Safety should be the top priority when doing partner exercises – don’t try risky moves to show off!
- Celebrate progress together: Working out with a partner makes achieving goals more rewarding – enjoy the social and celebratory aspects.
By following these tips, you can maximise the benefits of having a workout buddy, you can build a strong, productive and enjoyable, productive fitness partnership.
Overall, finding the right workout partner who shares your goals and commitment level can significantly enhance your fitness journey through increased motivation, safety, variety and social support.
Ideas on how you can adjust to different workout styles or preferences are:
- Start slowly: Try not to completely overhaul your routine all at once, gradually incorporate new activities or styles into your existing workout schedule – this will allow your body and mind to adapt more easily.
- Focus on the fundamentals: No matter the workout style, make sure that you have the proper form and technique down for basic exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups etc – this foundation will help you transition between workouts.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to how your body responds to new activities. Some workouts may not be a good fit for your current fitness level or any injuries/limitations you have – don’t be afraid to modify or try something else.
- Embrace the discomfort: Trying new things can feel awkward or challenging at first. Approach it with an open mind and be patient with yourself as you get used to the different demands on your body.
- Adjust your expectations: Your performance may dip when switching to a new workout style. Avoid comparing yourself to your partner and focus on progress over time rather than immediate results.
- Schedule variety: Alternate between your usual workouts and new activities to keep your body guessing and prevent plateaus – this variety will also help maintain your motivation.
By easing into new workout styles with your partner and adjusting your workout mindset, you can successfully expand your fitness horizons and continue making progress.
Overall, finding the right workout partner who shares your goals and commitment level can significantly enhance your fitness journey through increased motivation, safety, variety and social support.
A Personal Trainer is an investment in your health and well-being that can lead to long-term positive effects on your fitness, confidence, and overall health. PT Hale prides itself on being a social and safe space where you can work out individually, or with like-minded people to get the results that you want and deserve – LET’S GO!
