
Unless you like to go it alone, a good training partner can make a world of difference to your exercise routine. It’s one of the best methods to stay motivated and make your exercise more enjoyable. It can also help to have someone who depends on you, especially on those days when you don’t feel like training. You may even push yourself harder than you would normally push yourself alone. Another bonus is that a training partner can make it possible to participate in activities that you might not be able to undertake by yourself. For example, you can play tennis together, spot each other with heavier weights at the gym, or hire a double canoe. Training partners are a bit like a personal trainer, where they help you stay on track. But what makes up a good training partner? Some important qualities include:
It’s important to remember that if you are seeking these qualities in others, you need to offer them yourself. Set a good example as a training partner, and others will follow. Setting goals together is also important. Make a plan for what you both want to achieve, and how you’re going to achieve it. That plan may also work best if you include a combination of solo training sessions, and training sessions with your exercise buddy.
Do you prefer to exercise with a friend, or on your own? Do good friends make good training partners? Do you have a good training partner? What type of activities do you think work best with a training partner?