How To Choose The Right Workout Partner

Posted on Jan 12, 2009 by Andrew in General Health & Fitness, Proper exercise form .

I talk about workout partners a lot but I’ve never done a post on how to pick the right workout partner. Remember, we’re talking about getting a partner for whenever you are lifting heavy weights, not just for the gym. It’s always important to have someone spot you whenever you workout, at home or at the gym. So today we’re going to take a look at some of the important components for what make an ideal workout partner.

Sharing The Same Schedule

This is a big one. If someone has a different schedule, it’s just going to be more hassle than it’s worth. Picking someone you work with or someone who has the same hours at the office is always a good way to go. If you live in opposite directions, carpool from the office to the gym and you’ll be helping the environment in the process! Or even better, walk to the gym with each other!

Sharing The Same Goals

This one isn’t a necessity, but it does help. If one person is trying to lose weight and the other is trying to get super muscles, it might not be a great match. Plus, if your partner is lifting so heavy that you can’t even handle the weight, it will pose a risk to both you and your partner.

Sharing The Same Dedication

You may not think that this is important, but if you partner up with someone who is wishy-washy about staying in shape, you may be hindering yourself and your gains. Think about it. If you get in the groove of only going to the gym when you’re partner goes, you’ll be dragging yourself down to their dedication, and that’s no good! So pick someone that is motivated!

Also, make sure that your spotter is someone that you can trust. You don’t want your spotter to be wandering around like in the pic when you’re trying to lift heavy!

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Tags: exercise partners, fitness, health, how to choose the right workout partner, Nutrition, picking a good spotter, picking the right workout partner

3 Responses to “How To Choose The Right Workout Partner”

Tom Parker - Free Fitness Tips

Jan 12, 2009

11:38 pm

I think the third point is an excellent one. I find another problem with having a less dedicated workout partner is that even when they do turn up they always want to go home early, skip exercises etc. This can be really distracting and spoil your entire workout because instead of concentrating on your exercise you have to convince them to stay for the full session.

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- Andrew
  
  Jan 13, 2009
  
  8:25 am
  
  So true. It’s hard to find that great balance in a workout partner. You can always go for someone who is in great shape first, that way you will know that they at least work at it.
  
  All the Best,
  
  Andrew
  
  Reply to this comment
Chuck Tizzle

Jan 17, 2009

10:52 am

The dedication factor is the most important. If that is not there, the other ones don’t matter. If you have got a spotter that is dedicated, the other ones fall into place.

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