The Importance of a Workout Buddy

By Shannon Clark B Sc, MA   |   20 September 2017 

As you go about your workout session, it’s important to get a number of things in place. You need to be selecting the best exercises to utilise on your workout program, you need to know how many reps and sets to do of each exercise, and you need to dial in your rest periods so that you can create the metabolic effect you’re looking for.

Seems like a lot, right?

Well once you’ve gotten these in place, don’t think you’re done yet. There’s one other thing you want to consider for your workout program: a workout buddy.


Why is having a workout buddy so important?

Let’s look at how one can help you take your progress from good to great.


Consistency

First, a workout buddy is going to help you stay consistent with your workout program. If you know that someone else is depending on you to show up to the gym, you’ll be less likely to skip that session in favour of staying home and watching TV or doing something else that at the time, seems more appealing.

Those who workout with a partner add a social element to their workout session, thus usually making it more enjoyable and making it more likely they stay the course over time.

The important thing here though is that you must choose a workout buddy who is as serious as you. You don’t want to be the one on the other end of someone not showing up on you!


Motivation

The next way a workout buddy can help you with your progress is by providing a dose of motivation. When they’re helping you out with your heavy set and you get to that last rep and want to quit, having them encourage you to keep pushing may just do the trick to get you over that edge and hit that new PR.

Don’t underestimate the difference this can make. Those who regularly train with a partner tend to see better overall strength progression than those who don’t.

Also added to this is the fact that having them there to spot you means you can feel more confident lifting that heavier weight load.


Form Check

A workout buddy is also important for helping you better monitor your form. Make no mistake about it, proper form during a workout is an absolute must. Too many people let their form slip, often without even realizing it.

You may feel like you’re doing the exercise properly, but if you take a step back and really look at it, you’ll come to see that you are in fact not. Having an extra set of eyes looking at you while you do your sets can help you spot these form issues before you wind up injured.

Sometimes it’s just too hard to recognize them yourself.


Increased Enjoyment Factor

Finally, the last reason to consider getting yourself workout buddy is simply because they’ll make your workouts and the entire process more enjoyable. When you have someone to share the good times – the PR’s you hit and the results you achieve, it makes them that much more satisfying. Both of you know the hard work that went into doing that and they can help celebrate with you rather than you celebrating in private on your own.

One of the biggest reasons many people fail to reach their fitness goals is because they just don’t keep up with their workout sessions. Anything you can do to ensure you do stay on track is therefore going to help push you forward. A workout buddy can do just that.

So don’t forget this important part of planning your fitness routine. Do you have your workout buddy in place yet?

 

...and remember, qualified nutritionists at Healthy Being are available to offer further general advice to help guide you in selecting the right products. So please, feel free to contact us at anytime!


Shannon Clark is a qualified nutritionist and a regular contributor to HB Insights. She specialises in weight control and management as well as optimal fitness performance. She's devoted to helping readers obtain their own personal best health and fitness and stays on top the latest trends in the industry.


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