Everyone must be able to compete against themselves once in awhile. You have to test yourself when no one is watching to truly find out what you’re made of- to prove it to yourself and no one else. However, training solo s a skill that takes a lot of experience, knowledge, and motivation- if you want it to be effective. This may work for a select few but most people, athletes especially, must train with others. Finding a good training partner/partners is invaluable in your quest for success.

If you’re an athlete then your training partners are usually your teammates. Our athletes at PowerStrength aren’t all from the same schools but they’re all ‘teammates’ during the workout. After all that’s what training partners are when all is said and done.

If you’re washed-up like me and just train to be awesome then only one consistent training partner is necessary. You don’t have to be best friends with them but certain people mesh better than others in the gym. I used to train alone for a long time and got results- but now I make an effort to train with other people who will help me so I don’t get stuck in a rut. Anyone who has trained long enough has many stories on either training alone or with crappy partners- maybe I’ll share a few another time…

But for now, look below at some guidelines to look for when searching for a partner or group to train with…

-Must be accountable and punctual- they have to show up and show up on time. If they don’t then they don’t view your time, or their training, as a priority- dump them. If you’re slacking, they need to call you on it. You shouldn’t want to let them down- if you’re not going hard then you’re stealing their time as well.

– Must respect the person and their advice in the gym. Hopefully they have some training knowledge in order to watch and help coach you up- this should be a priority but can’t always be met. If not, find a coach who can steer you and your partner(s) in the right direction.

-They’re goal-oriented and have something they’re working towards- whether it be some sort of competition/season or simply a new squat PR.

-Once the workout begins they’re focused. If they’re chatty and distract you then it’s a problem. If they check their phone or have it within reach, accidently drop a weight on it and find a new training partner (don’t apologize).

-Preferably train with someone who is stronger or in better condition than you. This automatically forces you to work harder- unless you don’t have an ounce of competiveness and in that case, why are you reading this site?

-Share in your success- not get jealous or ‘hate’ on your accomplishments or progress. They want to see you succeed just as they want to succeed themselves.

-Don’t whine, complain, or make excuses. Training partners shouldn’t be negative douchebags that ruin your time in the gym with their lame, draining personality.

When you train with someone or a group long enough you develop a strong bond with one another. You understand how to flow in the gym and it makes everything easier and more fun. You become teammates in the gym. Our college football group at PSTS has this quality in spades. Guys who play against each other train together and genuinely want to see one another succeed. We’ve had a dozen athletes train at once and the workout doesn’t lose any intensity (it’s actually higher) because they all know how to flow through the workout and don’t waste time. They all push each other to go beyond what they think they can do- it can get heated at times but no one ever quits!

If you’re just a regular guy looking to get in shape and get the results you’ve always wanted maybe it’s time you find a good training partner, or group, to join to push you to that next level. Just be sure the other members of that group and the coach will hold you accountable.

If you’re an athlete you need to get around other athletes who will motivate you- the big fish in a small pond syndrome must end- it’s not making you better and one day you’ll find out the hard way. Search for other athletes who will help you improve and vice-versa.

Good thing we have plenty of athlete groups and our Blue Collar Training Group to meet these needs! If you need to get to that next level or accomplish your goals then fill out the “Contact Us” page on this site and we will contact you!

Thanks for reading and train hard!

-Mark