Training Partners

All great things are rare.  This is so true with regards to training partners.  If you are fortunate enough to train consistently with a partner, you are very lucky.  Why are training partners so important?

•     Training partners provide a team mentality:
- You may not want to get up and do conditioning on a Saturday morning but if you know your partner is counting on you, you will do it.
•    Technical advice:
-You may want to believe you got low enough on your squat, but only a good training partner can validate that.
•    Competition:
-Nothing pushes you to new heights like competing with a worthy training partner.
•    Two heads are better than one:
-Devise new and innovative training plans by sharing ideas and utilizing each other’s training concepts.  Experiment and learn together.

What qualities to look for in a partner?

•    Character and Commitment.  I once had a training partner honoring his religious beliefs which prevented him from eating for drinking anything from sun-up to sun-down; He still pushed himself through every session. 
•    Honesty.  Training partners need to be able to be straight with each other.  One needs to be open to hearing straight talk on technique and effort at all times.  
•    Consistency.  Good training partners need to show-up and train hard even when they are not feeling 100%.
•    Positive Attitude.  Training should be an uplifting experience filled with positive energy; No room for negative talk or body language when you are trying to improve.

Now you know the importance of having a great training partner, as well as the traits of a great partner; Remember finding a great training partner is only half the battle, you also have to be one.  If both partners can keep up their end of the bargain (which not easy and too often short-lived), you will accomplish great things.