Over the last 25 years I have done a lot of workouts… too many to count. I would say I’m fit. 40 years old this year, ex pro athlete, 20 years as a personal trainer. Workout 5-6x/week, 8-10% body fat, play completive sports 2-3x/week. I have done a lot of workouts alone with my headphones in and had a lot of very effective ones that way, but I have done a lot more workouts in a team setting, or with a buddy. I can say that this way you train harder, work faster, less rest time, left heavier and enjoy it more. Just having somebody standing there with you. 1 extra set of eyes will make you do that extra rep or add 5lbs more to the bar. That little bit of motivation adds up over the years and can be the difference in your body transformation over a lifetime.
Not only do I see this in my own training as I have progressed as a Personal Trainer over the last 20 years, but I have also seen it in my clients. I now do 85% small group training. I can see the difference in clients’ attitudes, work ethic and willingness to suffer that little bit more when others are suffering around them. “Misery loves Company!” has become a popular saying in our gym. I love seeing my clients challenge each other to push a little harder knowing the feeling that they got when pushed. I love it when I hear “You can do a little more!” or “let’s do 1 more set!”
Some more added benefits of training in a group or with a partner are:
- Accountability- The same as with a trainer, you are more likely to show up if somebody is waiting for you at the gym.
- Varied Workouts- 2 heads are better than 1. If you start doing somebody else’s workouts it may break your plateau or get you to try something out of your comfort zone.
- Friendship- Time with somebody else to share thoughts, feelings, work through life problems.
- Knowledge- The more different workout partners you train with in your lifetime the more knowledge you will consume on working out. I have learned so much from my past training partners that I still use to this day. How you do something may not be wrong, but there is always another level to it. You can always make something harder or more challenging. Taking yourself out of your comfort zone may be the best thing you ever do.
“Insanity – is doing something the same way but expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein
Get out of your comfort zone and go find a gym buddy or trainer!
Thank me later.
Coach Murph