3 Things You Can Do to Be a Better Training Partner
There are plenty of things that help successful workouts take shape. From barbells to kettlebells, sweat-wicking gym shorts
to your deadlift day playlist, all of these things help us give it our
all. One unsung hero of the workout is the training partner. While there
is something to be said for the solace of working out alone, a partner
can truly help optimize workouts—as long as they’re purposeful,
motivating and genuinely helpful. Are you being the best training
partner? Here are a few tips to aid you in helping your partner more
effectively.
Spot with a Purpose
For most, they think of their workout partner as their lifeline. They’re there to make sure that one doesn’t get into trouble when bench pressing. While a workout partner does so much more, spotting is a big part of the role, so you need to ensure you’re doing it right. We’ve all been there; you’re going for a big one-rep max, the bar is moving slowly, albeit moving upward when your partner yanks it from you, essentially yanking away that PR with it.
There’s a fine line between letting your partner eke out the rep and snatching it away from them too early. It takes a trained eye to know when they’re in trouble and when they have the potential to complete the movement. As a rule of thumb, if the bar is moving upward, give them a chance to complete the rep, but stay at the ready to assist in a split second if it stops.
Be Present and Accountable
Spotting is important, but you’re there for more than that. The ideal workout partner is motivating, present in the moment and accountable. After all, there’s nothing worse than showing up to a workout, chugging your pre-workout, hitting the foam roller and getting ready to rumble just for your partner to no-show.
Although less rigid than a personal trainer relationship, both of you depend on each other to show up and be accountable. You don’t want to be left hanging—and neither do they—so be sure to arrive on time with your workout clothes for men or women on and ready to crush it. It also helps to do your homework beforehand. What exercises are on the docket? What are they trying to accomplish? When you both are mentally ready and present, the hard work is halfway done.
Be Mindful of Over-Coaching
Finally, coaching, particularly the amount of coaching given, is what separates the best workout partners from the rest. You don’t want to stay silent when you notice your partner’s knees rotate during a set of squats, but they might not need to know that they aren’t hitting the perfect 90-degree depth in the same breath. We can only process one or two cues at a time, so shouting out every tiny detail at once is bound to get lost in the mix. Focus on the most important priorities (often mistakes that might lead to injury or missed potential) and save the smaller tweaks for a later set. By following these steps, you’re sure to become a more effective, dependable training partner.
About Reebok
Reebok is synonymous with athletic performance and timeless style. For decades, the brand has been the go-to choice for professional and everyday athletes alike, offering the footwear, gym shorts, athletic leggings and more they need to perform at their best. Reebok blends legacy designs with modern innovations that help you stand apart from the crowd while letting your performance speak for itself. On Reebok’s website, you can shop their collection of footwear for practically every activity, from bright white shoes for cross training to dynamic pink shoes for daily errands. Browse the entire Reebok selection of apparel as well for everything from athletic leggings to sports bras, gym shorts and more.
Pick up the Reebok gear you need to elevate your workouts at Reebok.com
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| Gym Shorts |
Spot with a Purpose
For most, they think of their workout partner as their lifeline. They’re there to make sure that one doesn’t get into trouble when bench pressing. While a workout partner does so much more, spotting is a big part of the role, so you need to ensure you’re doing it right. We’ve all been there; you’re going for a big one-rep max, the bar is moving slowly, albeit moving upward when your partner yanks it from you, essentially yanking away that PR with it.
There’s a fine line between letting your partner eke out the rep and snatching it away from them too early. It takes a trained eye to know when they’re in trouble and when they have the potential to complete the movement. As a rule of thumb, if the bar is moving upward, give them a chance to complete the rep, but stay at the ready to assist in a split second if it stops.
Be Present and Accountable
Spotting is important, but you’re there for more than that. The ideal workout partner is motivating, present in the moment and accountable. After all, there’s nothing worse than showing up to a workout, chugging your pre-workout, hitting the foam roller and getting ready to rumble just for your partner to no-show.
Although less rigid than a personal trainer relationship, both of you depend on each other to show up and be accountable. You don’t want to be left hanging—and neither do they—so be sure to arrive on time with your workout clothes for men or women on and ready to crush it. It also helps to do your homework beforehand. What exercises are on the docket? What are they trying to accomplish? When you both are mentally ready and present, the hard work is halfway done.
Be Mindful of Over-Coaching
Finally, coaching, particularly the amount of coaching given, is what separates the best workout partners from the rest. You don’t want to stay silent when you notice your partner’s knees rotate during a set of squats, but they might not need to know that they aren’t hitting the perfect 90-degree depth in the same breath. We can only process one or two cues at a time, so shouting out every tiny detail at once is bound to get lost in the mix. Focus on the most important priorities (often mistakes that might lead to injury or missed potential) and save the smaller tweaks for a later set. By following these steps, you’re sure to become a more effective, dependable training partner.
About Reebok
Reebok is synonymous with athletic performance and timeless style. For decades, the brand has been the go-to choice for professional and everyday athletes alike, offering the footwear, gym shorts, athletic leggings and more they need to perform at their best. Reebok blends legacy designs with modern innovations that help you stand apart from the crowd while letting your performance speak for itself. On Reebok’s website, you can shop their collection of footwear for practically every activity, from bright white shoes for cross training to dynamic pink shoes for daily errands. Browse the entire Reebok selection of apparel as well for everything from athletic leggings to sports bras, gym shorts and more.
Pick up the Reebok gear you need to elevate your workouts at Reebok.com
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