Two Day Magazine

I am fortunate enough to have a girlfriend who likes to work out.

Blessed even!  And there have been several times where we like to work out together. We also play tennis, and often times do our sprint work together, as well. But my normal training partner is my friend and fellow trainer, Gary Ruttan.

It is so nice to have a great training partner. We are able to push each other to limits we probably would not reach on our own.  It also makes the workout more enjoyable as a whole. There are many great reasons to train with a partner. And for those of you who want to train with your significant other, there can be many great benefits to that, as well.

I would have to say the first big reason is arguably the greatest reason, as well: Accountability. When one person does not want to work out, the other one most likely will. And vice versa. You'll probably workout more often and miss fewer workouts when you work out with your partner.

Motivation. Sometimes, even though you made it to the gym, you don't have much motivation to actually perform the exercises. Having your own partner there can motivate you to achievements you may not have reached on your own.  And let’s not forget, men, trying to impress your lady! A newer, blossoming relationship can be plenty of motivation.

When a partner is present, you have an extra set of eyes which should mean your exercise is done more Safely and Correctly.  I am fortunate enough that when I work out with Gary I know he can help correct something in my posture or in the execution of the lift we are doing if I'm doing it wrong. You may not have that same luxury of having a personal trainer as your partner, but having someone – anyone – watching can help ensure that you lift more safely and more properly which in turn will yield greater results.

Many of the training sessions that I do are done in a semi-private manner which is up to three people. My clients tell me they love this, and one reason they do is because of the social interaction they receive. They have grown strong bonds and even friendships while working out together. Working out with your partner can be another area that you can Grow Together as a couple - especially if you don't get to spend much time together. Conversely, if it adds stress to your life and your workout, having an annoying and obnoxious training partner can be a huge distraction.

So I recommend working out as a couple when it’s appropriate. I have my training sessions with Gary where we lift similar weights so there are not many adjustments there. We also have similar goals. A man and woman may not. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t work out together.  I think you need to understand each other and respect the time and space.  When all of that is in order, it can be a great experience.

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Like this article? Check out other great fitness tips from Phil Gephart:

     The Positive Effects of Working Out

     Men: How to Get Arms of Steel

Check out Phil Gephart's website which is full of great workout tips HERE

About Phil Gephart: 

Phil Gephart is a certified personal trainer with a Master's Degree (MS) in Exercise Science with a focus in Coaching & Athletic Administration, received in 2009 from Concordia University in beautiful Irvine, California. Phil’s passion for fitness is reflected in his involvement in sports throughout his life—in high school, he played basketball, baseball and soccer, in college he continued playing basketball and soccer. Phil also played basketball professionally for five years.