Wednesday, Jul. 04, 2012

Drop and give me 30: The benefit of partners

My favorite workout memory has to be training for the half marathon. My goal was to run 10 miles with my running partner. I was in the zone. I had my music turned up and was well rested and hydrated. The run was going great. I felt as that day was a day I was going to set a personal record of running the entire time without stopping.

Around the 5-mile mark, I was startled to see my running partner, who was usually calm and by my side, run across the pavement with her hands in the air while she was screaming at the top of her lungs.

I looked at the ground and saw a snake. So, naturally, I threw my hands up and started running in circles, as well.

Once we both calmed down, we established the small snake was dead and its body was just lying on the ground. Judging by the decay, it had been there for some time.

The rest of the run was energized and today, the thought of us jumping around like a bunch of crazed monkeys keeps that particular run fresh in my mind. My workout partner made that 10-mile experience the best run I have ever had.

Having a workout partner gives you: motivation, accountability, a regular schedule and it will push you to want to do your best every single time.

In my case, every time I worked out with friends I learned how to do something new. May it be a plié squat or my first 5k on the treadmill, being with friends has helped me get through all the difficult firsts I had to overcome.

Here are just a few qualifications you need in your workout partner that will keep the two of you on track:

•Workout partners should be at the same physical level as you. I’ve tried to run with people whose average mile pace was three to four minutes faster than mine. It was motivating, but walking home alone because I literally ate their dust wasn’t fun.

•Workout partners should have the same fitness goals as you. I want to lose weight and become toned. If your goals are to add pounds and cut cardio, then we wouldn’t be a good match.

•Workout partners should be responsible and accountable. I had a workout partner once who cancelled on me several times in a row, so that made it easy for me to cancel on her. We had no accountability towards one another, which meant we were horrible workout partners. Make a note to your workout partner that you will take working out seriously and you will meet them at certain times. Knowing you have to meet someone who is waiting on you will motivate you to get there, as well.

•Workout partners should be positive and motivating. The last thing you want to do is meet a person who complains about the workout, their bodies, the weather or any other random thought that pops up. If you’re doing it right, the workout should be your main focus.

The benefit of working out with designated a workout partner is huge.

The well is not dry when it comes to workout partners — you will just have to step out of your comfort zone and be proactive.

Bill Cosby said, “Decide that you want it more than you are afraid of it.”

So, get out there and meet some people and start moving.