A Stanford University study revealed that people who train with a partner, whether it be a significant other, a friend or a colleague, increase their chances of success by 95 percent, as opposed to 43 percent for those who attempt to tackle a new workout routine on their own.
Recognizing that their members are more likely to be successful when working out in pairs, The Atlantic Club offers a Partner Training membership special that allows members to workout with a buddy. Bryant Edwards, a personal trainer at The Atlantic Club, highlights the benefits and challenges of implementing a partner-training program.
CS: Overall, what are the advantages of working out with a partner?
BE: There are numerous advantages to working out with a partner, the first and foremost being you automatically up your success rate to 95 percent because you add in the accountability factor. Knowing that someone else is going to be at the gym waiting for you and relying on you is a huge motivator and provides a big boost to why you succeed. When you are working out with someone you are less likely to hold back. You will get more out of your workout because you are pushing each other and not just yourself.
CS: Are there any disadvantages?
BE: The disadvantage is that life happens and if your partner does not show up or forgets to tell you that they can’t make it, you are standing there waiting for them. That would really be the only downside. Some may say that if the clients are at two different levels or strengths then that could be a disadvantage, but as a trainer you can easily work around that and still have them both working out at a level that is going to be challenging for them.
CS: From a trainer’s perspective, are there any challenges to working with two people instead of one?
BE: The challenge to working with two, three or more people is that you have to be able to either progress or de-gress the clients, as they need. Plus when you factor in injuries or limitations you have to be able to work around both partners’ issues and still provide a quality workout. Being able to adapt to each person is key. Adjust exercises depending on what each of them needs. They will still get a quality workout and be challenged, just at different levels.
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Emily Harbourne is the former assistant editor of Club Solutions Magazine.
