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Workout Tips

5 Tips for Finding a Training Partner in College

Follow these five steps to ensure you have a buddy to hit the gym with during your down time.

by Manuel Alvarado, College of Staten Island ​
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5 Tips for Finding a Training Partner in College

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1 of 6

Campus muscle trianing partner 1

Get a Training Partner Now

We all love the extra motivation that comes from having a good swolemate at the gym. Who doesn’t love the motivation of a spotter on the bench press yelling, “come on man, one more rep?”In several ways, a training partner can help us not only keep our physique in shape, but both gym rats will learn discipline from one another. If you are a college student and you’re at the campus gym looking for a training partner, here are a few things you can do.

Back to the College Blogger Home>>>

2 of 6

bench press spotter

No. 5: The “Can I Work In With You?” Method

This method is a perfect way to not only perform your workout, but also to have a preview workout with your potential sweatmate. For example, if both of you are working out chest, but all the chest machines are being used, ask if you can work in with the individual while he/she takes the short recovery. Then, you switch and rest while the other person works in his/her sets. Even if you are using one piece of equipment with a stranger, if he/she sees you struggling, the individual will most likely spot you (if necessary) and help you finish your reps. 

3 of 6

Campus muscle training partner 2

No. 4: Acknowledge Their Physique

If you see that the individual is at the campus fitness center working their butt off, have a light conversation with them about their techniques and goals. Ask them for tips and advice. Perhaps they might ask you for advice as well. Learn about each other’s methods to make sure you like each other’s routines in the first place. You don’t have to schedule a training session the first time you meet them. Just make it known that you share a similar passion for fitness.

4 of 6

Campus muscle 3

No. 3: Just Get To Know Them

In any situation, in order to connect to somebody, you must talk to them and find out each other’s interests.  After a few days of conversation and finding out if you have the same fitness goals, you should exchange contact information. Keep in touch and maybe once or twice a week, ask if you can work out with them. Obtaining a training partner doesn’t just happen overnight. 

5 of 6

The Problem With Fitness Wearables

No. 2: Drop the Slackers

Now, when it comes to friends bailing on workouts, they obviously don’t think of fitness as serious as you do. If they don’t want to put in the hard work and dedication with you that’s fine; you can’t force anyone to do anything. However, if you’re serious about fitness, and you need a partner, then you have to find a new training buddy.There’s nothing wrong with training alone, but college opens up many training partner opportunities, some of which may turn into something more than just training at the school fitness center. 

6 of 6

The Ultimate Metal/Hardcore Workout Playlist

No. 1: Keep It to Three

We love to bring our Alpha-squad into the gym, but we are in the gym to train, not waste time. The ideal workout team is three, and even that might be a little much. Each partner has to put in their sets, so the waiting time for everybody’s sets will be longer. While targeting a specific muscle, your rest times between sets should be under a minute if you really want to burn fat. Additionally, more than three people could result in distractions or deep conversations that should be saved for the night out. Manuel Alvarado is a Junior Communications major at the College of Staten Island. ​

BECOME A COLLEGE BLOGGER

Want to share your best health and fitness advice to college students around the world? Submit your writing for a chance to become a M&F College Blogger HERE. Be sure to check out the M&F College Blogs for campus inspiration!

Back to the College Blogger Home>>>

Back to intro

Get a Training Partner Now

We all love the extra motivation that comes from having a good swolemate at the gym. Who doesn’t love the motivation of a spotter on the bench press yelling, “come on man, one more rep?”

In several ways, a training partner can help us not only keep our physique in shape, but both gym rats will learn discipline from one another. If you are a college student and you’re at the campus gym looking for a training partner, here are a few things you can do.

Back to the College Blogger Home>>>

No. 5: The “Can I Work In With You?” Method

This method is a perfect way to not only perform your workout, but also to have a preview workout with your potential sweatmate. For example, if both of you are working out chest, but all the chest machines are being used, ask if you can work in with the individual while he/she takes the short recovery. Then, you switch and rest while the other person works in his/her sets. Even if you are using one piece of equipment with a stranger, if he/she sees you struggling, the individual will most likely spot you (if necessary) and help you finish your reps. 

No. 4: Acknowledge Their Physique

If you see that the individual is at the campus fitness center working their butt off, have a light conversation with them about their techniques and goals. Ask them for tips and advice. Perhaps they might ask you for advice as well. Learn about each other’s methods to make sure you like each other’s routines in the first place. You don’t have to schedule a training session the first time you meet them. Just make it known that you share a similar passion for fitness.

No. 3: Just Get To Know Them

In any situation, in order to connect to somebody, you must talk to them and find out each other’s interests.  After a few days of conversation and finding out if you have the same fitness goals, you should exchange contact information. Keep in touch and maybe once or twice a week, ask if you can work out with them. Obtaining a training partner doesn’t just happen overnight. 

No. 2: Drop the Slackers

Now, when it comes to friends bailing on workouts, they obviously don’t think of fitness as serious as you do. If they don’t want to put in the hard work and dedication with you that’s fine; you can’t force anyone to do anything. However, if you’re serious about fitness, and you need a partner, then you have to find a new training buddy.

There’s nothing wrong with training alone, but college opens up many training partner opportunities, some of which may turn into something more than just training at the school fitness center. 

No. 1: Keep It to Three

We love to bring our Alpha-squad into the gym, but we are in the gym to train, not waste time. The ideal workout team is three, and even that might be a little much. Each partner has to put in their sets, so the waiting time for everybody’s sets will be longer. While targeting a specific muscle, your rest times between sets should be under a minute if you really want to burn fat. Additionally, more than three people could result in distractions or deep conversations that should be saved for the night out. 

Manuel Alvarado is a Junior Communications major at the College of Staten Island. ​

BECOME A COLLEGE BLOGGER

Want to share your best health and fitness advice to college students around the world? Submit your writing for a chance to become a M&F College Blogger HERE. Be sure to check out the M&F College Blogs for campus inspiration!

Back to the College Blogger Home>>>


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  • Build Muscle
  • Strength Training
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Written by Manuel Alvarado, College of Staten Island ​
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