The buddy system

Do you remember back in elementary school when you always had to have your buddy....whether it was in line going to lunch...or going to the bathroom...or even going to the library? Your buddy was there to keep you safe and to help you if you got lost...in the same way a buddy in the weight room is very important. A buddy in the weight room is there to push you...to keep you going when you have that day that no matter what you cant seem to get motivated...your buddy is there to tell you to get off your ass and get going.

In the past two years I have gone through about six different people for various reasons, some have moved away, some got new jobs, but most just quit on me because it was to hard. There is only one time that I would suggest working out alone....if you ever feel that you need to lower the intensity of your workout to compensate for someone else. You can workout with someone who is not on your level without sacrificing your intensity...but the second they start to pull you down....GET OUT!!!

I can not stress how important it is that to be able to explain to others what you want or need from something or someone you first have to be able to clearly define it within. To find the right workout partner you have to know what you want. What I look for is someone that knows my breaking point, someone that automatically know when they need to jump in to help me hit that last rep, and most of all...someone that will put themselves through hell in the weight room just to see me have to do the same. 

Its not one of those things that happens right away. Like any relationship it takes time to develop, I have found that  the relationship usually extends past the weight room once you find it. But the biggest thing to look for is someone that will continuously push you. Lets be honest...we all have those days where we will think of anything to avoid working out...your buddy has to be able to see through the bullshit and tell you to get going. Thankfully I have found someone who beats the crap out of me and someone I beat the crap out of every time we hit the weights...thanks Mikey!!!

But lets not forget the support outside of the weight room. The support for people you dont see everyday. My big brother Patrick "The Manimal" Barnes is a bodybuilder and a huge inspiration in my journey. As I stated before "my big brother" I look at him as if he were blood...but here is the kicker.......I have only met him in person once. He has been a constant flow of support and that is what everyone needs. Thanks bro! I am also lucky enough to be surrounded by an army of personal trainers at the Y that have helped me out every step of the way. Thanks guys!

So my goal for you is to define what you want in a workout buddy and find one.
Just remember....pain is only temporary, glory lasts for ever, and chicks dig scars.

Disclaimer: 

I am not a medical professional, I am not a certified nutritionist or personal trainer. I am just one person who enjoys helping others by sharing his life experiences. Results may vary.