Why having a workout partner makes a difference

Camille Schwartz

It’s finally November and papers are due, the weather is cold, and the collective motivation to stay on campus is at an all time low.  If you’re like me during this time of the year, you most likely know that you should workout, but struggle to find the motivation.

So how do we begin holding ourselves accountable to work out during a season where most of us would rather stay in our pajamas than change into our workout attire?

I have found that having a workout partner can make the difference between skipping out on the gym or engaging in a fun and effective workout.

Here are some exercises you can do with a friend in the gym to keep you motivated during the holiday season:

1) Partner wall squat (two sets x 15 reps) — First partner presses back against the wall in a wall sit position.  Second partner puts their hands on the first partners knee’s and does 15 triceps push-ups (note: when you do the assisted tricep push up, you should be facing away from your partner with your elbows tucked in. After one set is complete, the partners will exchange roles.  Repeat twice.

2) Partner squats (two sets x 15 reps) — For this exercise, you will need two flexible workout rubber bands.  Each partner grabs the ends of both rubber bands and stands far enough apart so that the rubber band is stretched as far as it can go.

While maintaining the grip on the rubber bands, both partners will enter a squat position and simultaneously pull the ends of the rubber band to the side of their oblique for 15 reps (strengthens shoulders and back). Repeat twice.

3) Push-up plank high fives — Each partner should lay an arm’s length across from each other while they do 8 push-ups.  After pushups are completed, each partner will get in a plank position and give each other 8 high fives with opposite hands (should remain in plank position and limit core movement).

So the next time you feel sluggish and unmotivated to workout, call up a friend and try out these exercises at the gym to add a little spice to your workout routine.

Camille Schwartz is a writer for the Voice and can be reached for comment at CSchwartz14@wooster.edu. She writes a blog, which can be found at consciousindulgence.blogspot.com.