When people have the same fitness goals and are more or less at the same level, training with someone or in a group can be extremely helpful. It is when one person stops getting any benefit from the group training that problems can crop up. Here is a quick list of the pros and cons of training with others.
The Pros
Motivation, Advice and Fun
Motivation is the number one, biggest, bestest reason to train with other people. Think back to any team sport you were involved in, it could have been hockey or track. The point is this, other people were counting on you, or they were cheering you on, or maybe, competing with you.
It doesn’t matter which, being held accountable by others or letting down your friend makes your excuses seem weak, and forces you to take a break from online slots for real money in Canada and get moving.
No matter the sport it is always useful, though not always welcome, to have someone there that can assist you with your form and technique. This is true for everything from yoga to weight lifting, and can save you from an injury that stops you from reaching your goals.
Fun, whether its hysterical laughter about the fact that riding a bike is not actually like riding a bike, or just a chance to catch up with a friend. Fun makes even the most painful training a little easier to bear. Plus, there’s the added bonus of someone to join you for your post workout super smoothie.
The Cons
Speed, Duration and Activity of Choice
As soon as you start training with other people, those three things are going to change. You will no longer be able to set the pace without consultation, the duration will both increase and decrease (we will explain shortly), and you won’t be able to dictate the activity.
Unless you and your training partner or partners are at a similar fitness level, the speed at which you train for certain sports is going to be set by the less fit individual. Why? Because if it is set by you, you will be training alone, having left your buddy in your dust.
If you are training in something like weights you will end up sharing a piece of equipment which means your work out is going to take twice as long. You can’t press and spot at the same time.
Let’s explain the duration dilemma. Training with someone else will extend the time it takes to complete an individual activity, and potentially decrease the amount of time you are able to train based on your partners limitations.
We are assuming that you like your training partner, therefore, unless you are only focusing on one exercise you cannot dictate the activities. Because that would be mean, and nobody likes the mean kid.
The Conclusion
None of the cons are insurmountable issues and you really cannot replace the motivation and fun factor.
So, if you fairly plan what you will be doing in advance, agree to some ground rules regarding commitment, pace, and durations, you really should get all the benefits without destroying the friendship.
The biggest bonus? You and all your friends will be healthy, thin and monumentally more attractive than couch potatoes.
