In my 14 years working as a personal trainer one of the largest barriers I see to people’s success is a lack of motivation. Pretty much everyone these days understands the importance of exercise and physical activity for health, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anyone who says otherwise, but even with this knowledge there are still people who can’t light that fire under their butts to get off the couch.
Now there are numerous strategies to improve motivation and adherence but one of my favorite is the partner, or “doubles”, training session. At Function Health Club we offer doubles training as part of our personal training service where 2 people can train together with one trainer at the same time. Here is why I like it:
If Offers Variety and Novelty Let’s face it, the same old routine can get a bit stale. The body thrives when a variety of stimuli are thrown at it. Well adding a partner into your training session opens the doors to a whole new world of exercise possibilities: These could include towing exercises where one partner pulls along the other one. They could also involve throwing exercises where partners have to toss implements like medicine balls back and forth to each other. How about using each other as the resistance and even as the equipment? Pushing and pulling against one another’s resistance can be a very effective way to train.
It’s Fun and Social Humans are social creatures. Being around others in a fun environment can make us feel really good. And when we’re having fun and feeling good, we want more. Suddenly instead of being boring and tiresome, exercise is associated with something positive. The sessions where I laugh the most are doubles sessions because it’s very social. People are shouting out encouragement at each other and keeping things light with funny comments and playful behavior. I can honestly say that training in this way fulfills so much of my social outlet that work feels more like play.
It Offers Support and Keeps You Accountable Getting to the gym suddenly seems a lot more important when you know someone else is waiting for you there. Having a buddy who shows up to support you during your training will definitely motivate you to hold up your end of the bargain and make sure you’re there to support them. Doubles sessions offer a team-like atmosphere with lots of encouragement. Clients support each other with shouts and claps. Having a community around you that supports you is one of the most important keys to success.
For the month of February Function Health Club is offering a great deal on partner training. Purchase as many doubles sessions as you would like for only $69.00! Our lowest rate for these types of sessions in the past has been $72.00 if you purchase 36 sessions all at once. But from now until Feb 29th you can purchase doubles sessions at the new lower rate with no minimum number restrictions. Buy one or buy 20, they’re all only $69.00!
Contact us today to sign up for this special offer!
Besides being a regular contributor to the Function Health Club blog, Jeff Doyle is also the co-owner of Function Health Club as well as a Personal Trainer, BCRPA Trainer of Fitness Leaders, Agatsu Kettlebell Instructor and Older Adult Wellness Practitioner. He also has a Bachelor of Human Kinetics. You can contact Jeff directly at jeff@functionhealthclub.com
