2/1/2015
There are two types of people when it comes to training; the ones that have to have a training partner and those that prefer to train on their own. During different times as an endurance athlete I have been both. In the beginning, starting out I didn’t know anyone to train with and did not know the difference. Then I met some great athletes and began to absolutely love training with people. After having a baby, I was back to training alone, inside, on most days. Now I am lucky enough to train with my EnJoy Fitness athletes.
Having trained with people and alone, I think they both can be great for different reasons. Training alone is more convenient because you do not have to worry about anyone else’s pace or schedule. You can just workout and think about your life, challenges and dilemmas without anyone disturbing you. This is a great time to solve all your problems. Sometimes the best stress relief is just going out for a hard solo run or going to the gym for an intense workout.
On the flip side, having the perfect training partner is irreplaceable. Those cold mornings when you do not want to get out of bed or you have had a long day at work and the last thing you want to do is go to the gym; that training partner is there to not only encourage you, but make it fun. Some of my best runs are not because of the pace or distance I hit but the laughs and conversation I had along the way. It is that bond you create with someone during the hard work and sweat of a great workout. That can make a workout go from good on your own to great when shared with someone.
With my job I am blessed to get to share these moments every day with my athletes. I love how two people meet during a track workout and now have a training partner for long runs as well. I love the laughs we all have and how it really makes fitness fun. Now don’t get me wrong, I still need that alone time on the trainer and that solo run, occasionally, to clear my head. Sometimes putting on headphones and killing a workout at the gym is just what I need, but seeing how people EnJoy Fitness with others is definitely priceless.