Til Deadlifts Do We Part

Workout partners. When I started my fitness journey, I didn’t fully buy into the whole idea that having someone else to workout with will make you better. I was delusional in my belief that I could push myself hard than anyone else, and that I could do it all on my own. As I have learned, a workout partner is so much more than someone who will keep you accountable or spot you. They are more than just someone who will push you during a workout. They are more than someone who will give you ideas for workouts. They are individuals who see you when you are at your worst and at your best. They are the ones that support you no matter what.

In a previous post, I talked about quality time with quality people. For me, a workout partner is definitely a quality person that I spend my quality time with.  I would say in my life I have 5 workout partners. Today’s post is about my 5 workout partners. Names have not been changed.

1. Tiffany. This name has been mentioned a few times in my blog. Tiffany is more than a workout partner to me. She is my coach.  She is the one that saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself. Tiffany taught me the fundamentals, and continues to remind me when in doubt: go back to the basics. She reminds me that believing in yourself and your abilities are the foundation for health and happiness.
2. Sandy. Sandy has seen me at my absolute worst during a workout. Tears streaming down my face, shouting cuss words, and yet she remained judgement free. She never let my worst sully her opinion of me, because; she also saw me at my absolute best. She knew that me at my worst was a part of the package of being my friend. She knew that me being at my worst has to happen for me to be at my best.
3. Paula. Paula accepts any workout or programming as it stands. She has said “this is going to suck” or “this won’t be so bad,” (only to realize that was a lie). Paula remains positive regardless of what workout is written on the whiteboard. Her positive attitude and willingness to take things in a workout have been a constant reminder for me everyday, accept things as they come and just do the work.
4. Christy. Christy doesn’t seek validation from others. Chirsty puts herself and her health first. If she needs a day off, she takes it, and she won’t care about what you think of her day off.  She never feels guilty for scaling a workout or taking a rest day, because its what she needs. She reminds me why I do this, and that I can’t do this, if I am not taking care of my whole self.
5. Cally. Cally embodies the idea of giving your best. She will give 100% in a workout every time. She is not about the number of reps or how much weight is on the bar, rather; her focus is on the quality of work she puts in. She doesn’t let me get by with subpar work, she has no problem calling me out when I am clearly not doing a workout to my full potential.

Workout partners. In the end they are the individuals that will see you at you worst and best. They are the ones that will go to the dark place with you. They are the ones that will suffer with you and for you. They are the ones that will celebrate your success. They are the ones that see who you truly are. They are the most important people in your life. Hang onto them. Regardless of where life takes you, they will always be there for you.

And honestly, aren’t these the people we all want and deserve in our lives. Those who see our potential, those who don’t judge us, those who are accepting, those who are balanced, and those who demand great things from us. Life is too short to spend time with anyone less.

So I dare you to find your own workout partners, invest quality time with them. Be vulnerable with them and let them shape and influence you in the best way. And then reduce the time you spend with toxic people and see what changes your life takes.

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