DOUBLE THE KNOWLEDGE

157. DOUBLE THE KNOWLEDGE The best scenario is if your training partner has an equal but different range of knowledge and experience than you do. You can alternate back and forth, drawing on one another's suggestions.

THR STRONGER SEX

156. THE STRONGER SEX? Does your training partner have to be of the sa- sex? Absolutely not. Some of the best train- partnerships consist of a couple. Knowing that the- is a female watching you will bring out the bes: you, and most women who train with weights vvar to show the guys that they belona in the weig^ Unless there are major differences between the two of you with regards to some of the other more important traits already discussed (you can find a way around the strength differences), try training with someone of the opposite sex.

IS STRENGTH IMPORTANT?

155. IS STRENGTH IMPORTANT? Although not as important as attitude and consistency,, it does make sense to train with someone who is ir the same strength range as you. It won't make any difference on most machine and dumbell exercises, but a huge difference in your bench press weights will mean a lot of loading and unloading the bar. Of course a slight difference in strength might be a benefit. You can push yourself to catch up on your Partner's stronger exercises, and he can try to match you on exercises in which you are stronger.

THE RIGHT CONSISTENCY

154. THE RIGHT CONSISTENCY One of the main benefits of a good training partner is that he can motivate you to strive for higher goals. He wilt not be able to motivate you if he's only making every second or third workout. His inconsistency is telling you that working out is very low on his priority scale. Drop him and look for someone else.

THE RIGHT ATTITUDE

153. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE Nothing derails a good workout like negativity. If you're training with someone who is always complaining and constantly seeing the downside to everything - get rid of him! You want someone who wilt motivate you to train harder, not get you thinking about changing sports. It doesn't matter if your training partner can bench press as much as you can. What's more important is his or her mental approach to training.

THE RIGHT TIME

l52. THE RIGHT TIME The most basic thing to keep in mind when choosing a training partner is what time you both like to work out. If you're a morning person and he or she prefers late evening, odds are you two will never mesh. Try to pick someone who works out around the same time of day as you do.

BRUTALLY HONEST

151. BRUTALLY HONEST A good training partner can be honest. You may think your physique is flawless, but your partner can quickly bring you back to reality. This brutal honesty will help you immensely if you decide to compete in a bodybuilding contest down the road.

FRIENDLY COMPETITION

150. FRIENDLY COMPETITION Another benefit of a training partner is that you and your training partner can engage in little competitions. If he gets 10 reps, you try to do 11. This back and forth will do wonders for your progress.

WHEN TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE

149- WHEN TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE Few people achieve success without help from others. Even something as individualistic as weight training has room for doubting up. A training partner provides numerous advantages. For starters you won't have to keep bothering other people for a spot. Another benefit is motivation. On days when you don't feel like training (or training with enough intensity), your training partner can encourage you. You can then reciprocate on his or her lazy days.