How to Choose a Gym Partner
The Buddy System: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Gym Partner |
 Although you can successfully perform the Bright ‘N Fit routine independently, we recommend that you start our routine with a training partner. First, and foremost, we suggest that your training partner follows the Bright ‘N Fit routine as well. This will make both of your lives considerably easier by minimizing confusion and your time spent in the gym. Both you and your training partner are performing the same prescribed workout (same exercises, sets, and reps). Additionally, both of you are familiar with the proper technique for all of the exercises as described by the Bright ‘N Fit training routine. Moreover, there are several additional advantages to having a training partner for the Bright ‘N Fit routine. You and your training partner can:
• Push each other through a tough set. Your training partner can provide you with motivating words if you are struggling to complete your final rep on your final set.
• Give each other feedback on technique. While you are performing the exercise, your training partner can critique your technique by telling you what you are doing correctly or incorrectly, according to the Bright ‘N Fit exercise video demonstrations and descriptions.
• Spot each other for safety purposes. Spotting is beneficial because it can help prevent injuries. If something goes wrong while you are in the middle of performing a set, your training partner can help you safely place the bar back on the power rack or on the ground. Additionally, if you are really struggling with your last rep of your last set, your training partner can assist you by helping you push through that final rep. However, it is important to remember that the person performing the exercise, and not the spotter, should be lifting the weight with his/her best effort. The spotter should only help if needed.
Below are descriptions of how a training partner should spot during each exercise of the Bright ‘N Fit routine:
Full Back Squat – The spotter should stand directly behind the person performing the exercise. If the performer needs assistance, the spotter should place his/her hands on the performer’s hips, and push upward as the performer puts forth his/her best effort to squat the weight up.
Flat Barbell Bench Press – The spotter should stand directly behind the performer’s head. If the performer needs assistance, the spotter should firmly grab the barbell with both hands and pull upward as the performer puts forth his/her best effort to press the barbell up onto the rack.
Chin-up or Pull-up – The spotter should stand directly behind the performer as he/she hangs from the bar. If the performer needs assistance, the spotter should place his/her hands on the performer’s hips and push upward as the performer puts forth his/her best effort to pull his/her chin over the bar.
Full Front Squat – The spotter should stand directly behind the person performing the exercise. If the performer needs assistance, the spotter should place his/her hands on the performer’s hips, and push upward as the performer puts forth his/her best effort to squat the weight up.
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press (palms facing each other) – The spotter should stand directly behind the performer’s head. If the performer needs assistance, the spotter should grab both wrists of the performer and help him/her press the weight upward until the rep is completed. The spotter should keep his/her hands on the performer’s wrists until the dumbbells are safely brought down to the performer’s legs.
Bent-Over Barbell Row – No spotter is needed. The performer should lower the weight under control to the ground in front of him/her if he/she cannot complete the rep.
Conventional Deadlift or Sumo-style Deadlift – No spotter is needed. The performer should lower the weight under control to the ground in front of him/her if he/she cannot complete the rep.
Standing Barbell Overhead Press – No spotter is needed. The performer should carefully lower the barbell to the starting position and then return the bar to the rack if he/she cannot complete an attempted rep.
Inverted Row – No spotter is needed. The performer should carefully lower himself/herself to the starting position if he/she cannot complete the rep.
One of the most important things is knowing what personal qualities to look for when choosing your training partner. Bright ‘N Fit believes your training partner should be:
• Motivated. He/she should be motivated as much, if not more, than you are to burn fat, build muscle, increase strength, improve endurance, and increase power. You want your training partner to be excited to make progress each workout. You should push each other to your respectable limits to get the best results.
• Responsible. He/she should consistently show up to the gym on time. He/she should also be correctly spotting you while you are performing an exercise, as described above.
• Knowledgeable. He/she should read the Bright ‘N Fit fitness program to understand and familiarize himself/herself with the Bright ‘N Fit exercise techniques and spotting procedures.
• Fun. He/she should be easy to get along with, and enjoy getting fit.
Disclaimer: There are risks associated with any physical regime. When you use the information provided on this site you do so at your own risk, and Bright 'N Fit and its founders are not responsible for any losses or damages of any kind.
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Bright ‘N Fit ©2008
“Get Fit. Get Your Degree. No Excuses.”
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