“Kick in the pants”

Tip number one, send them this article. No, but seriously, gym partners like all humans can be a little inconsistent to say the least. They show up late, flake, don’t go hard, or are easily distracted. Shi**y gym partners come in many shapes and forms but the bottomline is they’re stealing from your gains. So how do we fix this? The most logical way would be to get a new gym partner. But maybe not everyone you know is into working out or maybe there’s potential in your gym buddy just yet. So how do you kick them in the pants? While there’s no one size fits all we’ve comprised a list of 5 ways to help a less than ideal gym partner find his way. Here’s how…

Tip 1# Change the goal.

Many people step into the gym for the wrong reasons. They have an unhealthy body image, they feel shame around they way they look, or simply tie their self esteem to the physical shape they’re in. These are all negative emotions that adds pressure, guilt, and anxiety to the gym going experience. Flip the script. Make gym going a privilege rather than a chore. Start a healthy competition as to who can reach to a certain rep range first, aim for a certain max out on your deadlift, or a to a certain rep range on the pull up bar. Make it less about body image and more about goals. If you build it, they will come.

Tip #2 Give them responsibility

As counterintuitive as it may sound, giving an irresponsible person certain tasks may actually make them more responsible. The key is to give them small inconsequential tasks at first and then gradually upgrade. For instance, may this week they’re in charge of making the protein shakes, next week they’re in charge of bringing the snacks, etc. Responsibility breeds investment and makes them feel they’re an intricate part of this workout thing.

Tip #3 Offer them a ride

I get not everyone has a car, but the key here is trade off. Basically you want to offer them a ride (or whatever you can barter) in exchange for this person completing the task you ask them to do. You give them a ride to the gym if they make the protein shakes, get it? This is a win, win, because not only do you make sure they get to the gym on time but that’s one less task that you have to do while getting investment. You’re welcome.

Tip #4 Make them accountable

Of all the times we’ve made fun of social media in the gym, this is one time we’re going to have to advocate it. Start a vlog and the day before your workout post a short video detailing what you’re going to do and who you’re going to do it with (insest Sh**ty gym partner here). Tagging this person makes them more accountable because they know many more people are watching and they’ll get a notification of all the comments that come up if they do or don’t follow through.

Tip #5 Make it an event

This goes hand in hand with Tip #1. Make gym going an event, buy some new gym apparel together, buy the fancy protein powder, look up bodybuilding websites and send each other articles, whatever it takes, just go for it. This makes the process more encompassing as a lifestyle rather than just some chore that has to be done 3x a week. Get into it mate!

While we had loads of fun writing this article, the first step is communication. Talk to your shi**ty gym buddy and ask them why they’re so Shi**ty? Is it family problems, financial difficulties, or are they just not excited about the routine? Whatever the reason, active listening and right action will resolve most of these issues. Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Hit us up in the comments section below and let us know if this works for your shi**ty gym buddy.