People are more likely to continue an exercise routine when they see results and enjoy doing the activity. Some people will enjoy the routine more if one or more friends exercise with them. They can assist, compete and enjoy the camaraderie of striving together for a common goal. They can also spot each other during weight training and help keep proper form on the exercises. They may also be friends outside of the gym. This is great if the partners have compatible schedules, are on time and equally serious about being consistent. It's also preferable to have similar goals for the routine. However, a strong positive chemistry can make up for divergent goals and abilities. Workout partners may also do aerobic training together, but it's more essential to have similar goals and abilities in that area, especially if it's an outdoor activity such as running, hiking, biking or swimming. Partners markedly different in the level of fitness can still do aerobic training if they are using indoor aerobic equipment or if one runs and the other rides a bicycle. It can also work if the fitter partner uses the time with the other partner as a warm-up or cool-down as part of a longer and more strenuous routine.

A training partner can make or break your fitness program. A good fit requires similar schedules. It also helps if the partners are able to exercise alone on some occasions when the other partner can't keep the appointment. Good partners usually share similar abilities and goals for their fitness program, but more importantly can listen and negotiate when they disagree. It also helps to have the same level of commitment and reliability. Each partner keeps an eye on form and knows how to find mistakes and is strong and alert enough to spot on it during strength training and stretching exercises. Loading and unloading weights takes less time when it's a shared chore. They can also prevent losing the equipment if one partner needs to get a drink of water or use the bathroom.

A partner should push you enough to make sure sufficient effort is put in the exercise, but not to the point of injury. Any previous injuries, weaknesses or health conditions should be revealed from the start. Rapport is established between the partners and each knows how the other likes to be spotted and when to take the weight off to prevent injury. One may be stronger, while the other one may have more endurance. One may have more upper body strength while the other has stronger legs. One may know more about stretching, while the other has more knowledge of nutrition. This way they both can teach each other and can help encourage each other when they are discouraged or don't feel like exercising.

Partners using free-weights who have big differences in strength may find using two barbells or pairs of dumbbells for use on the bench or machine and may save time loading-unloading the weights. On plate-loaded machines, the weight for the weaker partner can be loaded with weights and a barbell collar on the outside. The additional weight for the other partner can be loaded outside the collar.

Working out with your significant other can be fun, improve the relationship and save time. While men and women may have different goals and abilities, it can work if it's planned in advance. While it's easier to do the same exercises at the same time, different exercises can be done and spotted for if the routine is planned and done in close proximity. One example is a couple where the male was a serious competitive lifter and the female was new to the gym and was just trying to get fit. His workouts were more intense and were comprised of more exercises and sets for each muscle group. Her routine was simple and covered more muscles in each workout. She would arrive later and would do two to three sets of one exercise for each muscle group, while he would do four to six sets for each exercise and two to three exercises and work on fewer muscle groups each day. He trained each muscle group once per week very intensely and she would do each muscle group two to three times per week and didn't go to every workout he did. When the weights got too heavy for her to "spot" him safely, he would ask one of the stronger lifters to spot him. This arrangement worked for those two people because the male didn't try to push his partner to achieve more than she wished to. After the workout, the couple usually enjoyed a meal together. A secondary benefit was the shared workouts enhanced the intimate relationship. This is backed up by research that shows exercise increases testosterone levels in both men and women, which increases sexual desire. Research also shows that exercise increases self-esteem. Increased self-esteem is as attractive the fitter body one gets from exercise. There is also a sense of accomplishing something together that is good for the relationship.

Divergent goals for the fitness routine can create a conflict, especially if there are power struggles in the relationship. Sometimes a male who is into a sport or activity may insist his wife or girlfriend do things his way. If she complies to please him against her own inclinations, it can cause a rift in the relationship. If the relationship is valuable to both of them, they may need to exercise separately or he could learn to respect her wishes for what she wants to accomplish.

A bad partner wastes time and makes the workouts less enjoyable because of arguing, being late or not helping put the equipment away. Agree in advance about the sequence of the workout. It's usually better to be working on the same exercises, but if not, have the exercises be in close proximity so time isn't wasted or a piece of equipment taken by someone else while spotting the partner. If one or both partners talk too much and don't complete their routine, they may need to either set aside time during stretching or low intensity aerobic exercise for socializing or work out separately and socialize some another time. If a partner makes the workout less enjoyable or less effective, it may be wise to part ways.

People who use the workout as a time to think and create or a time to forget about their cares and responsibilities, may find they prefer exercising alone. This may be especially true for people in occupations that require intense involvement with other people. It may also be true for those who are in creative careers in the arts, inventors and entrepreneurs.

So, exercising with a partner can improve adherence to the program and make the time more enjoyable. However, it's important to find someone with a similar schedule and preferably similar goals.