College athletic departments are always looking for ways to strengthen their brand. Universities find partners such as sales providers, broadcast networks, and apparel companies in their efforts to service their fans and reach new ones. Picking the right partner is important. Same goes when picking a workout partner. Here are a few questions one should ask a partner and why the answers are important.
Who has their ear?
When athletic departments hire new coaches, the coach’s resume is a big issue. An importance is placed on coaching experience in terms of coaching tree. By seeing who a coach has coached under or rather who has had that coaches ear, one can surmise the coaches core beliefs and how they may govern a program. Picking a workout partner is similar. It is important to know where the person goes for their wellness information. Do they have a preferred health guru? What websites do they frequent? A partner will influence your habits. You want someone to lean on that is into real solutions. Be wary if they rely on fads and quick fixes.
What is their schedule?
Schedules are always a hot topic in college sports. I always pay attention to who my beloved Ragin’ Cajuns host in every sport. I check the dates to make sure my work doesn’t conflict with the home games I most want to see. Availability is a key to a successful partnership. When choosing a partner, find out how well your schedules mesh. Do you have time together? Can you rely on that person for daily accountability? If they can’t give you more than a day in a few weeks’ time, then they are not the right person to partner with for your daily exercise.
What is their fitness goals?
Conference realignment has reshaped the college landscape over the last few decades. At one time, conferences were of like-minded institutions within proximity of each other. The conference members had a lot in common. To some extent, television money has changed that. When choosing a workout partner, finding out what you have in common is significant. What is their goal? A marathon? A physique competition? A beginner to running will see little benefit from a bodybuilder. Find a like-minded partner who shares common fitness goals.
What is their attitude?
Every athletic department has that one employee who is smiling and happy every day. They seem to never have a bad day. They always promote the brand to the community. They hit the road for away games every chance they have. They live it! When choosing a partner, attitude is everything. A good partner has a positive outlook on life and exercise. They are hungry to learn and get better every day. A positive attitude is contagious and will help you stay focused on your journey.
Finding a partner is not difficult if one understands what they are looking for in a partner. No partnership is perfect. But finding a partner that is important. If you think you have a good partner candidate, ask them a few questions. Who has their ear? What is their schedule? What is their fitness goals? What is their attitude? The more you know about the person, the better chance you have of picking the right partner.