Multiple gym buddies are counter effective. Their are too many distractions and it turns into a social event. At all times there will be at least two people not doing anything, this means they will be lingering around the ones who are disturbing them. Group debates can also occur, meaning nobody is achieving anything. Note that a third person can also come in the form of a bored gym instructor. You say hello to them on the way in, sometimes you exchange a 10 minutes conversation on the way out, they are nice people.

However when you are mid session and they have nothing to do they come over for a conversation. As they are at work and getting paid the aim is to waste as much time as possible with you, can be up to half an hour. They offer some advice but it puts you out of your rhythm, you try to carry on but then they try to take the role of your gym buddy, this makes you self conscious so you stop and productivity is lost. The irritators: These are mates who cannot be trusted. You probably know them reasonably well, but in your moment of weakness rather than help, they seize the opportunity to harass you. This can come in the form of a quick jab to the kidney mid set or leaning on the weight, neither is helpful. Extreme cases can be pokes to the eye and slaps around faces. You still get a good session done but it is never comfortable as you are constantly looking over your shoulder for the next attack. Letter-offers: Probably the worst of the lot, the vermin of the gym buddies. You go with a serious intention to have a good session. You know that at times your body and mind will give up and you need your buddy to get you through. When this moment arrives the letter offer, rather than forcing you through will declare that 'you don't have to do it if you don't want to.' You will appreciate that this is unacceptable. Rather than forcing you not to quit, they are reinforcing that what your mind and body is telling you is right. You somehow have to find it in you to continue despite all of this negativity. You will be hearing in your head that yes it has been a good session maybe you should call it a day. You are now battling them as well as the weights making your fight harder. If you are unfortunate to find yourself in this situation i urge you to block them out and ignore them. As you can see finding the right person for the job is an important decision. You may want to test drive a few before deciding on your ideal buddy. Pick them carefully and handle with caution.

Mack LeMouse

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