Why Training With a Partner Could Be Your Best Move in 2026

As we step into 2026, many of us are looking for ways to reset, recharge and recommit to our health. But let’s be honest: January can feel like a tough time to invest in ourselves. After the festive season, money is tight, motivation can dip and the idea of tackling fitness goals alone may feel daunting. That’s where training with a friend, partner, or family member comes in and it might just be the best fitness decision you make this year.

As tempting as it can be to dive headfirst into an intense routine in January, the truth is that lasting change comes from consistency, not extremes. Be compassionate with yourself: focus on laying strong foundations rather than chasing quick results.

Think of the new year as the beginning of a marathon, not a sprint. By pacing your efforts, listening to your body and gradually building habits, you’ll create a healthier rhythm that carries you through the whole of 2026, instead of burning out after the first few weeks.

At the moment I train several combinations of clients, such as: mothers and daughters, husband and wives or friends, as long as your goals are similar, it works well and is lots of fun. I’ve recently been training Laura and James who got married in September ‘25. They both wanted to feel their best on the day, it wasn’t about weight loss, they just wanted feel 100% fantastic. There was an added benefit that exercise helped them to also cope with some of the wedding planning stress.

Here are a few reasons why training with someone might work well for you.

Built In Accountability: When you train with someone else, you’re not just showing up for yourself, you’re showing up for them too. That extra layer of accountability makes it harder to skip sessions and easier to stay consistent. Knowing someone is counting on you can be the push you need to keep moving forward.

Fun and Social Connection: Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Sharing workouts adds social time together, sometime laughter – sometimes shared muscle aches, conversation, and a sense of togetherness. Whether it’s swapping stories between sets or celebrating small wins, training becomes something you look forward to, not just another task on your to do list.

Gentle Competition: A little friendly rivalry can be a powerful push, training alongside someone encourages you to push a bit harder, try a little more, and celebrate progress together. It’s not about beating each other it’s about inspiring each other to keep going.

Shared Costs, Shared Benefits: January can come with some financial strain after the festive period. Partner training sessions can be a cost effective way to access a PT while splitting the expense. You still get the expertise of a personal trainer, but at a reduced cost making it easier to invest in your health without stretching your budget.

Fun movements: Training with a partner isn’t just about motivation, it means we can open the door to creative, effective exercises you can’t do alone. These are ten movements that I’ve used when doing a joint workout that combine fun, challenge, and teamwork.

1. Medicine Ball Passes: Stand a few feet apart and throw a medicine ball back and forth, great for core strength and coordination.
2. Partner Squats (Back to Back): Stand back to back, lower into a squat together and hold, this helps to builds leg strength and balance.
3. Wheelbarrow Push Ups: One partner holds the other’s legs while they perform push ups. Switch roles for a full body challenge.
4. Resistance Band Rows: Face each other holding opposite ends of a resistance band, pull back simultaneously to strengthen the back and arms.
5. Plank High Fives: Hold a plank position facing each other. Alternate giving high fives with your right and left hands. Adds core stability and fun.
6. Partner Sit Ups with Ball Pass: Sit facing each other, knees bent, perform a sit up and pass a ball at the top. Helps to builds abs and teamwork.
7. Leg Throw Downs: One partner lies on their back and raises their legs. The other gently pushes them down, challenging core control.
8. Lunge Passes: Perform alternating lunges while passing a ball back and forth. Great for legs, balance and coordination.
9. Back to Back Wall Sit with Pass: Sit against a wall back to back, passing a ball side to side. Builds endurance and core rotation.
10. Partner Sprint Intervals: Sprint side by side, then jog back together. Gentle competition keeps intensity high.

Training with a partner in 2026 isn’t just about fitness. It’s about accountability, joy, connection and making smart choices for both your health and your wallet. If you’re ready to start the year strong, why not invite someone to join you on the journey?

If you’re already training with me, why not invite a friend, partner, or family member to join you?

Adding a training buddy not only boosts accountability and fun, but it also helps spread the cost of sessions, a smart move after the festive season. For those thinking about starting their fitness journey, this is the perfect time to find someone who shares your goals and take that first step together.

Partner training means shared motivation, shared progress, and shared investment in your health. Let’s build strong foundations now that will carry you through the whole year — not just the first few months. Reach out today to book your partner sessions and start 2026 with energy, connection, and confidence.