Bodybuilding star Frank Zane used every resource within his grasp to craft a legendary physique. On February 13, 2025, he discussed what to look for in a quality training partner and its advantages during a workout.
Frank Zane is considered one of the most calculated talents to emerge from the IFBB Pro League. He has defeated several elite bodybuilders in his heyday, including former seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger, whom he also trained with at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, CA. He believes training alongside others with shared goals can help bring the best out of individuals.
During Zane’s prime years of competing, he managed to earn three Mr. Olympia titles, making his opinions on exercise highly coveted. In his latest effort, he broke down what to look for in training partners alongside the overarching benefits they can provide.
Frank Zane Explains What to Look for in Training Partners and Its Advantages
In a recent Instagram post, Frank Zane detailed the advantages to finding a quality training partner. He believes workouts are easier because competition is involved.
“Training with a partner has several advantages. Your training becomes easier because you have someone to push you in your workout. It also makes training more interesting because competition is involved.”
To decide on a training partner, Zane says to consider someone who has a similar structure and weak points to your own
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“When choosing a training partner, pick one who has a similar structure to yours and similar weak points. Agree upon the training program and the time of day, and how often you will train beforehand.”
He also believes it’s important to praise each other when you reach goals during workouts.
“Encourage each other while you train and reward each other with praise when you surpass former training records,” shared Frank Zane.
Although Frank Zane retired decades ago, his bodybuilding wisdom is still on full display in retirement. Whether he’s offering his bold take on why he disapproves of bulking or revealing his three-way training split, he continues to give back to the fitness community.
Frank Zane mastered nutrition, posing, and muscle building to not only reach the top of the sport but stay there. He believes having a training partner at the gym can help take your gains to the next level as long as you share similar goals and weaknesses that need improvements. Do you prefer to train alone or with a partner? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED: Frank Zane Reveals Why Proportions Are Key to Balanced Development in Bodybuilding