We’ve all been there: you plan to hit the gym, then the sofa, the rain or a last-minute aperitivo wins. One of the simplest ways to beat that moment is to train with someone else. Community-based training is one of the big themes of 2026, and it works for good reasons.
Why it works
- Accountability: it’s much harder to cancel when someone is counting on you.
- Motivation: a little friendly competition pushes you to do that extra rep.
- Consistency: a fixed appointment turns training from “when I find the time” into part of your week.
- Fun: time flies when you’re laughing between sets.
How to find your training buddy
Look for someone with a similar schedule rather than a similar fitness level. Classmates from your programme, roommates or colleagues are ideal, because you already see each other regularly. If you’re new in Florence, the gym itself is a great place to meet people who share your routine.
Partner workout ideas
- Mirror sets: do the same exercise side by side and match each other’s reps.
- You go, I go: one partner works while the other rests, then swap – perfect for kettlebell swings, rowing or intervals.
- Team targets: split 100 squats, 50 push-ups and 1 km of rowing between you, in any order.
- Walk and talk: finish with a cool-down walk along the Arno to catch up.
Keep it working
- Set a schedule: agree on days and times at the start of each week.
- Have a plan: decide what you’ll train before you arrive, so you don’t spend the session chatting.
- Respect differences: you don’t need to lift the same weights – keep the same exercises and adjust the load.
- Celebrate progress: a post-workout smoothie together counts as a reward.
Bring them along
Have a friend visiting Florence? The Rooftop Day Pass (€15) and the Florence Week Pass (€45) make it easy to train together, and our rooftop café is the perfect place to refuel afterwards.