What keeps two people training together for nearly 15 years?

It’s not matching outfits. It’s not always agreeing on the political state of the world. And it’s definitely not because they never chirp each other.

For Brian and Chris (“CK”), it started a long time ago at Team Fitness, where current Elevate owners Chris R. and Wes were managers. When their original training partners stopped coming, Chris R. paired them together. What began as a practical solution turned into a partnership that’s outlasted gyms, injuries, life changes, and plenty of friendly competition.

Today, they’re fixtures at Elevate.

Like any great training partnership, they’ve found a rhythm. They keep each other accountable, push each other to work harder, and make sure the other shows up—even if it’s “on time…or at least close to it.” The camaraderie, motivation, and inspiration have kept them going strong for all these years – and it continues to inspire and entertain the other clients who are in the gym at the same time!

There’s plenty of banter, too.

Brian admits he intentionally puts an extra 10–20 pounds on the bar just to see if CK will try to match him. Chris calls Brian a bully (with a wink), while Brian insists CK complains about everything—from the weather to the gym temperature—and that his “grunt” sounds more like a squeal. CK will tell you Brian’s the real squeaky wheel. And it goes on and on…

Behind the jokes is something much more important: consistency.

Over the years, they’ve both overcome challenges that would have sidelined many people. Brian returned from a serious fibula fracture to complete a 320 km cycling event and Tough Mudder on back-to-back weekends less than four months later. CK is proud of losing 10 pounds and keeping it off while becoming significantly stronger, improving his core strength and moving better than ever.

Their goals have evolved, too.

Neither is chasing the same milestones they were 10 or 20 years ago. Today, it’s about lifting well, staying healthy, avoiding injuries, and continuing to do the things they love for years to come. Besides, as CK says, if he ever quits, Chris’ wife will come and hunt him down.

And that’s what partner training is really about.

It’s having someone who notices when you’re missing. Someone who pushes you to do one more rep. Someone who celebrates your wins, calls you out when you’re sandbagging, and makes the hard workouts a lot more enjoyable.

At Elevate, we’ve seen friendships like Brian and Chris’s grow for years. They remind us that sometimes the best results don’t come from training alone —they come from showing up for each other.

Ready to Find Your Training Partner?

Partner training offers all the benefits of expert coaching, with an extra layer of accountability, motivation, and fun. You’ll push each other through tough workouts, celebrate the wins together, and be far less likely to hit the snooze button when someone else is counting on you.

Bring your partner, or let us help you find one. We’d love to introduce you to the power of training together.