Don’t let your lover keep you from getting fit (How couple’s training can get your body back into gear)
Sure it might be tempting to eat an entire box of chocolates or splurge on a romantic dinner with your partner but you don’t have to let your love-life derail your plans to get fit. With these workout ideas for couples, you and your partner can spend quality time together while you stay on track to reaching your goals.
The Benefits of Exercising with Your Partner
The two of you may be at different fitness levels and have different goals, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise together. There are plenty of reasons to give it a try:
Safety. With someone else watching your form and being there to spot you when you need it, you’ll exercise more safely than if you were alone. Quality time. Couples spend most of their time apart due to careers and other responsibilities. Instead of hitting the gym alone, plan a workout time that fits both of your schedules. You’ll reach your fitness goals, without sacrificing that one-on-one time that every partnership needs. A common interest. Add exercise to your list of shared interests and hobbies. The possibility for new, unique activities is endless and keeps things exciting. You can never have too much in common. Motivation and support. Getting encouragement and praise from your partner is one of the best motivators. It’ll help both of you remain consistent and take care of one another. A deeper bond. Exercise produces chemicals in the brain that evoke feelings of happiness, reduce stress, and also increase arousal and libido. Several studies show that men and women who exercise regularly report better (and more frequent) sex with their partners. Balance. In many couples, one partner tends to favor cardio (typically women) while the other tends to favor strength training (typically men). By working out together you can balance your workout program to include more of both. Let your partner teach you about the areas of fitness you’re unsure of and be open to new fitness experiences. If your man exposes you to surfing, you can expose him to yoga!
Wondering how working out as a couple might work in the real world - especially when you’re both at different fitness levels?
Here are some great ideas to get you started: Sign up for a class together. While a class like salsa dancing is perfect for couples, other classes will work just as well. Consider trying something new that interests you both: martial arts, running on the beach,pilates, yoga, adult swim lessons, or other sports. Do cardio side-by-side. At the gym, simply pick two cardio machines next to each other and work towards your individual goals. You’ll be together but can each work at your own speed, intensity, incline and resistance level. When walking or jogging outside, try intervals. If you are a slow jogger and your significant other is faster, intervals will be perfect for both of you. Work at one partner’s faster pace for a few minutes, and then recover at the other person’s slower pace. Intervals are also a great way to improve your fitness level and speed over time. Before you know it, you’ll both be able to work at the same pace together. ‘Work in’. When strength training at the gym, switch places with one another between sets. About 90 seconds of rest between sets is beneficial anyway. So while you rest, your partner can complete one set of the exercise. Switching the weights to your own level is quick and easy to do. Your partner can even do the counting for you. Stretch together. Assisted stretching has major benefits for your flexibility. Giving your partner a gentle tug or soft push in one direction can be helpful-just don’t overdo it. Get a personal trainer. Couple’s training with a personal trainer is greatly beneficial. It will be cheaper to do together and the trainer can give you systematic exercises that will keep you at your individual levels. Enjoy the great outdoors. Create a more active lifestyle together by picking up new hobbies. While these may not always count as traditional cardio or strength training, every bit of activity you do will benefit your body and your health.
Break the habit: Decide which shows are must-see, then record them and watch later: Zipping through the commercials can cut about half an hour off every two hours of couch time. And at least three times a week, make after-work plans that specifically involve being with other people, whether it’s meeting a few friends for dinner, taking a class, or joining a recreational sports team.
