The advantages of training with your partner

Studies have shown that people train longer and harder when they have company. The University of Oxford found that people who exercised with their partner released more endorphins than those who trained on their own

So, who better to achieve your goals with than someone close to your heart?

“When couples exercise, they can focus on their goals together“, says fitness consultant Ashley Borden.

Spending more time together

Families generally spend most of their time apart due to work and other responsibilities. Instead of hitting the gym alone, plan a workout time that fits into your partner’s schedule too. You’ll be able to achieve your goals without sacrificing the time you have to spend with your partner.

Safety

With someone watching over your training and who will be there for you when you need them, you will exercise more safely than if you were on your own.

Besides, who cares more about your safety than your soul mate?

Sharing a common interest

Adding exercise to your list of shared interests and hobbies is an incredibly healthy thing to do for a relationship. The amount of new and unique activities you can try is endless, which keeps relationships exciting.

Motivation

Getting encouragement and support from your partner is some of the best motivation you can get. It’ll help both of you stay consistent and take care of each other.

Bonding Time

Exercise produces chemicals (endorphins) 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 have better (and more frequent) sex.

Fewer arguments

Exercising on a regular basis helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression, which is the reason for many couples’ arguments.

Respect and pride

Taking care of your health and body shows you care about being the best for your partner, and that you care about you care about your future prospects together.

Balance

In many couples, one tends to prefer cardio training (usually women) while the other favours strength training strength training (usually men).

Ideas to start exercising together

Sign up for a class together

While a salsa dance class is ideal for couples, others will work just as well. Consider trying something new that interests you: martial arts, rock climbing, yoga, swimming lessons, or other sports.

Do cardio that allows each of you to work at your own level of intensity.

Group classes, such as spinning (indoor cycling), allow each participant to attend the training session at their individual level of fitness, which means both get the level of training they want, whether that be easy, difficult, or somewhere in between.

Do cardio side by side

At the gym, simply choose two cardio machines alongside one another and work towards your individual goals. You’ll be together, but you can each work at your own pace, intensity, incline, and resistance level.

Walk or run together

If you’re a slow runner but your partner runs faster, intervals will be perfect for both of you. You can work at a fast pace for a few minutes, and then recover at a slower pace adjusted to the other person.

Intervals are also a great way to improve your fitness level and speed over time.

Before you know it, you’ll be able to work at the same pace together.

Strength training in the gym

Anaerobic training is another option for couples. Whether you’re working out individually or with a partner, you’ll benefit from around 90 seconds of rest between sets.

And while you rest, your partner can complete a set.

Changing the weights to your own level can be done quickly and easily on most machines.

Stretching together

Stretching has important benefits for your flexibility. Giving your partner a gentle push or pull to maximise muscle stretching can be helpful, as long as you don’t overdo it.

Enjoying nature

Creating a more active lifestyle together in a natural environment can provide a range of health benefits, and disconnecting from the stresses of your day-to-day works an excellent relaxation therapy.

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