Working out solo has its benefits: you stay focused, you choose the activities and no one has to see (or smell) you sweat. But if your partner is health-minded, like you, exercising together every once in a while has its perks, too. For starters, pairing up in the gym is known to help people stick with their goals. Your sex life might also get a boost (think of all those endorphins flowing!).
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, forget about chocolate and candlelit dinners. Grab your partner and get moving with these creative couples’ workouts:
Rock-hard romance
Weight training isn’t just for men. Work on building strength together, whether it’s in the weight room at the gym or doing resistance exercises together. If your partner already has a routine in place, let him or her teach it to you (adjusting weight, of course, to your skill level). Practicing proper form is a great way to get close, physically, and if you stick with the program, you’ll bond over improvements you’ve made in shape.
Class act
If you’ve never worked out together before, a class is a great place to start. Sign up for something new to both of you””cross fit, kickboxing or a boot camp. As beginners, you”ll learn together, and you can motivate each other to master the exercise.
Get packing
Whether it’s a hike or bike ride on a local trail or a weekend of skiing or snowboarding, take your workout outdoors for a change of pace and more intense workout. Leaving the familiarity of the gym, neighborhood or home studio puts you””together””in a new and challenging environment. If you plan a day trip, bring along a picnic lunch for a romantic break.
Race to the finish
A little competition can be healthy! Sign up for a local race and train together, or create a course of your own and race each other. Racing is not only great for motivation, it’s fun (especially when there’s a prize such as a massage or foot rub waiting at the finish line).
Bust a move
An hour of dancing can burn up 300 calories. So disco, tango or salsa the night away in the name of fitness. You’ll not only work up a sweat, you’ll improve coordination and build greater trust in each other.