Have you ever heard the phrase ‘Couples who sweat together, stay together’? It may sound a little flippant, but there’s actually some very valid reasons why partner workouts are a great idea.
I typically encourage clients to seek out a work out buddy. This could be a friend, work colleague or family member. But when your work out buddy is your life partner there’s even more benefits.
It’s time you considered how partner workouts can benefit not only your own health and well-being, but that of your romantic relationship.
Keep each other motivated
For many of us it’s difficult to maintain the motivation to exercise. Couple workouts can help with this. Motivation is the primary reason I encourage having a work out buddy. And if your buddy is someone you live with, it helps with your motivation even more… 24/7 even! A workout partner can stop you skipping sessions, encourage you to persist, and ensure good habits are maintained when you’re not working out too.
Accountability and efficiency
It’s easy to lose sight of the end goal if you are only accountable to yourself and you don’t have to answer to anyone. Not only will your partner not let you skip a workout, but you are going to complete your training at high intensity. A couple workout will motivate you to be in shape, and this motivation may bring an intensity to your work out that is missing when you are training alone. Even if you already feel competent doing a particular exercise, bringing along your romantic partner may be a fantastic way to boost your energy output.
Help you achieve your fitness goals
When partners care about fitness—their own and their partner’s—it becomes easier to achieve fitness goals. Sharing in the ups and downs of your progress can provide the perfect context for such comments. According to a 2015 study, a couple workout makes you 40-70 percent more likely to reach your fitness goals.
Healthier relationship
Lab studies show that after jointly participating in an exciting physical challenge or activity, couples report feeling more satisfied with their relationships and more in love with their partner (Aron, Norman, Aron, & Heyman, 2000).
One of the challenges of relationships these days is that life is busy. It can be tricky to find quality time to dedicate to your partner – especially if you have children. So why not create quality time together with a couple workout? It’s a win/win, benefiting your relationship as well as your health. Joint experiences, mutual goals and having a laugh together are a few of the top secrets of a healthier relationship.
In summary, fitness can be about you, or it can be about you and your partner, so why not share this aspect of your lives and discover how doing so can give your health and your relationship a huge boost.
Call 0400 038 197 for a free, no obligation, consultation to learn the cost savings associated with working out as a couple.