If you and your partner go to the gym or hit the pavement in your neighborhood once a day for an hour, that’s 7 hours a week you could be spending with your partner. Whether you’re into yoga, boxing, biking, cardio, or HIIT, when you spend your time working on your physical fitness with your partner you’ll be doubling your efficiency all the while drawing closer to your mate.
Plus, it makes the time go by faster. Are there any downsides? None that we can see. The couple who trains together stays together. Working out has many great benefits for both your mind and body, so why not include your partner in your health goals? Here are 9 reasons why you should workout with your partner.
1. Workouts will fly by
Time flies when you’re having fun. This is an age-old adage that rings true, especially when it comes to working out. For those who hate running on the treadmill because it’s boring, having a partner there can make you feel more motivated and make the time go by faster. Get your marriage mate to come with you during cardio or strength training and talk about your favorite things, play a get-to-know-you question game, or share a playlist of your favorite music together to really make the time go by quickly.
2. Easier to try new routines together
Is there a new class at the gym you’ve been wanting to try out but you’re just too shy? There is power in numbers. When you work out with your partner you’ll be more comfortable trying new things. And forget classes, even something like trying different or unfamiliar machines at the gym will feel less intimidating if your partner is right there trying them out with you.
3. Friendly Competition Kicks You into High Gear
Did you know that competition can actually boost your performance? Having a little friendly competition with your spouse can make you feel more motivated to achieve your fitness goals.
When your partner is sweating it out at the gym and achieving a rockin’ body, it motivates you to do the same. One study on exercising with a partner showed that participants frequently performed better when they were with a partner who was fitter than them or who was putting the pedal to the metal about their fitness goals.
This is called the K枚hler Effect. This mental effect occurs when you see someone who is working harder than most other people at something. Your brain then sends motivational signals throughout your body to ensure that you aren’t the weaker link between you and your partner.
4. It’s Cheaper than a Personal Trainer
When you have your partner at the gym with you, you’ll always have a spotter at hand. Not only will your spouse be your personal cheerleader at the gym, they can also help you exercise, boost your confidence, and watch your form and ensure you’re performing your tasks efficiently and aren’t at the risk of damaging your body.
5. Working Out Away from the Gym
Learning a two-person workout such as those designed for romantic partners, can make it easier to exercise when you are not at the gym. All you need to have is a couple of free weights and a partner who is capable of lifting you up. Grab your bikes and head for a romantic workout date in your nearest bike trail or take a jog around the block after dinner without having to drive to the gym. Plus, couples who workout together also get to shower together. Nothing wrong with that!
6. You Won’t Get a Big Head
Big muscles, but not a big head. Do you need another reason why you should workout with your partner? They’ll keep your ego in check. With all the time you spend with those CrossFit bandits and muscle heads at the gym, you may end up getting lost in a sea of cardio machines and good looking people. Having your partner around will remind you that you’re not alone.
Teasing aside, it’s great to have someone to keep you mentally grounded when you’re in a workout mode.
7. Staying Fit At Home
It can be difficult to keep on track for losing those extra pounds when your partner isn’t on board. Working hard at the gym and then coming home to a partner who has just ordered a double-cheese pizza can be discouraging. Having a partner who is working alongside you to accomplish your fitness goals can help you stay motivated in both your exercise routine and your diet.
8. Personal Motivator
One study at Stanford University found that when people had to check-in every two weeks with a partner (or a computer) about their exercise habits, their performance improved by nearly 80%!
Every two weeks a computer would do a phone check-in with the participant to find out how much they had exercised, if workouts were skipped, and what the participant could do to improve their exercise routine the following week. The results? After a year and a half, the participants were still increasing their exercise levels.
This shows the importance of having a buddy to check in with and how much a simple inquiry into your exercise routine can act as a personal motivator. And who better to motivate you than your loving spouse?
9. Build a Sense of Accomplishment as a Couple
So, why should you work out with your partner? The benefits are endless. When you are working together as a couple to finish a difficult workout, bike up an intense hill, do those 5 more reps, or try that daring new couples workout you saw online, you help build a sense of accomplishment as a couple. Doing your workouts together, especially ones that are high-intensity interval training or require your partner to be involved in the workout also creates a stronger sense of trust between romantic partners.
Author Bio: Sylvia Smith is a relationship expert with years of experience in training and helping couples. She has helped countless individuals and organizations around the world, offering effective and efficient solutions for healthy and successful relationships. Her mission is to provide inspiration, support and empowerment to everyone on their journey to a great marriage. She is a featured writer for Marriage.com, a reliable resource to support healthy happy marriages.
Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash
