The scene looks beautiful in ads for everything from sneakers to vitamins...
Devoted couples running, biking, and hiking together--All while smiling and
looking into each other's eyes of course, and always without a drop of
sweat.
If that is what you experience while working out with your partner,
applause to you. However, many of us
have somewhat of a different sort of experience when exercising with our
partners, explains Birmingham Singles.
Consider the story of a Birmingham woman who convinced her boyfriend to
take a ride on the scenic trails with her.
She was pedaling pretty fast, enjoying the physical activity and the
fresh air, and as she turned around, she noticed her boyfriend wobbling on his
bike while trying to light up a cigarette.
Yes, you read that right. So
clearly, those two have different ideas of what it means to exercise.
Most people will opt to exercise with other people, because they're
more likely to stay active and connected while exercising together. But how close is too close when working out
together? Research has shown that
spouses can make great workout partners, even if one is not as enthusiastic as
the other. The benefits for both
partners are huge; including improving their health, better rest, and more
energy throughout the day. Not to
mention that physically activity can also improve things for them in the
intimacy department, explains Birmingham Singles. In many scenarios, when one spouse becomes
more active, it tends to influence the other partner to start exercising as
well, and that effect can be long lasting.
Active individuals are most likely going to have an active partner,
regardless of their age.
Read on as the matchmakers of Birmingham Singles bring you some
helpful tips to turn your loving relationship into an exercise partnership as
well.
•
Do not become a gym teacher. Be gentle with your partner. To get started, suggest going on a walk
together, then progress your physical activity from there. Go at a pace that is reasonable for the two
of you and do not correct your partner if their technique or movements are not
how they're supposed to be.
•
Start out as beginners. Pick an activity that is new for the two of
you, that way nobody feels less than competent.
If the two of you start a new activity, both of you will have fun
learning, explains Birmingham Singles.
But be sure the activity you pick is something your partner likes as
well.
•
Make a date out of it. Have a realistic plan for your workouts. It is a great idea to be active together for
at least 30 minutes, 3 times a week--And keep that on a regular basis. Then, as you get better, start bumping that
up to 5 times per week. Add 10 minutes
of extreme exercise daily, such as fast walking or running, so that you also
burn fat in the process.
Now, remember, not everyone is a power gym couple, and you need to
understand that, reminds Birmingham Singles. Whether it's different goals, different
schedules, or different ways of grunting there is always an excuse to why one
wants to exercise alone. But before you
give up before you even give it a go, try working out together as a couple a
few times.
Two Is Always Better Than One
Are you still not convinced yet?
Hard workouts can also increase the trust between partners (did someone
say spotter), as well as encourages communication and goal sharing between the
two of them, explains Birmingham Singles. Combining quality time and quality workouts
can improve a couples relationship in no time.
Research has shown that a solid sweat session releases chemicals in the
brain that produce happiness and relieves stress. When exercise is done as a couple, the
post-workout high is said to bring the two of them closer together, and can
even improve their libido, at least in women.
More Tips For Working Out As A Couple...
•
Keep the workouts balanced and fair. Understand
that each partner has a different goal, strengths and weaknesses when it comes
to working out, reminds Birmingham Singles. It is very important that couples mix up
their routine so that both partners get a good workout. Perhaps one person is better in lifting while
the other is better at cardio, so customize the workouts so that everyone is
happy.
•
Never compete. Use your workouts to show your partner the
support you both have for each other, explains Birmingham Singles. Don't compete, because when you do, one
person will always lose. Allow each
other to grow at your own speeds.
Although there is nothing wrong with motivating your spouse or partner,
because having someone to be by your side throughout your workouts is like
having a cheerleader by your side.
•
Be persuasive. The biggest challenge you might have when
working out as a couple is that your partner might not want to work out that
day, and this is why it's important to be persuasive. Tell your partner that you'll fix the sink or
do laundry if they work out with you.
Or, you can even tell them that you'll prepare their favorite meal when
they get home.
•
Train hard and laugh together. Working out isn't about being serious all the
time. Again, don't take working out too seriously
and compete with each other. Train hard,
of course, but laugh and enjoy it whenever possible.
•
Don't try to show off. If you're way more experienced than your
partner when it comes to a particular workout, the last thing you want to do is
show off. So what if you can do 20 more
pushups than your partner or you can run 3 more miles than they can? They are your partner and you should motivate
them, not show off in front of them or make them feel bad about themselves,
reminds Birmingham Singles.
•
Work out alone. In the beginning, it's always good to start
working out alone. This prevents
dependency from your partner. And
sometimes, because of busy schedules, couples might not be able to make it to
the gym together. This is why it's
important that you work out and let your partner know you did a workout to
motivate them to get to the gym as well.
•
Don't be a tease. Don't wear anything too provocative when
working out. Remember, you're going to
work out, not to a modeling show.
•
Get help. Sometimes
it's best to seek help from a personal trainer.
If the two of you have no prior experience working out, it is
recommended to get help from a professional who will give you a routine and
direct instructions so you don't hurt yourselves in the process.
If you are not in a relationship, Birmingham Singles suggests going
with a friend or family member as they will still serve as motivation (as you
will to them as well) to get you to work out.
