{"id":1096,"date":"2021-08-12T08:48:59","date_gmt":"2021-08-12T08:48:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/7-ways-to-make-couples-workouts-awesome\/"},"modified":"2021-08-12T08:48:59","modified_gmt":"2021-08-12T08:48:59","slug":"7-ways-to-make-couples-workouts-awesome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ultimatehealthreport.com\/7-ways-to-make-couples-workouts-awesome\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Ways to Make Couples\u2019 Workouts Awesome"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Couples\u2019 workouts are a great way to spend time with someone while getting fit. They can also ruin relationships if poorly executed. Couples\u2019 workouts can be particularly challenging if one partner is much fitter than the other.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This post will help you make the most of couples\u2019 workouts so that everyone can get in a challenging and fun activity together.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Good to know:<\/p>\n

These tips are also suitable for workout buddies and fitness partners\u2014not just couples!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Benefits of Couples\u2019 Workouts, Workout Buddies and Fitness Partners<\/span><\/h2>\n

Working out with someone else has many benefits:<\/span><\/p>\n

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  • Everyone is more likely to stay accountable to their fitne<\/span>ss goals[1]<\/sup>.<\/li>\n
  • A workout partner who is fitter than you can help you push yourself.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Couples\u2019 workouts can <\/span>boost a couple\u2019s sex life<\/span>.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Working out with a partner can deepen the relationship.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Your partner can help you improve your technique.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    However, couples\u2019 workouts can be tricky to navigate. A fitter partner may feel like their less fit partner will hold them back. They could feel like they\u2019re letting their partner or gym buddy down. The less fit partner may become demoralized.<\/span><\/p>\n

    These seven strategies will help you make the most of your couples\u2019 workouts, whether they\u2019re with a special someone, a workout buddy or a fitness partner!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Tip 1: Be Honest<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Acknowledge the difference in fitness. Be respectful and don\u2019t put each other down. Don\u2019t downplay the fitness differential. Instead, call it out respectfully and tie it to the purpose of the workout (more on that below).<\/span><\/p>\n

    It can be tempting for the fitter partner to pretend that they aren\u2019t fitter. This is a swift way to annoy your less fit workout partner because you are basically lying to them. They could feel even less comfortable working out with someone more fit than them.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Couples, workout buddies and fitness partners all want to get in a good workout. Reducing your activity to match your partner\u2019s abilities can lead you to resent working out with them. Alternatively, the less fit partner can feel pushed too hard to keep up and even lead to a <\/span>preventable overuse injury<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Once you begin from a place of honesty, you\u2019re ready to plan your workout!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Tip 2: Make the Couples\u2019 Workout Challenging for Everyone<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Workouts need to be challenging<\/span> to be effective. The trick with couples\u2019 workouts is making the exercise appropriately challenging for each person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Here are some ways fitter partners can make workouts more challenging while respecting their partner\u2019s abilities:<\/span><\/p>\n

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    • Do some <\/span>intervals during your workout<\/span>. Return to your partner for the recovery portion of the interval. Short sprints are perfect because you won\u2019t get very far and you need a long time to recover at a very easy pace.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      \"two<\/p>\n

      Make it harder: <\/strong>The less fit partner can have a bit fun if they go harder\/faster while the fitter partner is returning back to them. This will decrease the recovery time the fitter partner has. It also makes the less fit partner an active participant.<\/span><\/p>\n

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      • Similar to the one above, go full speed up hills and return to your partner as they make their way.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Focus on technique. Try increasing leg speed turnover if running or cadence if cycling. Try <\/span>improving your ground contact time balance<\/span>. Try these <\/span>drills to improve your running form<\/span>. You have to go slow to work on technique anyway.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Start your workout before or continue working out after your fitness partner stops. This may mean already doing a loop before starting your couples\u2019 workout or doing an extra loop at the end. Do <\/span>push-up variations<\/span> or <\/span>plank variations<\/span> afterward!<\/span><\/li>\n
      • If the activity starts or ends from a location that is further from your home, the fitter partner can bike or run to the start or back home after the workout. Plus it can be environmentally friendly!<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Make <\/span>active recovery<\/span> your workout goal. It can be easy to skip recovery days or push too hard when <\/span>you should be taking it easy<\/span>. Working out with someone who is less fit than you is a great way to sneak in an active recovery session. Plus, you have the mental rejuvenation of having a fun experience with someone.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Tip 3: Be the Lead Dog<\/span><\/h2>\n

        The fitter partner can carry water, snacks or extra clothes. Push a stroller or pull a bike trailer if kids are along for the journey!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        This has the effect of making the workout more challenging for one partner. It also gives security for the less fit partner since they know they have easy access to everything they might need.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The fitter partner can also take the lead on navigating routes. This takes the mental energy needed to navigate off the less fit partner\u2019s mind. They can just focus on finishing the workout and not unnecessary details.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Route selection is also critical to couple workouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Tip 4: Partner Perfect Routes<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Choose a route that both partners find comfortable. A route filled with hills is not the best idea if one partner will be on their limits the whole time. Pick shadier routes if it\u2019s hot.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Multiple exit points or loops of a shorter route are great route choices. This is so that if the workout is too much or someone isn\u2019t feeling well, they can easily get back home. This will help take away some of the pressure on the less fit partner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        You can also make the route an activity with a goal destination. For example, run to a swimming hole and jump in, then run home. Run to a friend\u2019s house, take a break, then run home. Make the journey the workout and have fun with it!<\/span><\/p>\n

        Set your couples\u2019 workout up for success from the start by making it clear that it\u2019s okay to cut the planned route short. The fitter partner can keep going as long as the <\/span>less fit partner is comfortable<\/span> finding their way home alone.<\/span><\/p>\n

        \"two<\/p>\n

        Tip 5: Set Couples\u2019 Workout Specific Goals<\/span><\/h2>\n

        State workout goals clearly before the workout. Work on goals you cannot work on alone. For example, make the focus of the workout mental health, building fortitude or bonding and deepening your relationship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        Your brain is a muscle<\/span>: don\u2019t neglect it. Mental and emotional health is critical to building this muscle.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Tip 6: Spice It Up<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Try new things! Pick an activity that neither of you has done before. New experiences deepen social bonds. You will both automatically be complete beginners! Here are some couples\u2019 workout friendly activities to try next weekend (depending on the season):<\/span><\/p>\n

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        • Standup paddleboarding<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Bouldering or rock climbing<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Tandem biking<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Mountain biking<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Rollerblading or rollerskating<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Parkour\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Swimming laps (try a new stroke)<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Canyoning<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Kayaking<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Skiing, snowboarding or cross country skiing<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          It doesn\u2019t matter what the activity is so long as both partners want to have a good time and get in a bit of exercise. You could even do an active vacation based on activities neither of you has done before!<\/span><\/p>\n

          Tip 7: Embrace Differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

          This tip may not be for everyone. If one partner is super strong and one is smaller, consider doing something like acrobatics. Dancing\u2014think swing dancing\u2014could also be fun. These types of activities only reveal themselves when partners have very different physical characteristics!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Who knows, you might find something you really enjoy and both of you are uniquely good at!<\/span><\/p>\n

          Couples\u2019 Workout Exercises and Routines<\/span><\/h2>\n

          adidas Training has thousands of workouts you can do as a couple or with a workout or fitness partner!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

          Try these workouts and check out the exercises in the adidas Training App!<\/span><\/p>\n

          8-Minute Fit Together Workout\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n