6 Rules to Help You Crush a Couple’s Workout
Is the gym a sanctuary for one person to work out their stress and try to improve themselves, or can it also be a couples activity, something fun and consistent that you share with your significant other? The question is trickier than it might first appear. Do you want to bring your relationship stress into the gym? Do you want to sacrifice what might, potentially, be your sanctuary, your go-to place to charge your batteries apart from friends and family?
Things could go wrong, sure, but things can also go very right. If you’re both on the same wave length, you’ll gain a workout buddy and a reliable spotter, and the gym might allow you to deepen your bond in a shared effort.
If you’re already a gym rat, inviting your significant other is great way to incorporate her into an important hobby and a major part of your life, says NYC-based personal trainer Barrington Bennett. “It’s an unconventional date so there’s the chance that she’ll find that intriguing, he said. “Plus, it gets your endorphins going which is good for the holiday like Valentine’s Day.”
RELATED: Should You Work Out With Your Partner?
Sure, you could go on another movie date or out for yet another dinner and drinks. But hitting a partner workout has tons of benefits, including stress relief, improving sleep and yes, better sex, but working out together also builds trust and camaraderie. Beware however, this is not a trip to the gym to go crush it with your fellow barbell busters. When hitting a training session with bae, your approach needs to be different. The last thing you want to do is go home tired, sweaty and angry.
Rule #1 : Be Supportive. Don’t Be the Coach
Unless your girlfriend specifically asked you to kick her butt in the gym, leave your drill sergeant whistle at home. If you’re a fitness professional, avoid treating your workout date like a client. The likelihood is that she did not sign up for that. And if you’re not a pro, that is even more reason to turn it down a notch. Be encouraging. “Great job. That’s a good set. You’re form looks great.” If you need to correct your partner’s posture or form, be sure that you keep a supportive, helpful tone and avoid criticism. Keep it light and fun.
Rule #2: Be Willing to Try Something Different
Maybe you love hitting the weights hard and maybe she loves Pilates and Zumba. All is not lost. Be willing to try something that’s outside of your normal routine. If she likes to run but going for a 10-miler on Sunday morning is completely out of the question, then try a yoga class and set your floor mats next to each other or try that new bootcamp class at your local gym. You’ll still be getting a workout out in and you will have something to experience together. Better still, agree to try her favorite workout style if she tries yours in return. See, now you’ve just booked two workout sessions.
Rule #3: Don’t Make It a Competition
The last thing your partner wants is to feel like you’re showing them up. Be sure to make certain your partner feels supported and encouraged. But your partner is looking to go beastmode, Bennett suggests trying an interval workout. That way you can both work at the same time but don’t necessarily have to do the same thing. If you and your S.O. are competitive types, time your interval workout and keep score by counting reps. Loser pays for dinner.
Rule #4: Share Leadership Duties
I’m guilty of walking into the gym and going straight to the treadmill or waving my arms around a few times, touching my toes twice and making my way over to the free weights. But if your partner loves to stretch, let them lead the way through your pre and post workout routine. If your partner is a treadmill warrior, let them set the pace and decide when you speed up or slow down. If she’s not into lifting weights, there’s your chance lead.
Rule #5: Communicate Your Expectations
Before you even step foot in a gym or studio it’s best to get a sense of what’s going to happen once you get there. If you expect to keep a conversation going throughout the workout but your partner planned on pushing in some wireless headphones and getting down to business, you’re in for a long session. Also, it’s important to know what your partner’s style is. Find out how they like to be encouraged – some people like tough love while with others it will ensure a very long car ride home.
Rule #6: Don’t Be Afraid to Take Care of Yourself Too
Let’s face it. We’re all not at the same fitness level all the time. You may need to slow it down or scale things back in order to get the benefits of working out with your partner. But that doesn’t mean you need to completely ignore your own needs. If you know you’ll need more, show up early and squeeze a few miles in before your partner arrives or build in another 20-30 minutes to add in a couple workout finishers while your partner showers or relaxes in the sauna. Just plan ahead and be sure to communicate with your loved one that you’re going to squeeze in a little extra work.
And if all goes well, you guys can work in a little extra “cardio” at home.
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