As a fitness coach, you would think I’d date a fitness freak, but that wasn’t the case. At first, my girlfriend swore she’d never run or train with me, and I swore I would rather read a book while she swims and escapes waves, but a year later, we both do all of the above together – and believe it or not, it has enhanced our relationship.
Working out with your partner has many benefits and can create a feeling of shared experience.
Starting a joint fitness journey required some planning. We both had to communicate and support each other. By embracing new lifestyle changes together, a bond was formed that eventually led
to us embracing each other. But, before I recommend fitness activities that help you stay fit and healthy while also improving relationships, or before I blow my own horn, here’s how my GF thinks training together has improved our relationship: ‘It’s enhanced our relationship by giving us another common ground that allows for positive growth in our relationship.’
Top 5 fitness activities for couples that help you stay fit and healthy, and also enhance your relationship
Weekly routine (3× a week):
Many people (including myself) strive to go to the gym three times per week, which serves as the foundation for our fitness goals. You might be motivated to try and lose weight, you might want to improve your fitness level, or you might just want to have fun. In any case, there are numerous reasons why you should include your partner in your gym activities. Couples who exercise together benefit in a variety of ways. They appear to have a stronger bond and they are more likely to continue working toward their fitness goals together.
Walking
Walking is a great activity couples can take part in. It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment, it is a free activity and there are endless walks you can discover. You can walk around your apartment, on a beach, or through a forest on a walking trail.
I promise to listen to your partner’s hectic day at work while walking is less stressful than being distracted by your TV show catch-up session and her talking over it.
Jogging
Although it is unusual for a couple to have similar running abilities, there is no reason why you both can’t get outside and enjoy the experience. Jogging, like walking, is a low-cost (or free) form of exercise with a variety of routes and numerous health benefits.
Both of you will get a good workout in a much shorter amount of time by increasing the intensity of the run, which is ideal for busy couples.
Swimming
Swimming is something you can do as a couple regardless of individual abilities, despite the fact that there is not much talking during this activity. It is a very inexpensive way to stay fit, and it works every muscle in the body. The next step for more serious swimmers is open-water swimming, which allows you to swim across lakes or the sea!
Home workouts
If the weather is particularly bad or you simply don’t want to leave the house, creating a fitness circuit in your home is a great way to stay in shape with your partner. This can be a lot of fun as well
as a good workout.
- Pick six to 10 exercises that you can perform in a big enough space in your home (or outside).
- Agree on how long you will spend on each exercise and how many circuits you intend to do.
- One of you needs to keep an eye on the time or have a clock somewhere you can both see.
Hiking
Hiking is a fantastic way to spend time outside. You can explore the natural beauty at your own pace, only using your two feet and carrying what you need for the day on your back. Almost anyone can participate with a little planning and preparation:
Pick the right hike
It is critical to choose a hike that is within both partners’ ability and comfort levels. If it is someone’s first time hiking, do not attempt a difficult hike.
Have patience
One partner may be physically
stronger than the other. Patience and understanding are essential here. Allow yourself to move more slowly, and don’t rush the other person.
Bring food
What’s better than being out in pleasant weather with beautiful scenery, and then enjoying a healthy meal? Pack some light, nutritious and healthy food to end off
a wonderful day.
Gear up, fuel up and hydrate
You should arrive at your hike fully prepared. Do your research, know how to get there, where to park, how long it will take, how much food and water you will need, and bring the appropriate gear for the location and weather. Not having the proper equipment and nutrition is not only dangerous but can easily degrade or ruin what could be a good day.
Aside from agreeing on certain days and times of the week that work best for both parties, here are four rules that can make training with your partner less frustrating:
Be supportive, don’t be the coach
Be uplifting: ‘Excellent work. That’s a good set. Your form is excellent.’ If you need to correct your partner’s posture or form, use a supportive, helpful tone rather than criticism.
Be willing to try something different
Maybe you enjoy lifting weights and your partner enjoys running. Not everything is lost. Be willing to try something out of your comfort zone. If they enjoy running, adding a 5 km morning run to your weekly schedule would be a fantastic idea.
Don’t make it a competition
The last thing your partner wants to feel is that you’re putting them down. Make sure they are feeling supported and encouraged.
Originally published for print in BONA Magazine
Writer: Nombuelo Mgabadeli
Also see: All you need to know about New Year’s fitness resolutions
