16 Workout Ideas for Couples
When it comes to exercise, the magic number might be two -- as in your partner plus you. Studies have shown that people work out longer and harder when they have company. And the University of Oxford found that the endorphin release from activity is significantly greater in group training than in individual training.
Overview
When it comes to exercise, the magic number might be two -- as in your partner plus you. Studies have shown that people work out longer and harder when they have company. And the University of Oxford found that the endorphin release from activity is significantly greater in group training than in individual training. So who better to get that post-workout high with than your significant other? "When couples work out, they can focus on their goals together," says fitness consultant Ashley Borden. "It creates a bond between you." Here are 16 ways you lovebirds can stay in shape together.
1. Hit the Weight Room Together
There's no need to go your separate ways at the gym. Try lifting weights as a duo and see how much your workout improves (especially in the motivation department). Your partner can be a spotter, making sure that your form is good and that you're not taking on too much weight and offering encouragement if you're feeling tired. You can also try two-person exercises like medicine ball V-sits or rows with resistance bands. It's a great way to get pumped with each other's help. CALORIES BURNED: between 180 and 266 for 30 minutes
Related: Buddy Up With These 11 Exercises You Can Do With a Partner
2. Try Partner or AcroYoga
Partner yoga can strengthen both your practice and your relationship. Poses that are meant to be performed together, such as double downward-facing dog allow you to stretch more fully and deeply than you could on your own. But the poses also require trust, teamwork and communication. "Partner yoga is really good for relationships because it encourages you to be in touch with each other," fitness expert Ashley Borden says. If you're really adventurous (and already fairly active yogis), give AcroYoga a try, which involves a lot more strength and stability, as on partner is usually balancing on the other. CALORIES BURNED: between 120 and 178 for 30 minutes
Related: 10 Playful Yoga Poses to Practice With a Partner
3. Rock Climb Together
Rock climbing requires you to support one another -- both literally and figurtively. Whether you are scaling a rugged outcropping or an indoor rock wall, your partner belaying you holds your life (or at least your fracture-free limbs) in his or her hands. The activity is also good for communication. While you climb, your loved one on the ground acts as a second set of eyes, helping you find that next handhold and encouraging you on your way up. CALORIES BURNED: between 330 and 448 for 30 minutes
Related: The Best Stretches to Avoid Injury in Your Favorite Sports
4. Blast Calories With a Circuit Workout
If the gym isn't your thing, you and your honey can get a great workout using just your body weight. Try a round of couple's calisthenics. Find a kitchen timer and set it for 10 minutes, then rotate between sets of squats, push-ups and planks. "By setting a timer, you can each go at your own pace, rather than trying to stay rep-for-rep with each other," fitness expert Ashley Borden says. "That way, you're still working out together but you're trying to beat your time, not each other." Plus, you'll bring out your competitive sides (just make sure to maintain proper form the entire time). CALORIES BURNED: between 240 and 355 for 30 minutes
Related: A 20-Minute Metabolism-Boosting, Official Tabata Workout
5. Go for a Run
Cardio is better with company, so why not head out on a run together? "Set a destination, tie your shoelaces and just go," fitness expert Ashley Borden says. Somewhere scenic is good. A route that has views during and breakfast after is even better. Your local park or running/bike path are both great options for scenery, and jogging the streets of your city lets you get more familiar with your surroundings than driving around by car. If the great outdoors isn't an option, head to the gym and hop on to two side-by-side treadmills. Keep the pace easy, so that both of you can comfortably maintain a conversation. CALORIES BURNED: between 300 and 444 for 30 minutes
Related: 7 Races for Couples to Celebrate Their Love of Running (and Each Other)
6. Hike the Hills
If running isn't your thing, hiking is a great way for couples to spend time together at a more manageable pace. Whether you're exploring a new trail or traveling down a familiar path, you'll have more time to take in all of nature's beauty and enjoy each other's company. The best part? Hiking is great for couples who have different fitness levels. "If one of you is thinking 'this isn't enough of a real workout for me,' the more athletic of the two of you can put on a weighted vest, to add extra challenge," says fitness expert Ashley Borden. And hiking is scalable (pun intended). If it's a recovery day for either of you, pick a trail with a little to no incline. Or if you want a butt-kicking workout (literally), choose a path with more hills. CALORIES BURNED: between 180 and 266 for 30 minutes
Related: 16 Beautiful National Parks You MUST See
7. Give Doubles Tennis a Shot
Do you and your partner have a competitive streak? Find two friends and head for the tennis courts, rackets in tow. "Doubles teams are fun because you're working together as a couple, to beat the other couple," fitness expert Borden says. You'll be so focused on the game and acing your next serve, yon won't even realize the workout your core, legs and arms are getting -- not to mention, tennis is a great cardio workout, too. And win or lose, you're in it together. So carve out some time afterwards to reward yourselves with some refreshing iced tea, lemonade or fruit-infused water and toast to your health. CALORIES BURNED: between 210 to 311 for 30 minutes
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8. Hop on a Bike for a Quick Ride
A bike ride with your beau is can be as challenging or as leisurely as you like; just make sure you commit to a route that's in line with both of your physical abilities. "If it's casual, it's fun," fitness exper Ashely Borden says. "If it's not casual, someone is going to get left in the dust." And no one wants that on their fit date. Cycling is a great cardiovascular workout without a ton of impact, meaning it's a good way to work your heart without a lot of pounding to your body. But even though it's low-impact on your joints, your legs will certainly feel it the next day. Bonus: It's a great excuse to see your sweetie in spandex. CALORIES BURNED: between 240 to 355 for 30 minutes
Related: 10 Inspiring Facts Guaranteed to Make You Bike More
9. Shake It Up With Salsa
Traditional exercise isn't the only way to get your heart rate up. For a fun workout that's surprisingly challenging, try salsa dance lessons (or any other class your gym or local rec center offers). "Salsa combines a physical activity with a romantic atmosphere," says Craig Ballantyne, a certified strength and conditioning coach. "And when you take on a new activity, it stimulates dopamine, the brain's pleasure-seeking neurotransmitter." You and your sweetie will have learned a whole new skill and had some fun in the process. CALORIES BURNED: between 165 to 244 for 30 minutes
Related: 12 Workouts To Improve Your Mood
10. Swim a Few Laps in Adjoining Lanes
Whether your gym has a pool, you have one in your backyard or you prefer the open waters of an ocean or lake, swimming is the perfect, low-impact workout for you and your partner. You can try racing each other in neighboring lanes or take turns timing each other and cheering the other on. Mix it up by varying your stroke, which also targets different muscle groups in your arms and legs. If you start out with the breaststroke, switch to the butterfly or backstroke.. For an extra workout, see which one of you can tread water the longest. CALORIES BURNED: between 300 to 444 for 30 minutes
Related: 10 Types of Low-Impact Exercise That Keep You Fit and Injury-Free
11. Check Out a Kickboxing Class
Kickboxing classes are a fun way to blow off some steam while practicing a new and useful skill set. Find a class (or DVD) that you both enjoy and partner up for all kinds of kicks, punches and jabs. It's a full-body workout that will leave you sore in muscles you didn't think could be sore. But remember, you're working with your partner, not against him or her. CALORIES BURNED: between 300 to 444 for 30 minutes
Related: The 8 Best Cardio Kickboxing Moves
12. Play a Little One-on-One Basketball
Time for a little friendly competition on the court. Grab a basketball and head to your gym, the local rec center or freestanding basketball courts in your area. You can either stick to traditional one-on-one basketball action or mix it up by incorporating games like HORSE. It's a great lower-body workout that combines cardio work with plenty of hand-eye coordination. And since the more, the merrier, you can always invite friends or other couples to join in your game. CALORIES BURNED: between 240 to 355 for 30 minutes
Related: Sign Up to Receive the FREE LIVESTRONG.COM Weekly Newsletter!
13. Play a Few Rounds of Golf
Hit the links hand in hand with your sweetheart for a few holes of golf. If you ditch the golf cart and carry your own clubs, you'll amp up the calorie burn. Plus, all that walking in between holes gives you both lots of time to catch up with each other. Make sure to do plenty of back and ab stretches beforehand to prevent muscle strains to your core during your swing and for a more carefree day of golf, toss the scorecard and focus on enjoying your time together. CALORIES BURNED: between 165 to 244 for 30 minutes
Related: 13 Everyday Activities That Burn More Than 200 Calories
14. Go Canoeing/Kayaking Together
Here's a creative activity for the two of you to do together that you might not have considered. Rent a canoe or two-person kayak and take to the open waters. You'll not only fit in a great cardio and upper-body workout (guaranteed your arms will be sore the next day), but you'll work on your communication and teamwork when coordinating your strokes and steering your vessel wherever you want to go. Choose choppier waters like the ocean for a more challenging workout or stick to the calmer water of lakes for something more low-key. CALORIES BURNED: between 150 to 222 for 30 minutes
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15. Hit the Slopes for Skiing/Snowboarding
You might not be able to partake in this activity year round, but once winter hits, take advantage of the colder weather and snowfall by planning a ski trip. You can cuddle up on the chairlift to the top of the mountain, then race each other on the way down or simply enjoy the descent and the surrounding scenery. All the way down, you'll be targeting your hip flexors, quads and glutes. Afterwards, recount your day on the hill to each other while enjoying the warmth of the fire (and maybe some hot tea or cocoa) at the ski lodge. CALORIES BURNED: between 180 to 266 for 30 minutes
Related: 9 Ways to Ensure Your Relationship Is Built to Last
16. Remember to Relax
Not all physical activity is meant to be demanding. In fact, rest is a key component of training, because your body gets stronger during your recovery from your workout, not during the exercise session itself. So set aside some time to take it easy together. "Schedule a massage, do some stretching or soak together in a salt bath," fitness expert Ashley Borden says. It'll give the two of you some much-needed time to yourselves without outside distractions (turn those cellphones off) and the opportunity to relive your active adventures together. CALORIES BURNED: no extra calories, but that's not the point
Related: 21 Stress-Reducing Techniques
What Do YOU Think?
Do you work out with your partner? What do you do to stay fit with your significant other? Have you tried any of the workouts on this list? What did you think? What other ones would you add? Do you have a favorite partner weightlifting routine at the gym or circuit workout you do on your own? Do you and your sweetie prefer indoor workouts or outdoor workouts? Share your thoughts, stories and suggestions in the comments section below!
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