While love is in the air for some this February, others have a bone to pick with dear ol’ Cupid. But just like grade school when everyone received a Valentine–regardless of if they punched you on the playground or stole a kiss beneath the bleachers–being in love is not a necessary requirement for your heart to get pumping. According to Fitness magazine, 94 percent of couples stick with their fitness programs when they work out together. What that statistic doesn’t define is the type of couple you must be. If you’re looking to stick with a routine of blasting fat, all you need is a partner with whom to pair up. Regardless of your romantic situation, make a fitness with your bestie, be it a spouse, BFF, friend with benefits, sister, or coworker.
Wondering why you need to include another person on your quest toward ultimate health? Simple: Guilt. When you hit the snooze button on a morning run, you only let yourself down. But if there’s someone waiting for you–someone who cares about you–you leave a person stranded in spandex. You wouldn’t do that to a friend!
Guilt aside, a buddy will celebrate your victories, encourage you when you’re feeling down, talk you up and over the hills and hurdles, and laugh with you when a fitness faux pas happens–and they always do.
Now that you–and a friend–are convinced, it’s time to get moving. Give these duo-designed exercises a try.
Wall Balls: Stand next to your partner about two arms length apart, facing a wall. One person starts by holding a padded medicine ball, squatting down, and thrusting the ball up toward a selected point on the wall. The job for the partner is to catch the ball when it comes down and repeat the toss for the first person to catch. Do two sets of 25 catches each, resting for two minutes in between. Increase the sets and reps as each person’s skill level improves.
Follow the Leader: This can be done with most non-stationary cardio exercises, including walking, running, biking, swimming, and kayaking. With whatever form you choose, one person starts in front of the other and sets a pace. After a decided period of time or distance, the person in back moves ahead of the other person and sets a new pace–slower or faster. Complete 20 cycles of these rotations, or set a time or distance challenge. Switch this style up, by doing walking lunges, hops, sprints, or traveling jumping jacks. It’s leader’s choice.
Arm Hops: Partner A sits on the floor with her legs straight out in front, and her arms extended at her sides at shoulder height. Partner B starts facing the back right arm of Partner A. The goal is to jump over the right arm, then over the legs, and then over the left arm before turning around and jumping back to the starting position. Starting and returning to back right arm is one rep. Complete ten reps before switching places with your partner.
Got Your Back: A good friend always has your back, and it’s no different for this squat-and-hold exercise. Start standing with your backs touching and at the same time begin to each walk your legs forward so that you are both in chair positions. Hold this position for as long as you can, encouraging each other when the shakes start. Take short breaks in between each session, and then repeat. Work to increase your hold times.
The number of ways to exercise together are endless. Talk it out and see how each of you can find fitness ideas that inspire you both and build a better bond–and body–together. How do you prefer to pair up when working out? Tell us in the comments!
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Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
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