Working out with your significant other can be a terrific way to intensify a relationship, but if done incorrectly, it can also do damage. Here are a few strategies to follow-and situations to avoid—the next time you hit the gym with your loved one.
Do Something New
Pick an activity that neither of you have tried; that way
you'll both experience the novelty, pitfalls, and satisfaction
together. If you find something that you can both do at different
paces, then you don't have to worry about keeping up. Try a
cycling class or sign up together for popular programs like
CrossFit
cycling or SPX
Fitness.
Work Together
If you see your partner hitting a fitness plateau, here's your
chance to jump in. Do they respond to motivational you-can-do-it
cheerleader speeches or does a tough-love pep talk get their blood
pumping? Finding this out is crucial for the longevity of a
relationship, both in and out of the gym. Another technique that
can bring you closer: Put the same playlist
on your iPods and use the song changes as cues to switch up the
pace. You're doing your own thing, but experiencing it
together.
Take Control
Even if you're not at the same fitness level, you can still
take turns planning the workout. If you both go to the gym, lead a
circuit training session. If you're runners, then map out a new
trail.
Don't Show Off
Being competitive is great, but nothing positive can come from
gloating. The reason you're working out together is to grow the
relationship in a new domain, so it doesn't matter who wins
MVP.
––Rebecca Brown
Go to Shape.com for more ways to work out with your partner.More from SHAPE:
Keep Boredom Out of the Bedroom
6 sex solutions for common complaints
Change Your Lifestyle, Improve Your Sex Life
Simple tweaks to your routine can revive your drive.
Get Closer to Your Guy
7 tips to strengthen your relationship
