Some people prefer working out alone, but some people love doing their daily exercises with their partner. Whether it is your SO or just a friend, working out with a partner can bring a lot of fun to painful exercises. Things get easier, you are there to motivate each other and you can chat during the cooldowns.
However, there are some “rules” when it comes to working out with someone, and those are just tips that can make the entire experience much more productive and fun.
1. Recognize Your Differences
When starting working out with a partner, you have to keep in mind each other’s readiness and fitness levels. One of you may already be in form, while the other is only starting out, so when deciding on exercises take those differences into account.
This means that you shouldn’t try and compete with each other while following the same training plan. Instead, focus on your individual goals first, like wanting to lose some weight or run a 10K, while the partner builds muscles and gets stronger, for example.
Once you figure out the goals then you can start creating a training plan where you can get to those goals together and do the exercises while supporting each other.
2. Don’t Be Scared To Try Something New
We are all accustomed to one type of training and exercise. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try something new from time to time. If your workout partner suggests trying something new, a new activity or exercise, don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. If you are used to lifting weights, don’t be afraid to try aqua aerobics if your partner would like you to join them.
The same goes for other sports and activities. Even if you are not familiar with the rules and techniques used in new sports, you can easily research everything or let your partner teach you. For example, if you would like to play tennis together, you can always look into tennis instruction videos online first, and then take it to the court.
3. Beware of “Coaching”
If you or your partner are more experienced or at a higher level of fitness than the other, then there might be some inclinations to provide advice and encouragement during working out together. That is all fine and lovely, but the problem may occur if the other half doesn’t find that advice or encouragement helpful and finds himself feeling tired or insecure.
If that happens, it seems that you or the partner have started coaching the other. You have to have clear boundaries and if someone doesn’t want to be coached, then don’t do it. The point is to work out together and help each other achieve fitness goals. You should both openly talk about what kind of guidance you’re okay with and what you consider coaching.
4. Slow Down
Couples and partners who would love to run together often find it difficult to match each other’s pace. When one person is a stronger runner they have to make big decisions here – spending quality time with a partner or getting the best possible workout. And since you have started working out together, then you should match the pace of a slower runner to make things fair.
The same goes for any other exercise. If you are better at lifting weights, don’t leave your partner hanging. Slow down a bit, help them out and encourage them, don’t just brag and show off at how much and how fast you can lift, or do any other type of exercise.
5. Make a Plan
Before you begin working out together, you should make a plan. Decide upon which days and how often you want to work out and figure out what you would like to do together. You can also organize a playlist together with music you both find motivating and inspiring.
Also, decide if you want to join some classes together if plain going to the gym is too boring for you. And if you do want to go to the gym together, make a list of exercises you want to do together, map out your goals, and where to start.
Working out is beneficial to our bodies and mind, but sometimes working out alone is hard and boring. That is why many people decide to pair up with a friend or their significant other and exercise in pairs. This can be a beautiful thing since you can help each other out, learn from each other and be there to support your partner. However, be careful not to step over any boundaries and remember to have fun!
