Working Out With Your Significant Other- Should You or Shouldn’t You?

  

You spend your Saturday mornings grocery shopping and cleaning the house together but should you be working out with each other too? Of course it’s healthy and has added benefits such as extra motivation but studies show that it doesn’t always produce a “strong” relationship.                

It’s a fact- men and woman are different. Our bodies are built different, our lung capacities are at different levels and our weight fluctuates differently- all of which play a major part in a couples exercise routine. If you’re planning on working out with your significant other, here are three things you should think about first:

Talk to each other. Most couples don’t usually take the time to discuss each others personal fitness goals beforehand. Establish guidelines before you begin to be sure that you both understand each others goals. And don’t forget to always motivate one another!

Be sensitive and supportive. It’s an uncomfortable issue but shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s often easier for men to lose weight faster than woman, which can be discouraging, so always remember to support each other and talk through problems when they arise.

You’re NOT competing against each other. Healthy competition can be a good thing, as long as both of you enjoy it. Often, one person is competitive and the other isn’t and that is when it becomes challenging especially if one is pushing the other beyond their comfort zone.

While working out with your significant other can be challenging- it’s not impossible. Try these tips the next time you’re at the gym together:

1.       Be open to trying something new.

2.       Switch off being the leader.

3.       Try activities at different paces.

4.       Push only yourself.

5.       Be supportive.

Always be sure that your own workout needs get met!