Most things in life are better when we do them together. Exercise is one of them. We know workout buddies can make a huge difference to your training, so why not make your buddy your other half? Bringing your partner into your routine has incredible physical and emotional benefits – science says so. Let’s have a look at the facts.
Research shows that couples who take on new and exciting activities together report feeling more satisfied in their relationships and more in love with their partner. It makes sense: in the early stages of a relationship, there’s lots of novelty and exhilaration. Naturally, this novelty decreases over time. By engaging jointly in workouts, classes, or sports, the positive effects of engaging in fresh challenges together are associated with the relationship.
Simply having someone else present while you train will improve your effort and speed, whether you’re conscious of it or not. When we train alone, without the external push of a personal trainer or gym buddy, we often put up mental barriers to exercising harder or longer. Involve your partner and you introduce a sort of positive competitiveness – putting more effort into your workout than you may have done on your own.
Finding the discipline to turn a strenuous workout or early-morning run into a habit is more attainable when you have someone by your side. Supportive comments and a mutual interest in fitness means you can boost each others’ morale and hold each other accountable.
By coordinating your movements with your partner (we have a workout below to exemplify) you experience a phenomenon called non-verbal matching (or mimicry), which helps you feel more attuned to your partner. Exercises such as clapping hands during a plank or running to the same rhythm have positive consequences. Though our brains may not consciously recognise it, non-verbal mimicking creates feelings of similarity and empathy, strengthening your bond to your partner.
Studies show a positive correlation between adrenaline and attraction. So, basically, exercising with your partner can make you more attracted to each other. From a racing pulse to sweating palms, physical activity induces physiological symptoms similar to that of romantic arousal.
While you can both complete the same routine simultaneously, it’s so much more effective (and enjoyable) to use each other’s bodies as part of the exercise. This interactive couples workout is a genuine joy that’ll leave you both feel pumped and closer than ever.
Repeat for 3-5 rounds. Depending on your fitness level.