Forget waiting until the new year to start working on the new you. There’s never been a better time to get active and start a new fitness routine. Whether you’re an out and out gym bunny or new to the world of workouts, there’s always ways you can up your game.
Ready to take things to the next level? We hear you! Believe it or not, the secret to unlocking your inner fitness guru may be working out with your partner. Yes, enlisting the help of your significant other to boost your exercise regime is a smart move. Let’s take a look at what you need to know and delve into some top tips to get you started.
WORKING OUT TOGETHER BOOSTS YOUR FITNESS, SAYS STUDY
Thinking of revamping your lifestyle? Enhancing your workout schedule is a sure-fire way to improve your health and reach your goals. While you may think of this as a solo journey, research suggests bringing your partner along for the ride will improve your overall fitness.
When you exercise with a partner rather than alone, you tend to do it more often, according to research from the University of Aberdeen. The study found that having social support encouraged people to dedicate more time to physical activity. While the results of this research could be applied to any ‘gym buddy’, your partner is an obvious choice.
It doesn’t end there. If you’re hoping to shed some pounds along the way, embarking on a diet with your partner may also have its benefits. Another study from the European Society of Cardiology found that couples were more likely to be successful at dieting and changing their everyday lifestyle habits for the better when they did so together.
"Our study shows that when spouses join the effort to change habits, patients have a better chance of becoming healthier – particularly when it comes to losing weight," said study author Ms. Lotte Verweij, PhD student, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences.
So, why is it that couples are more successful when they join forces? It’s no secret. Becoming healthier is more practical when you do it as a couple, especially when you live together. You can create a shared lifestyle that supports your health goals. Add this to the fact that you can offer one another emotional support, and you’ve got a recipe for success.
"Couples often have comparable lifestyles and changing habits is difficult when only one person is making the effort. Practical issues come into play but also psychological challenges, where a supportive partner may help maintain motivation," explains Ms. Verwei. Without sounding cheesy, you’re stronger together when it comes to getting fit.
4 TIPS FOR WORKING OUT WITH YOUR PARTNER
Ready to start a new workout routine with your partner? If you’re used to exercising alone, you will need a roadmap to embark on this journey with your significant other. Don’t panic. We’ve got you covered. Let’s take a look at four simple things you can do to make it work.
1. Be open to trying new workout styles
Chances are, you and your partner don’t usually do the same workouts. If you did, you would already be working out together. Let’s say you’re a fully-fledged yogi and they are an avid runner. You have to find some common ground. Why not try something entirely new together? Look into a range of activities and see which fit the bill. If you’re working out at home, for example, why not try FiiT videos or find tutorials on YouTube? Easy.
2. Avoid ‘coaching’ each other
Should you try each other’s favourite workouts, beware of the ‘coaching trap’. Sure, you might be excited to show your partner your advanced moves. That’s cool. However, if they are just starting out, your good intentions could seem overwhelming and, frankly, a little overbearing. Give it a break. Allow your partner to go at their own pace and take their time. Before you know it, they may have fallen in love with the activity you already adore.
3. Create a schedule (and stick to it)
Let’s face it, both you and your partner are busy people. You might have endless work commitments, hectic social lives and family obligations. It happens. That means that fitting in regular workouts can be tough, especially when you want to do them at the same time. Before you get started, sit down with your partner and make a schedule that works for both of you. By planning ahead, you will both be more likely to stick to an ongoing routine.
4. Motivate each other to keep going!
It’s time to be a cheerleader. When working out with your partner, you have to motivate each other. That’s the entire point. You’re going to need to cheer your partner on when they are doing well and support them when they are not. With any luck, they will do the same for you. The more you motivate each other, the better your chances of fitness success. You could even reward each other along the way with surprises or kind gestures.
THE TAKEAWAY!
Let’s get physical. Working out with your partner can be an epic way to get healthy and have some fun together. Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on why it matters and how to get started, what are you waiting for? There’s no time like the present. Make a fitness schedule today and dedicate some time each week to getting your sweat on.
