The Manica Post

Couples workout: 5 reasons you should work out together

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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 us have a look at the facts.

5 reasons you should work our together working out together increases happiness in your relationsh­ip

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 is 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 are 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.

your partner’s presence boosts your energy output fitness goals are easier to work towards together couples workout creates bonds

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.

exercise increases physical attraction to each other The best couples workout for physical and emotional benefits

While you can both complete the same routine simultaneo­usly, it is 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 will leave you both feel pumped and closer than ever.

Warm-up

Resistance run

◆ One partner stands inside a resistance band while the other holds it from the outside.

◆ Standing a couple of steps apart (enough to make the band taut) run on the spot for 30 seconds.

◆ Swap and repeat.

Couples workout

Repeat for three to five rounds. Depending on your fitness level.

Wall sit with tricep dip

◆ Have one partner lean back against the

wall, feet shoulder-width apart.

◆ Push your head, shoulders and back against the wall, then slide your back down the wall until your thighs are parallel with the floor.

◆ Partner 2: place your heels at your partner’s toes and hold yourself up on their thighs using your triceps.

◆ Slide forward so your legs are straight ahead, then lower yourself until your elbows are bent between 45 and 90 degrees.

◆ Push yourself back and repeat for 12 reps. ◆ Swap positions and repeat.

◆ Have your partner grab your feet so that you are only holding yourself up with your hands on the ground.

◆ Walk one step forward with each hand,

then perform a push-up.

◆ Step back with each hand and repeat for

10 reps.

◆ Swap positions and repeat.

Wheelbarro­w push-ups Flat back chair twist

◆ Facing each other, both partners lock your right hands and sit back, as if squatting into an imaginary chair.

◆ Keeping your knees in line with your ankles, twist your waist and use your left hand to touch the ground.

◆ Swap hands and repeat for 20 twists.

Partner plank claps

◆ With both partners facing, assume a

perfect plank position.

◆ Once you are grounded, reach out your

right hands and clap from the side. ◆ Return your right hand and repeat with

your left hands.

Repeat for five reps with each hand (10 reps in total).— https://evofitness.ch/couples-workout

 ?? ?? Research shows that couples who take on new and exciting activities together feel more satisfied in their relationsh­ips
Research shows that couples who take on new and exciting activities together feel more satisfied in their relationsh­ips

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