Why You Should Workout as a Couple

Shake up the status quo with your sweetie by adding a workout into your routine. Trust us, it’s good for the heart in more ways than one.

By Maddy Hill

Web Exclusive

Make 2016 the year you say goodbye to lovers’ quarrels and hello to a healthier lifestyle with the one you love. Couples workouts are not only trending right now, but they are also the perfect way to repair a damaged relationship, build trust with your partner and work on yourself at the same time.

If you’re thinking, “No way! My partner and I are at completely different fitness levels!” don’t write the idea off just yet. Even if you have a perfectly established fitness regimen and love having that precious time to yourself, adding a few couples’ workouts into the mix is worth consideration.

Why workout as a couple?

You’ll have more energy to invest elsewhere.

Working out increases your energy levels, leaving you ready for different adventures with your partner. Whether that’s spending the morning trying out a pottery class or taking a day trip to somewhere like Gruene or Round Top, you can delve deeper into new activities and grow closer as a couple.

You’ll get an increase in libido.

Not only does working out release endorphins, making you feel happy and more relaxed, but a 2008 study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine also found that individuals who exercise have greater body awareness, which leads to increased sensations in the body and a more acute perception of arousal. Short high-intensity workouts can contribute to the enhancement of sexual arousal, and partaking in workouts with your partner can only fan the flame.

You’ll gain more confidence.

Nothing is sexier than confidence, and being able to feel comfortable in your own sweaty, post-workout skin around your partner only boosts your confidence. When approached properly, your significant other can help push you to a healthier place in your life and encourage you to keep up a gym routine.

New diets are a fun challenge.

Have you ever wanted to try a new diet but doubted your ability to stick with it? Now that you’re working out with your significant other, ask him or her to try a new diet with you. Don’t be shy; sometimes the most outlandish diets can make for the most interesting experience.

Cash in on couple's discounts.

This speaks for itself. There’s nothing an Austinite cherishes more than a discount on a favorite fitness class.

There’ll be less fighting.

If you focus your negative feelings like anger or frustration on working out, you’ll have less energy to spend on pointless fights with your significant other. By working out with your partner, you can release the tension without a fight, leaving more time to focus on how much you love each other.

Cooking becomes a new adventure.

You’ll have to fuel up after your workouts, so carve out some time to cook dinner with your significant other or make a run to Whole Foods. It’s easier to eat healthy with someone encouraging you, and even easier when it is the person you eat with nightly.

How should you workout as a couple?

Workout together when you’re mad at each other.

If there’s something that has been setting you off about your relationship or you find yourself a little more irritable with your significant other than normal, take your frustration to a kickboxing class. By doing this intense workout with your honey, you can take out all that anger with him or her instead of on him or her. Plus, nothing will turn you on more than seeing your partner working those kickboxing gloves.

Kickboxing classes are available at South Austin Gym: southaustingym.com/programs/kickboxing.

Workout together when there’s something you need to talk about.

We’ve all been in that spot when there is something eating away at us that we can’t seem to talk about with our significant other. Instead of shutting him or her out, invest your time in nightly walks. Walking is a great exercise that stimulates your entire body and has positive communicative effects. It’s often easier to talk to someone when you aren’t looking directly at him or her too, so get to walking.

Try walking around Town Lake, at the Greenbelt, at Mueller Lake Park or set out on a jaunt through your neighborhood.

Workout together when you just want to hang at home.

Is the mere thought of getting to the gym making you feel tired already? Don’t worry; there are plenty of workouts on the market that target couples trying to build a healthier lifestyle together.

You can find some of the most resourceful workouts on Pinterest, YouTube or in magazines like Self, self.com/fitness/workouts/2007/01/partner-body-toning-slideshow/2.

Workout together when you are both having a stressful week.

Take time to unwind at a restorative yoga class. Having a shared yet personal journey to a place of inner peace is a great way to let go of any stressors you are dealing with at work or in your relationship. The candlelit atmosphere can set a romantic mood for the rest of the evening. Also, what’s sexier than yoga pants?

Try restorative yoga at Sanctuary Yoga Austin, sanctuaryyogaaustin.com.