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Couples' Workout
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Additional Resources
On average, 1/2 of individuals who start an exercise program drop out within 6 months. Studies have shown that social support increases the likelihood of sticking with a fitness regimen. Exercising with a partner not only improves adherence, it can also make exercise more fun. Surveys have indicated that most people prefer to exercise with others rather than alone.
- Strength training. Resistance training is at least as important for women as for men. Resistance training improves bone health and preserves bone density. It helps to combat osteoporosis. Strength training tones muscles and helps sculpt physique. This type of training is interactive. Having someone encourage you and count your "reps" gives you a better opportunity to concentrate on breathing and lifting correctly. Men and women can do the same exercises, just adjust the weight accordingly. There are short rest breaks between sets, allowing time for conversation. Strength training provides for quality time together. Setting a time to meet encourages a commitment to an exercise program.
- Group fitness classes are another option for couples seeking to train together. There are a variety of options to suit your tastes. Biking classes, for example, are popular with both men and women. Tension on the indoor exercise bike is adjusted individually, such that biking classes can accommodate exercisers of different fitness levels. Yoga is a popular choice for improving flexibility and for relieving stress. Boot camp exercise is one that couples may want to try. It is a high energy class, and is both fun and challenging. It involves calisthenic movements and conditioning drills.
- Don’t overlook the opportunity to be outdoors. Hiking, biking, jogging, and walking are all ways to boost your aerobic capacity and to enjoy the seasons. These activities offer the ability to explore new areas and to share conversation.
- Tennis is a fun exercise option for couples. Most individuals burn about 7-8 calories a minute playing tennis. Swimming is a good cross-training activity. Since it is a non-impact form of activity, it is easy on joints.
In the end, working out with your partner can lead to a better overall union as the two of you find ways to spend time together and improve your health. Whether you head to the gym, go outside, or stay at home, shaping up with your significant other can turn a bland, perfunctory workout into something fun, intimate, and rewarding. Working out together allows you to shoot for common fitness goals, but it also allows you to grow together as a couple.
Read more:- Wallace JP, Raglin JS, Jastremski CA. Twelve month adherence of adults who joined a fitness program with a spouse vs without a spouse. J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1995 Sep; 35(3): 206-13.
- Erling J, Oldridge NB. Effect of a spousal-support program on compliance with cardiac rehabilitation. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1985; 17:284.
- Gale JB, Eckhoff WT, Mogel SF, Rodnick JE. Factors related to adherence to an exercise program for healthy adults. Med Sci Sports Exerc 1984 Dec; 16(6):544-9.
- Raglin J. Factors in exercise adherence: influence of spouse participation. Quest 2001, 53:356-61.