The one thing people struggle with when it comes to fitness is staying consistent. No matter how much you love hitting the gym, it’s times when life gets in the way. Or you’re too tired to head over to the gym when you could be a couch potato and watch something.
As someone who works a 9-6 themselves, I know that there are times when just making it to the gym is a milestone. But there is a secret to making going to the gym a lifestyle and never skipping another session. Enter – your gym buddy! And not just any gym buddy – your own life partner.
Many couples struggle to spend quality time together due to hectic routines. However, going to the gym together could be that one time when you engage in an activity, spend quality time, hold each other accountable, and get fit together. If you’re constantly falling off the fitness charts, this guide is for you. It’ll show you why having a gym buddy is important, especially the benefits of working out with your partner.
Want to spend more time with your life partner? Check out these romantic fitness date ideas!
A Quick Summary
This guide covers the benefits of having a gym buddy, the importance of working out with your life partner, overcoming common gym challenges, tips to elevate every training session, and a complete workout plan. Go through this guide to learn more about each of these factors in-depth.
The Benefits of Working Out With a Gym Buddy
One of the main reasons why people skip their workouts is because they don’t have anyone supervising them or pushing them to go that extra mile. This means they’ll likely take it easy or put in half-hearted efforts.
With a gym buddy by your side, training isn’t just something you’re doing – it’s a commitment you’re making. And someone’s keeping a check on you. Here are some reasons why having a workout partner can help you in your fitness goals:
It’s Motivating
How often have you been scared of doing something until a friend said, “Let’s do it!” The sense of togetherness and having someone to do something with, especially when training, allows you to act without fear. In fact, a study shows that working out with a gym buddy motivates you to try an exercise you typically avoid or pushes you to hit one extra rep.
Along with giving you courage, it gives you the confidence to do more. Moreover, many gym buddies even have friendly competition, bringing out your competitive side. This allows you to push past your limitations and make your workouts more challenging!
Try these 6 shoulder cable workouts with your fitness buddy!
It Ensures Consistency
Another reason why you might delay going to the gym or fall short in your workouts is because no one’s watching you. For instance, if you aim to start doing jump ropes or incorporate battle ropes into your routine, you might give it up halfway through. But having a friend to work with will keep you on track. This is because, psychologically, you’re likely to follow through when you've committed to someone.
It gives you a sense of responsibility—like you have to do something. This prevents you from quitting unless you’ve achieved your goal, keeping you consistent in your fitness journey.
Try these 4 EZ curl bar exercises with your gym buddy!
Exchange Of Workout Expertise And Tips
Working out with a gym buddy isn’t just for motivation or accountability. It is also for learning something new. Sometimes, you might not know a better exercise to target your muscles. Or, you may be failing to isolate your muscles when working out. For instance, when I used to do deadlifts, I felt them only in my lower back and not in my glutes or hamstrings. However, my gym buddy corrected my form and helped me learn a better technique for activating my glutes and leg muscles.
In addition, your gym buddy may introduce you to different exercises. This will help you refresh your workout routine and prevent you from reaching a growth plateau.
Try these 5 dumbbell back workouts with your gym pal!
Why Training with Your Life Partner Is The Best Thing Out There
If there’s one thing you can be certain about, it is that everything feels better with your partner – even working out. Therapists and relationship advisors often recommend finding activities to do together for a healthy relationship. And what’s better than getting active with your significant other? Here are the benefits of training with your life partner:
It Strengthens Your Emotional Connection
According to a study, couples who talk to each other positively and share activities are likely to feel closer and more emotionally connected. This is exactly why going to the gym and working out together is the perfect way to build and improve your emotional connection. By going to the gym together, you’ll be able to spend quality time outside of the lazy, at-home environment.
Talking between sets and helping each other in harder reps will bring that sense of teamwork into your relationship. And, you’re also likely to make more friends at the gym!
Try this complete leg workout routine with your partner!
It Gives You Collective Goals
The two of you tied the knot to stay together and share in everything with each other. When you share your life goals, isn’t it even more precious to share fitness goals with one another? When you workout together, you build a connection beyond quality time. It’s about supporting each other, working towards being better together, and growing together. Not only are you becoming a team, but you’re also becoming the best versions of yourself – together!
Incorporate this 10-minute HIIT into your couple's workout routine!
It Provides You With Mutual Support
You and your partner care about one another more than anyone else in the world. Your well-being, success, and health are interconnected. You have each other’s best interests at heart. This is why when your significant other is your workout partner, you feel support unlike any other. They push you to do better with every set. When you feel like quitting, they give you the confidence to do an extra rep or lift heavier weight. And this changes you for the better.
Build your upper body with this back and biceps workout with your partner!
Overcoming Common Workout Challenges With Your Life Partner
With a shared workout plan, you and your partner can help each other overcome some common obstacles faced by gym-goers:
- Gym Intimidation: You won't fear the environment as you and your partner enter the gym space. In fact, it will become a place to look forward to knowing you have them by your side.
- Consistency: As gym buddies, you’ll have a routine in place. There won’t be any staying-home-to-do-nothing days because the gym will be a place to look forward to together.
- Plateaus: If you train solo, you’re more likely to stick to the same routine or same weights because you have no motivation to do more. This could lead to a strength plateau. But with your significant other pushing you, your power and endurance will keep increasing as you lift more and heavier.
How To Get The Best Results When Working Out With Your Partner or Spouse
To make the most of every gym session, make sure you keep the following factors in mind:
Create A Plan
You and your partner may have different strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Always create a workout plan or routine that caters to your individual goals and is fun to do together.
Try these 7 hottest couple's workouts!
Have Room For Individual Exercises
Sure, it’s great to do most of your workouts together. But at the same time, create room for different exercises. This ensures you value each other’s personal space since you may have different personal goals.
Learn how you and your partner can make working out a habit!
Always Communicate
Without a doubt, communication is key. This idea should be the foundation of your relationship in and out of the gym. Make sure you talk about what you want your workout routine to look like or which exercises each of you is struggling with. This will help you support one another more effectively.
Try this beginner-friendly bodyweight workout routine!
5-Day Couples Gym Workout Routine
| Day | Free Weights | Machines | Bodyweight | Cardio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday (Legs & Shoulders) | Dumbbell Squats Dumbbell Shoulder Press | Leg Press Seated Leg Curl | Walking Lunges Push-ups | 20 min Treadmill Walk |
| Tuesday (Back & Biceps) | Dumbbell Rows Dumbbell Curls | Lat Pull Down Cable Bicep Curls | Pull-ups Plank (30 sec) | 15 min Elliptical |
| Wednesday (Rest or Light Cardio) | - | - | - | 30 min Light Walking or Swimming |
| Thursday (Chest & Triceps) | Bench Press Tricep Dumbbell Kickback | Chest Fly Machine Tricep Dip Machine | Diamond Push-ups Bench Dips | 10 min Stair Climber |
| Friday (Full Body) | Kettlebell Swings Dumbbell Deadlifts | Cable Woodchoppers Row Machine | Resistance Band Squats Burpees | 20 min Cycling |
Pro Tip: Make sure you have the right gym wear on to hit every rep precisely!
Conclusion
Making your significant other your gym buddy could be a complete game-changer for you both. It’ll not only set you on the path to becoming fitter, healthier, and active but also improve your relationship. The love and care you have for one another will be the basis of motivating each other and holding the other accountable. With everything said and done, why not let your significant other join you in your fitness journey?
FAQs
Is working out together healthy for couples?
Yes, working out together is extremely healthy for couples! Training at the gym not only helps you grow your muscles but also brings you closer to one another emotionally. With shared fitness goals, you put in a collective effort to progress and be better. This improves your overall communication and support and allows you to be more thoughtful of each other's feelings. In addition, exercising together can be super fun, which is again incredible for your relationship. As you workout together, you keep one another in-check, making sure neither of you are skipping sessions or falling behind.
How do I find a gym buddy?
You can easily find a gym buddy in your circle. Just ask a friend or colleague who's into fitness or wants to start working out. You can also ask someone within the gym to spot you every once in a while and become official gym buddies after being friends for some time. You can also join group training classes to meet people who are on the same journey as you as this could feel motivating. Or, you could just start working out at the gym with your significant other.
Is working out with my boyfriend a good idea?
Yes! Working out with your boyfriend is a great idea because this way, you can spend quality time with him and achieve your fitness goals together. This will keep you both consistent and motivated, allowing you to perform better while enjoying a healthier lifestyle. In addition, with a shared activity, you'll feel closer to one another and function like a team!
Can I workout with my girlfriend?
Absolutely! You can workout with your girlfriend, although you both might need to tailor your routines to align with your fitness goals. As you workout with your girlfriend, you'll feel much happier in the relationship. Your workout will also be a lot more challenging, preventing growth plateaus. In addition, you'll have that fun, healthy competition to make exercising feel less like a burden and more like a fun activity!
