How to embrace an active lifestyle as a couple

If you’ve decided to start your health and fitness journey or you’ve been leading an active lifestyle for a while, it might be a great idea to get your partner involved.

Working out with a loved one can be the perfect way to stay committed to your goals. If one of you struggles to find the motivation, the other person can provide some words of encouragement. Workout partners help to hold us accountable and to stay on track to reach our goals. Whether you’re both in the gym or you’re working out together at home, you can challenge one another to reach your personal best while sharing time together.

Here are 3 helpful tips to make the most of working out with a loved one.

Do something you both enjoy

When you are exercising with somebody else, it’s important that you both enjoy what you are doing. There are so many different forms of exercise, so it should be possible to find at least one thing that you both are interested in trying.

Work with your partner to identify what is best for both of you. This may involve some compromise and even a willingness to try something new but your chosen activities should be ones that you feel comfortable doing and help you work towards your personal goals.  

Offer encouragement

One of the best things about working out with a partner is being able to encourage each other. Motivation can be used to help your partner continue with their workout or even to gently challenge them. Offer praise for not only what they do well, but also for the effort they make.

Although providing some constructive feedback may be helpful at times, being overly critical and trying to coach your partner too much can come across as negative or condescending. The goal is to help your partner exercise in a positive environment.

Make a schedule

Another great benefit of exercising with someone else is accountability but that only works if you both have the time to show up. Even when working out with your partner, it can be important to make a schedule, particularly if working out is new for either one of you.

Look at your calendars and find times that are convenient for both of you and block off the time so that other priorities don't get in the way. This will help minimize the risk of last minute cancellations and disappointment and instead ensure you have time together to enjoy a shared activity.