Weighing In: Couples Workouts

Each week, our own fitness fanatics Leah Polakoff and Caitlyn Kronket will explore the latest workout crazes, diet fads and dish out tips for healthy living. Managing your schoolwork is tough enough- let us take care of your health.

Ah February, the month of love. Spending time with your significant other is a must during this lovey-dovey time of year, which is why you should spend it doing something you both love to do, like working out. And let’s be honest, you’d love to see your boyfriend’s muscles flexing as he lifts weights.

While you might think it’s a bit intimidating to work out with your boyfriend (it’s probably going to mean entering the scary pit in White Building), there are a ton of benefits to breaking a sweat with your significant other.

You’ve heard the saying, “Couples who work out together, stay together.” Well it’s true! Studies show that working out with your significant other can increase feelings between the two of you. Exercising releases endorphins, which put you in a good mood. You and your boyfriend are bound to be in great moods after a long workout session, which can help your bond grow.

Working out with your boyfriend is also a great way to learn some new exercises. There’s always something new to work toward in the fitness world, and your guy can probably teach you a lot. Most guys tend to focus on lifting weights, while girls tend to focus mainly on cardio. Why not introduce each other to new workouts? You can help him run a 5k and he can help you tone up those arms for summer. Hello tank top season!

Guys also tend to be very motivating, so if you’re in a workout rut, he can push you to increase your speed on the treadmill or to lift heavier weights. Ask him to treat you like one of the dudes and to encourage you to push further than you thought you could. For even more motivation, challenge him to a race or push-up competition. Loser has to buy the other one frozen yogurt at Kiwi. Victory never tasted so sweet.

Trying something new and taking a class together will give you both something to look forward to each week. Pick something that neither of you have ever done before but would both like to try. Rock climbing? Cycling? Kickboxing? Sign up for a few training sessions or classes together and voila! Date night is scheduled.

Even if neither of you are stellar athletes, there’s no reason why you can’t get some exercise in together. Go for a walk around campus or to the arboretum, take a leisurely bike ride or get a friendly game of basketball going. As long as you’re moving, endorphins are flowing! And hey, if he still loves you after seeing you all sweaty, you know he’s a keeper.

Photo by Teddy Walker