Do you regularly workout with your significant other? How’s that going for you? If it’s working well, then, great! However, if there’s trouble in paradise, you may not be alone. If you’re trying to decide whether or not exercising with your significant other is a good idea, you should take a look at the list below. These pro’s and con’s will help you decide whether or not to continue working out with your partner or to ditch them and workout solo instead.
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Pros:
- You get to spend more time together as a couple
- You will both have clearer minds because of the exercise
- Easier meal prep based on similar nutrition goals
- Entertainment budget will be coordinated
- You’ll both be able to work as a team and feel closer
- Provide a good example for your children
- Accountability to and for each other
- Become healthier together and add to longevity
- Greater satisfaction and support in the relationship
- Increase the efficiency of the workout by just being present and motivating and encouraging each other to do more
- You will begin to associate your partner with the positive effects you get from exercise
- Bonding over weights and cardio as a couple
- Adds a new dimension to the relationship as a partnership working towards a similar lifestyle goal
Cons:
- Your partner is a flaky gym goer
- No more ‘you’ time – unable to de-stress away from your partner
- Too much time with partner
- You and your partner may be at differing fitness levels
- Potential of injury because of competition with one another
- Results differ because everyone is different and resentment may grow
- Feel obligated to work out
So what do we do with all this information? Here are some suggestions:
- Use the pro’s and con’s above and assign point values to them and determine whether pro’s or con’s win.
- Workout with someone at or around your fitness level, if that’s your significant other, great! If not, consider working out with someone who is in the same place and has similar goals to yours.
- Have fun with your workout and make the gym a social event, invite friends to join you and your partner, you don’t need to spend every moment with your partner.
- Don’t be a flake: for your sake and for your partner’s sake. Be accountable to and for each other.
- Also, if you do better alone than in teams, schedule some solo workouts for yourself during the week.
What about you and your partner? Do you prefer to workout alone or together? Did you have more success with or without him/her? Comment below and let us know!
Christina Leonard
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