Training with your partner is an awesome way to increase your motivation and get in tiptop shape, so give our workouts a try. (You can definitely expect a few giggles!)
Body sparring:
Boxing doesn’t always have to be rough and tumble (unless you like it like that). Light and playful body sparring can be lots of fun. Throw gentle punches (no contact!) at your partner, targeting the lower body region and then defending yourself while they strike back.
Nothing gets the blood flowing like a bit of contact sport. Sparring is great for body conditioning and raising fitness levels. Developing elements like range and timing make it highly skilful, forcing you to think on your feet.
Partner pull-ups:
Standing face to face, about half a metre apart, reach out and take hold of your partner’s right hand with your right hand and their left hand with your left hand, forming a cross-like shape with your arms.
Once you have a firm grip, begin to lean back simultaneously into a squatting position and then lower yourselves further into a sitting position. Once you reach the floor, begin to stand up again using your body weight and arm strength to pull yourself as well as your partner up off the floor. Do 20 reps.
Resistance-band lunge twists:
Standing side by side, both you and your partner must hold one end of a resistance band with both hands. Stand far enough apart from each other, creating a light tension in the band. Simultaneously lunge forwards with your outside leg, sinking into a lunge with both knees bent.
Keep a tight core and straight back. From your lunge position, keeping a firm grip on the band, rotate away from your partner, twisting only the upper body. Rotate back to the centre and push back up to the starting position. Continue for 12 reps before switching sides.
Related: 3 ways to sneak in exercise at work
Medicine-ball throws:
Get down on a mat in a seated position. Your partner must stand facing you at the end of the mat with a medicine ball in their hand. Proceed to do a sit-up, catching the ball that they’re throwing as you come back up into a seated position.
Throw it back to them immediately before going into the next sit-up. Sit up, catch, throw, repeat for at least 20 reps before switching over. Coordination is key, and you can also play with speed. It’s a great workout for toning the abs and arms, and for strengthening your back and shoulders.
Yoga for two:
Rekindle that flame by trying out a yoga class together. Research has shown that yoga is beneficial for improving and maintaining a healthy relationship. It teaches you to live in the present, helps you relax, promotes patience and improves your sex life.
It also increases self-awareness, making you a better partner. Ending the class lying hand in hand in Savasana (corpse) pose, you’re guaranteed to leave the class feeling more connected to your mind, body and, most importantly, your relationship!
PHOTO: iStock/wundervisuals
ALSO READ:
- 8 free workouts on YouTube that will change your life
- How to stick to your exercise regime
- Get used to morning exercise
The post At-home couple workouts that work appeared first on Good Housekeeping.
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