Partner Up and Trim Down

Top 5 Exercises for Couples:

Father's Day  is here! Ladies, I have fun tips for you to exercise with your man and squeeze in some (QT) quality time with your mate. Hopefully, you will save a few dollars in the process. We all like to save right? Of course, we do! And every month you may or may not have the money to participate in your favorite boot camp or pay for those personal training sessions. No need to fret, my top 5 exercises for couples will help you and your partner save money, get in shape, and improve your love life, making you one of the most efficient couples on the planet.  We sometimes underestimate the power of teamwork when it comes to working out with our significant other and miss out on what could be some very effective bonding moments if given a chance.  This month I encourage you to try the following exercises and see how it helps you and your companion. 

 1.    Couples Jog (Cardio, legs)

Photo courtesy of blackdoctor.org

A nice jog/walk in a park or your neighborhood can easily be used as a conversational tool and warm up for your workout. Maintaining a slow pace allows for you to have a normal conversation without having to gasp for air.

       2. Cupid Curls (Biceps and Abs)

Photo courtesy of self.com

Hold one resistance band in each hand; have a partner take opposite ends. Sit facing each other with bottoms of feet together, knees soft, back at a 45-degree angle from the ground throughout. Turn palms up and, with elbows glued to sides, curl forearms toward chest (as shown.

      3.       Love Seat (Shoulders and Triceps)

Photo courtesy of self.com

One person sits on chair or bench. The other turns away from partner and squats in front, placing hands on partner's thighs with fingers forward. Standing partner walks feet away from the body and lowers until triceps are parallel to ground (as shown). Return to start; repeat. Switch places after each set.

4. Couples Lunges (Butt and legs)

Photo courtesy of supermanfitness.com

The Couples Lunge is an excellent way to strengthen and tone your legs with your partner.  Grab your companion and hold hands side by side starting in the standing position shown above. Step forward with one leg, lowering your hips until both knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. Make sure your front knee is directly above your ankle, not pushed out too far, and make sure your other knee doesn't touch the floor. If you have room, you can do walking lunges or stationary ones in which you will step forward and then step back, switching legs with each lunge. Holding hands gives your partner motivation to complete the exercise.  Shoot for reps with stationary lunges (20 or so) or distance with walking lunges.

5. Passion Twists (Shoulders, butt, abs, back, legs)

Photo courtesy of self.com

Stand back-to-back with a partner and lower into a squat with knees over ankles and weight on heels (maintain squat throughout). One person holds the ball with both hands at chest level; the other person holds hands at chest, ready to receive the ball. Twist right as partner twists left, passing or receiving the ball (as shown). Switch directions and pass back or receive the ball to complete one rep.

Combine all the above exercises to create one awesome full body workout for you and your partner.  Yes, we all have individual goals, but there’s nothing wrong with helping each other accomplish those goals once or twice a week.  Doing so will give you and your companion some extra quality time or much-needed quality time that you may have been missing out on due to conflicting schedules etc. Most importantly, use this time to bond and have fun. I promise it will be worth it!