In theory it sounds perfect – you and your man pack a kit bag and head for the gym, a run in the park or a yoga class. Working out with each other ensures you spend more time together and get fit in the process. What could be better?

 

Sadly, the reality is often very different. Even if you can agree on which form of exercise to do, chances are you end up trying to beat each other at running, arguing about tennis scores or picking fault with your partners weight lifting technique.

Many couples share a passion for physical activity, but may not share the same skills, strength and preferred sports. Work around this and it could be a match made in workout heaven.

 

Level the playing field

 

To find common ground for your workouts, sit down together and list every activity you’d be excited to pursue. Try new team sports or squash, badminton, golf or tennis – if neither of you has tried it before; you embark on the learning curve together, which can be fun. There are always physical disparities between two people, and in the best relationships, these differences can fuel competition. A competitive element is great if it motivates each person to push harder than if he or she were working out alone. It’s the way you celebrate winning or performing better than your partner that can have a damaging effect. Trying to level the playing field can make things more fun for each of you. On a long walk, for instance, let the stronger partner carry the rucksack. On a bike ride, the faster one can ride in front to block the wind and on a run, the faster person can run ahead, then turn back to pick up the other.   Alternatively, try a running and cycling combo, with the faster partner running while the slower person cycles alongside. Or choose the activity where you can both focus on your own goals.

 

Focus on yourself

 

Jealousy is a potential pitfall for couples who exercise together, mostly because men tend to see workout results faster. It’s a lot harder for women to gain muscle and lose fat. If arguments do arise out of one of you trying to out perform the other, it’s a good idea to forget about direct competition and focus on yourself. If jealousy becomes destructive go to the gym together, exercise next to each other for a while, then do your own thing.

 

Alternate your activities

 

There are definite advantages to working out as a couple, provided you get the balance right. You’re much more likely to stick with exercise if you have a partner to do it with. Working out as a couple can also give you quality time together to catch up on each others days and have good discussions. One of the benefits of exercise is that it’s a stress reliever. By the end of the workout, the stress of the day will probably have dissipated and you’ll both feel much better about yourselves, however, only if you leave other issues at home. Don’t use it as an opportunity to confront your partner about his lack of input on the domestic front. It’s also fair to alternate who chooses the activity, or you could each schedule your workouts at the same time and then meet up afterwards. That way you can still connect over exercise, even if you’re not actually sweating side by side.

 

Set Goals

 

Setting fitness goals together, such as aiming to exercise more often or for longer, or trying to lose weight at the same time is a good idea. You’re much more likely to reach your targets if a partner is monitoring your progress. Log your accomplishments in a training diary and celebrate every success together, no matter how small. Don’t focus on failure or highlight your partner’s failures. You may have set a schedule together, but life happens and you’ll both have to be flexible when other obligations come up, especially if they’re work related. Getting into a good workout regime with your man will inevitably require some form of compromise. But then again, what aspect of a relationship doesn’t?