exercise for two

There are many ways to spend Valentine’s Day with your significant other. You can have a romantic dinner, go to the theater to see a movie or play, or head to the beach for a sunset walk.

But what about exercise? Do you ever exercise together? Did you know that there are exercises that REQUIRE two people? If you need some ideas, we’ve got few of them developed by certified personal trainer and HMSA community well-being analyst Jordan Ng.

There are many benefits for couples who exercise together. Working out together pushes each of you reach your fitness goals faster. Fitness experts believe having someone nearby when you exercise increases energy levels, making for a more-efficient workout. Regular exercise will improve sleep for both of you. And the activity will become another way for the two of you to bond and spice up your relationship.

So before you head out for other Valentine’s Day plans, grab your partner and do some of the exercises on this list. Then do these activities together all year long to keep your bodies and your relationship fit.

For each exercise, do 2-3 sets of 10 reps.

single-arm partner squats

1. Partners should stand facing each other about two or three feet apart.
2. Lock hands or grasp forearms.
3. Slowly squat down while holding each other. Go as low as you comfortably can.
4. Slowly rise from the squat.

partner hand-clap plank

1. Partners should assume a high plank position, facing each other with their hands about two feet apart.
2. Partners lift their right hand to high-five their partner, then return them to the floor.
3. Repeat with the left hand and repeat, alternating hands.

partner sit-ups

1. One partner will lay on their back with their knees bent and feet on the floor, while the other partner applies pressure or weight on the feet of their partner.
   The partner on the floor will then sit up and squeeze their abs as the other partner applies enough pressure on the feet to help the sit-up.
2. Once the partner is at the top of the sit-up, they’ll slowly return to the floor.
3. Switch positions so the other partner can do the exercise.

partner high knees

1. Partners face each other and stand about an arm's length away from each other.
2. Partner A stays in a squat with arms extended in front.
3. Partner B alternates bringing their knees up to the hands of their partner.
4. Switch positions.

Interested in more workouts?
Check out these articles to start, expand, or modify your fitness routine.

exercise while traveling: If you’ll be traveling soon, there’s no need to put your workout routine on hold. Here's a quick Tabata workout that you can do in your hotel room or wherever you’re staying. No gym required.

foam rolling for desk jockeys: When we spend a long time in one position, like sitting at a desk all day, we build up tension in our muscles and the tissue that surrounds them. Over time, our bodies can become tight, or even get stuck, if that tension isn’t released. Foam rolling can relieve this uncomfortable and sometimes painful tension.

resistance band workout: Toning workouts can be tough to do at home, but resistance bands are a great way to build and strengthen muscles without expensive equipment. Try this workout from certified personal trainer, Jordan Ng.

strength training machine workout: Intimidated by gym equipment? Help is on the way. Tim Rabetoy, a certified personal trainer and strength and conditioning specialist, shows how to use three machines and a bench to work your arms, back, and chest.