‘Couples who train together, stay together’ or so the saying goes… Is working out with your partner a great way to motivate each other or is it a recipe for resentment? Ultimately, it depends on your fitness goals and whether they align. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of working out with your romantic partner.
The Pros
Working out with a partner provides the accountability you might need for motivation. If you’re feeling lazy, your s/o can give you the kick you need to jump into action.
Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel happy. When you work out together, you both get the benefits of these happy hormones, boosting your collective mood. This can be great for feeling positive, centred and connected in your relationship.
It’s easier to stick to healthy life goals if you’re both committed. Studies show that couples who work out together are more likely to keep up with their gym membership and make healthier decisions in general.
The Cons
Training together means you miss out on the me-time a workout often provides. Exercising can be a useful time to work through problems and take time for yourself. Always training with your partner removes this benefit.
If you don’t have common fitness goals, or one partner is more committed than the other, this can lead to resentment. One of you might end up sick of all the nagging, while the other might feel let down and resentful that they have to work harder to get you both to the gym.
Everyone improves at different rates. This can lead to jealousy and feelings of failure if one person feels they aren’t progressing as fast as the other.
The Verdict
It’s worth a try! Working out with your partner can be a fantastic way to strengthen your relationship and may mean you will be more likely to reach your fitness goals. See if it works for you. If you find you’re both feeling fed up, stick to solo workouts or enlist a platonic workout buddy!
