Happy TUESDAY!
Today in honor of this LOVE holiday, I thought I would post a couples workout.
A Quickie Couple Workout
Here is a sample plan with exercises and stretches that you can do anywhere together, while both getting a workout suited to your level.
Spend five minutes warming up before your workout and cooling down afterwards. Try walking on the treadmill, outside, or marching in place.
Couples’ Lunge and Reverse Lunge
1. You get double your money with this exercise. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others’ hands with arms slightly elevated.
2. One of you take a forward long lunge with your left leg, while the other performs a reverse lunge with my right leg. Alternate legs with each rep. Keep your body straight during both movements, and don’t let your opposing knee touch the floor. Perform 12 reps on each leg.
After completing 12 reps, the person performing the reverse lunge then performs the forward lunge, and the person performing forward lunges will switch to reverse lunges. Lunges will work the quadriceps, hamstrings and the butt. Support your partner by keeping your hands and arms elevated and by giving them
words of encouragement.
Couples’ Squat
1. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others’ hands, with arms slightly elevated. Feet should be shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower by bending at the hips and knees to a parallel squat. It’s important to stick your butt out while lowering — almost as if you’re about to sit in a chair.
Rise back up to the starting position and repeat. Perform 15 reps. Squats work the quadriceps, hamstrings and butt.
1. Begin by lying on a mat with your feet and ankles interlocked. This will provide support for your partner.
Begin with your backs flat on a mat with feet and ankles interlocked. With your fingertips placed on the sides of your head, perform opposite elbow to opposite knee crunches. Lower to the mat and perform the same movement on the other side. Perform 15 reps on each side.
Chest Press
Both partners shoulder stagger their feet so one leg is behind and one leg in front. Bring hands up to chest level and place the bottom of your hands against the hands of your partner. Now each of you should slowly push right and left as each partner provides just a bit of resistance.
This is great for the chest, shoulders and arms. Perform the movement for 40 seconds. Look directly in your partner’s eyes while performing the exercise and keep your torso facing forward — don’t twist your upper body.
Shoulder Press
One person will begin on their knees. Bend arms at the elbow 90 degrees and make fists. Partner stands behind and provides the slightest resistance by pressing down with the palms as the person kneeling presses upward. The goal of the person kneeling is to perform a full shoulder press with resistance. Perform 10 reps, then switch.
Hamstring Stretch
Lay flat on a mat with knees bent. As you raise one leg, your partner will place his hand on your ankle and gently stretch your leg towards your upper torso.
This should be performed with very little pressure, and your lower back should not come up off the mat. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
The couple that plays together stays together. Exercising with your partner will strengthen your muscles, your heart and your relationship.  Â
Happy Valentines Day!