When you’re in the throes of wedding prep, you probably want to look and feel your best. This often includes sweaty workouts and healthy eating. But, if your plan involves toning muscle, weight loss, or no stress before the big day, exercising with your fiancé might be just the ticket. After all, couples that sweat together, stay together. According to a 2015 study, working out with your significant other also makes you 40-70 percent more likely to reach your fitness goals. Our Aaptiv trainers share four reasons why you should try couple workouts, and how partnering up with your significant other can make a difference in your workout routine.
It can strengthen your bond.
“Working out with your partner creates a positive environment: support, motivation, encouragement, and unity,” says Aaptiv trainer Kelly Chase. “It’ll strengthen your relationship physically, as well as mentally and emotionally.”
“Physically, you’re adding longevity to your life by improving your health—thus adding more time with your loved one—and making yourself stronger,” notes Aaptiv trainer Ceasar Barajas, who specializes in yoga, strength, and stretching workouts. “And now, you’ve got a workout partner to help hold you accountable.”
Chase says to be mindful of inspiring one another. For example, if you get frustrated during a difficult workout, then look to your partner to step in for extra motivation, and vice versa. That way, you can utilize exercise as a way to stay connected versus something that drives you apart.
Exercise will put you both in a great mood.
According to Barajas, working out with your fiancé can prepare you for challenging times in life. Couple workouts teach you how to be resilient and handle stress—individually and together. Exercise also makes you feel good, which has a spillover effect on your relationship. When you’re at your best, you can be a better partner.
“Mentally, physical exercise helps improve those situations where things aren’t always sun-filled and rose-colored,” says Barajas. “Plus, the exercise puts you in a better mood and gives you more mental energy to deal with your loved one when they leave the lights on in the kitchen all the time!”
You’re more likely to work out.
Aaptiv trainer Candice Cunningham says couple workouts can also make exercise more fun. This means that you’re more likely to schedule workouts versus skip the gym.
“It changes up your normal routine,” she says. “You can do challenges together and encourage one another during the workout. Having fun while working out makes it even more likely for you both to stick with it and be consistent. Consistency is what leads to results, so it is a win-win overall for improved health,” she adds.
Also, try to avoid making couple workouts a chore with a strict to-do list, says Cunningham. “If it is thought of that way, attitudes and arguments will more than likely ensue, because one person is going to be controlling the situation and taking it to a level it shouldn’t be. You have to remember [that] we are all different, and what we enjoy is different. Just because you like running 30 minutes a day doesn’t mean your partner is going to. Embrace what they enjoy, too.”
You’ll have extra motivation to feel your best on the big day, and every day.
“Preparation for a big event, like a wedding or a vacation, is an excellent way to get the health and wellness ball rolling,” says Barajas. “Let that motivation spark the interest and research needed to ‘get ready.’ Then let it carry over well after the event is over.”
Cunningham says it does depend on the individual goals of the couple, as well. If you both want to get into shape before your wedding, or an event in general, you can definitely work out together. However, both Cunningham and Chase warn that if you want to work out and your significant other doesn’t, you shouldn’t push them to do it with you, as that approach could backfire.
“I believe it is a great idea to support each other when preparing for a big event. But each of you must encourage each other along the way,” adds Chase. “Of course, you could both work out on your own and then surprise each other with your transformation. When you see yourself improving, you feel good, and in turn, you begin to glow.”