A couples workout gives you two wins at once: better fitness and more quality time together. Training as a pair builds in accountability, gives you shared goals, and turns a workout into a fun date. So start with a few partner exercises, an active weekend outing, or buddy sessions with a trainer.
Sweating with your significant other is a fun way to spend time together and bond over something you both care about. In fact, relationship researchers have found that couples who try new and exciting things together tend to report more satisfaction in their relationships. Exercise is an easy way to do exactly that. After more than 30 years as a personal trainer in San Diego, I’ve trained plenty of couples, and the ones who train together often push each other in the best way.
What are the benefits of a couples workout?
- Accountability: It’s much harder to skip a workout when someone you love is waiting for you.
- Motivation: A little friendly encouragement, or friendly competition, helps you push harder.
- Quality time: Busy couples get an hour together without phones or screens.
- Shared goals: Working toward a race, a hike or a strength goal together gives you something to celebrate as a team.
- Healthier habits at home: When both partners are training, healthy meals and earlier bedtimes get easier too.
What fitness and relationships have in common
Funny enough, the habits that build a strong body look a lot like the habits that build a strong relationship:
- Consistency and commitment: Success in fitness and in love depends on showing up, again and again.
- Communication: You need it to set fitness goals and to share how you feel.
- Balance: A good program balances hard days and easy days. In the same way, a good relationship balances time together and time apart.
- Teamwork: Training together builds cooperation and mutual support.
- Flexibility: Plans change. So being able to adjust a workout, or handle a life change, is key.
- Care: Paying attention to what the other person needs matters for your health and for your relationship.
6 couples workout exercises to try
You don’t need fancy equipment. Here are a few partner moves I like. First, always warm up, and match the challenge to each person’s fitness level.
- Partner squats: Face each other, hold hands, and squat together. Holding on helps each of you balance and sit back.
- High-five push-ups: Face each other in a push-up position. After each push-up, give your partner a high-five with alternating hands. Drop to your knees if needed.
- Medicine ball pass: Stand a few feet apart and pass a light medicine ball chest to chest. Also try rotational passes for your core.
- Plank hold challenge: Hold a plank facing each other and see who lasts longer, with good form.
- Wall sit and hold: Sit back to back against each other, as if sitting in a chair, and hold.
- Interval walk or jog: Take turns setting the pace for one-minute pushes, then recover together.
Try 2 to 3 rounds of 30 to 45 seconds per exercise, resting as needed. If either of you has an injury or health condition, check with your doctor first.
Active date ideas in San Diego
San Diego makes it easy to stay active as a couple. For a meaningful Valentine’s Day, or any weekend, try:
- A scenic hike, such as the trails at Torrey Pines or Mission Trails Regional Park
- A bike ride around Mission Bay
- A sunset walk along the beach
- Cooking a healthy meal together at home
My advice: skip the chocolates, pricey cards and teddy bears this Valentine’s Day, and get moving together instead. Then cook a nutritious dinner, like my healthy turkey burger recipe.
Couples workout tips for success
- Respect different fitness levels. One of you may be stronger or faster. So scale the exercises so you’re both challenged.
- Keep it positive. Cheer each other on instead of coaching, unless your partner asks for it.
- Set a shared goal. For example, sign up for a 5K or plan a big hike a few months out.
- Schedule it. Put workouts on your shared calendar like any other date.
Buddy training for couples in San Diego
Want to take it a step further? I offer buddy training for couples and friends at my private studio in Bay Park / Morena. You’ll train side by side in the same one-on-one setting, with a program built around both of your goals using the Chris Keith Method. You can see buddy training on my rates page. For more on how love and fitness connect, read personalized fitness training and the 5 love languages.
Ready to get stronger together? Text Chris at (619) 840-9099 to ask about buddy training.
Related reading: Relationship Weight Gain: How to Avoid the “Relationship 15” Together
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question that isn’t covered here? See the full personal training FAQ.
Is it good for couples to work out together?
For many couples, yes. Working out together adds accountability and quality time. Plus, trying new activities together is linked to greater relationship satisfaction. It works best when you respect each other’s fitness levels and keep things positive.
What is a good couples workout for beginners?
Start with partner squats, knee push-ups with high-fives, planks and a brisk walk or easy jog. Do 2 to 3 rounds of 30 to 45 seconds per exercise and build up gradually.
What if my partner and I have different fitness levels?
Do the same exercises at different intensities. For example, one of you can lift heavier, do more reps or pick a harder variation while the other scales down. A trainer can also program both levels in the same session.
What is buddy training?
Buddy training is a personal training session two people share, like a couple or two friends. You both get individual coaching, and it usually costs less per person than two separate sessions.
Chris Keith has over 30 years of personal training in San Diego (since 1995) and was voted Best Personal Trainer by San Diego Magazine. He trains clients one-on-one at his private studio in Bay Park / Morena. Learn more about Chris or contact Chris to get started.
