Working Out with Your Spouse or Partner

By:
Mike Motta
Liz Neporent

After a long day at work you just want to kick back and spend time with your partner, have a cocktail and relax. But you know your body needs to move. You can have it all -- as long as Gatorade is your idea of a stiff drink -- by working out with your spouse or partner. Here's how to make it work:

Make a date. Like any important event, put it in your calendar and don't miss it. Consistency is the key to any workout routine anyway, so make the commitment and stick to it. Setting realistic goals right from the get-go -- for both of you -- will also help you keep the dates you set.

Start simple. Walking is one of the best exercises for couples and has many health benefits. Plus, you can talk to each other without gasping for breath. If walking isn't your cup of tea, it's important that you find the activity that you both really like, can do regularly and will actually complete.

Be ready to try new things, and to compromise. If flying down a rocky slope on a mountain bike isn't your partner's idea of fun, you both might enjoy touring a local hiking trail in a state park on your bikes.

Encourage each other. Like any good coach, provide your partner with some good old-fashioned Rah! Rah! Rah! Make small and safe increases in how hard or how long you exercise together so you both get a good workout but neither of you feels like you're overdoing it. Although a little competition can be fun and healthy, keep it positive.

Work as a team. This will keep you both focused on your efforts together. For example, add up your total combined walking mileage and work toward increasing this distance every week. This strategy also helps you complete your workout and contribute to the team effort even if it turns out you have to work out at separate times.

Reward success. Promise each other a treat when you reach your goals, and make the presentation special. Nothing breeds success like success, so be sure to celebrate your achievements. Rewarding each other for reaching short-term goals can lead to long-term success.

If for some reason your mate stops moving, don't let that stop you. Forge ahead while staying positive about your progress, and encourage him to get back in the game. If done right, playing together can mean staying together. Staying healthier is just part of the reward.

Got a question or comment for Liz? Post it on the Fit by Friday message board.