Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Couples Who Sweat Together, Stay Together

By Kristi Molinaro | February 13, 2012 6:26pm | Updated on February 13, 2012 6:35pm

MANHATTAN — Lots of people work out to impress or attract a significant other, but this Valentine's Day, why not try working out with the help of your significant other?

My boyfriend and I decided to do a fun couple’s workout on Valentine’s day a few years ago, and found it to be a huge success — and I don’t think too many people broke up afterwards!

So in the spirit of cupid, here are a few partner workout moves that can be done with your Valentine this holiday, or all year long.

1. Wall sit/triceps dips combo

Sit against the wall with your back completely pressed against the wall and your thighs perpendicular to the floor as if you are sitting in a chair. Have your partner face away from you and place one hand on each of your knees. Keeping their back straight and their shoulders rolled back, your partner will bend their elbows into a 90 degree angle and straighten back up working their triceps while you work hard to keep your legs strong and stable in the wall sit position. Repeat for 20 reps and then switch partners.

2. Partner clapping push-ups

Get into a pushup position facing your partner either on your toes or on your knees, while your partner does the same. Drop into a pushup at the same time and when you straighten up into the plank, slap each of your right hands together. Do another pushup at the same time and slap your left hands together, Do 10 to 20 reps and be sure to drop to the knees if you start to feel weak or lose your form.

3. Partner squats

Face your partner with legs hips width apart. Interlace your right hands and squat backwards into your heels at the same time, pausing at the bottom of the squat for 3 counts. Stand back up and switch hands and again pause in place at the bottom for 3 counts. Repeat 20 times.

4. Squat thrust/plank combination

This is the hardest combo in the set! Get into the plank position on either your hands or your elbows, making sure to keep the hips in the same plane as the shoulders. While you're holding your position, your partner will do twenty squat thrusts or burpees (see my prior column for an explainer if you're not familiar with this move). After the last burpee, your partner wil hold a plank position while you change positions and do 20 squat thrusts. In the next set reduce the number of squat thrusts to 15.  The following sets will be ten squat thrusts and the final sets will be five.

5. Sit up to stand

Although it may seem like the person doing the sit up is doing all the work, both people play an integral part in this move. Lie on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your feet firmly planted. Your partner will sit on your feet facing you (don’t worry it doesn’t usually hurt!) and wrap their arms around your calves, holding on very tightly. Take your arms over your head or across your chest as you do a full sit up as fast as possible, trying to stand all the way up. While you sit up, your partner will lean back, holding onto your calves to help you get all the way up to standing. It takes a little practice and a lot of trust in your partner!

6. Sit up/plank combination

Lay on the floor on your back with your knees bent and your feet firmly on the floor. Your partner will place their hands on your feet and go into a regular plank. You should start to do full sit-ups while counting to 20. Then switch roles so that you go into a plank while your partner does 20 sit-ups. Repeat each position, reducing the number of reps by 5 reps each time.