In isolation with your other half? Heed the following advice to ensure couples that train together really do stay together.
DON’T Be a Coach
They key to any long and successful training relationship is to know when to keep your mouth shut (read: most of the time). Unless your partner is in danger of injury, either save your top tips until after the workout or simply let them work things out for themselves. Barking orders might make for a stricter bicep curl – but at what cost?
DO Know your Own Limits
It’s been a few years and you’re finally ready to take the plunge: your first workout together. It’s a momentous occasion for both parties, but amidst the nerves and excitement, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground. Now is not the time to bench to impress. Equally, don’t attempt to spot your partner if they’re freakishly strong: it’s tough to style out a trip to A&E as a romantic getaway.
DON’T Get Weird
Save your displays of affection for after the workout. Heavy lifting is fine, heavy petting less so. If all that sexual tension really is overbearing, why not distract yourselves with the anti-amorous knowledge that most gym equipment has around 362 times more bacteria than your toilet seat.
DO Seek Mutual Enjoyment
You might wax lyrical about the mind and body benefits of running, but it’s not for everyone, so while a Saturday morning parkrun might be your idea of heaven, it could easily be their idea of hell. ‘Couples that train together, stay together’ only holds true if your chosen exercise is as sustainable as the relationship. That means finding a suitable activity that both of you enjoy.
Words: Isaac Williams
Illustrations: Dan Evans @danxdraws
