Couples’ exercises at home

HOME, for many couples, is the perfect setting for a raft of activities — from cuddling to decorating to entertaining. It’s the place where you build most of your happy memories, which can even include achieving your fitness goals. According to Gisel Harrow, personal and fitness trainer at Express Fitness, Liguanea, couples can get fit together by doing a few simple exercises at home to replace the often expensive benefits of going to the gym.

“Some couples find it fulfilling to participate in exercise activities with their significant others, not only because of the expected health benefits, but, as they say, ‘The couple that exercises together stays together’, as this creates quality time well spent,” Harrow noted.

In the absence of gym membership and expensive equipment, Harrow said couples can exercise together using just their body weight and items at home — such as furniture — to facilitate exercise.

She shares below a few easy but effective exercises that couples can do after a cardio session of running, skipping, swimming or a brisk walk to ensure that they remain in optimal health.

1. Partner squats

First, stand facing each other. While holding hands, lower your bodies into a seated position. Having done this, keep your knees behind your toes, then return to start position. Do three sets of this 15-20 times repeatedly.

2. Push-up touch

Start by lying on your stomach on the floor, elbows bent at 90 degrees and palms on the floor in a lowered push-up position. As you rise in the push-up, reach out and touch your partner’s hand. Return to start position and do this 10-15 times repeatedly for three sets.

3. Partner sit-ups

Get in a seated position facing each other. Make sure that your knees are bent, with your feet/toes touching. Now lower your back to the floor, then return to sitting position with both hands touching at the top. Do three sets of 15-20 repetitions.

4. Step drills or sprints

This type of exercise requires a flight of stairs, but in the absence of stairs, choose an area where you can do short sprints. With both partners standing at opposite ends, run up the flight of stairs or the designated sprinting area as fast as you can and touch the other person. Both should repeat this for a timed period that both parties agree on. With this routine, you can time each other and then compare times.

What other benefits can couples derive from exercising at home? Well, in addition to enjoying your physical routines in a more relaxed atmosphere, you can wear whatever skimpy outfit you want without offending others.