By Michael Margulies, personal trainer

When partners work out together they should make it fun, competitive and most of all, fair. Most people use different weights and have different strengths as well asweaknesses. The benefits and positive results are more than doubled. The level of intimacy, and verbal and non-verbal communication, that can happen when partners work out together only enhances the relationship.

I have designed a workout for couples that involves both individual and partnered exercises.

The warm up

Start out with dynamic warm-up exercises such as squats, lunges and pendulums that are both front and side so that the blood gets flowing and risk of injury is minimized.

This creates a circuit.  Examples:

Circuit 1
– 1 set of kettle bell sumo squats
– 1 set of push-ups to failure
– 1 set of TRX (or other suspension device)
Repeat these 2-3 times depending on fitness level

Circuit 2
– Ball slams with appropriate weight
– Then pick up a medium sized ball that both can handle and toss back and forth to one another conoverusly for 45-90 seconds – this can be really fun if you check your passive-aggressiveness at the door!
– Finish off with 10-15 more ball slams individually

Circuit 3
– 1 minute of plank
– 30 seconds of side plank
– Crunches followed by bicycles
Repeat 2x

Now that the tough part is over, you and your partner should engage in mutually-assisted stretching and light massage, then the rest is up to you. (insert wink)