There are plenty of benefits to working out with a partner rather than working out alone. Let’s face it, workouts with someone can be more enjoyable, and make the gym feel like less of a chore. Things like getting that extra needed motivation to get to the gym or talking through workouts can take your gym experience to the next level. Don’t have anyone in mind right now? Personal Trainers Hamilton are a perfect go to for a gym partner (and hey, they’re always ready to help you out, even with a workout).
It always helps to get that extra rep out when someone is there cheering you on, or that feeling of support when you’re encouraging someone through an exercise. Having someone to share workouts with makes that time in the gym all the more enjoyable. And let’s not forget, a little friendly competition is an added bonus to hitting the gym together.
Having a partner at the gym will have you coming back for more. Things like talking about your day while you work out will help you to know your not alone at the gym and build that relationship through getting to know each other a little more. Sharing things that are working for your diet, or sharing workouts that get the juices flowing will be beneficial for both you and your partner.
Here are a couple of workouts that you can try with your gym buddy the next time the two of you are exercising together:
Reach-and-Touch Plank
Consider this your go-to partner move. Partners will hold a high plank, head-to-head with about one foot between them throughout. From high plank, both partners lift right hand and reach toward the opposite shoulder on their partner. Replace right hand, and as quickly as possible, repeat on the left side. Repeat as quickly as possible for 8 to 12 reps, or 30 seconds.
Medicine Ball Squat with Rotational Pass
Stand back-to-back and drop into a low squat so thighs are parallel to the floor. Hold this position throughout the exercise. Partner A should hold the medicine ball at chest and rotate from the upper torso. Hand the ball to Partner B over the left side. Partner B should then rotate right to take the ball and then quickly pass it over their left side, so Partner A can accept the ball once again at his right side. Repeat for 8 to 12 reps in one direction, then change directions.
Sit-Up Pass
Both partners lie faceup, knees bent, feet flat on the floor with ankles overlapping. Partner A holds the ball with extended arms overhead. Contract abs and sit up, bringing up arms and medicine ball to face partner. At the same time, Partner B also performs a sit-up without the ball. A hands B the medicine ball. As both partners lower, B takes the ball overhead to lightly tap it on the ground behind head before sitting up and passing the ball back to A.
Push-Up with Shoulder Tap
Face your partner and come into a high plank position. In unison, you’ll each perform a push-up, dropping chest to the ground while keeping core tight and legs straight. Push back up and at the top of your push-up position, lift right hand and tap your partner’s left shoulder (so you’ll be tapping the shoulder of the non-lifted hand, straight across from you). Repeat, alternating the shoulder that you tap after each push-up. Perform 8 to 12 reps.
Triceps Kickbacks
Stand to face each other with knees slightly bent, hips back, core engaged. Each partner should hold one side of a resistance band on the same side (so right hand for one partner, left hand for the other). Hinge slightly toward each other from the waist. Both partners should bend elbows 90 degrees and hug elbow and biceps to their sides. Now extend the arm, using triceps to push the band away from your partner, keeping elbow hugged into side throughout the movement. Slowly re-bend the arm and return to the 90-degree angle and repeat.
Need some more ideas for partner exercises, or just want an entire partner workout routine? Make an appointment with a Personal Trainer, who is able to help you through the whole process!
