Because my husband is an avid triathlete, it can be difficult finding the time to spend with each other between working, sleeping, eating and training. I may not be entering Ironman races, and let’s be honest, I will never be able to keep up with my husband, but I do consider myself sporty; in fact, sports is one of the few things we have in common (otherwise we are polar opposites)! If you and your spouse are craving more time together, there are workouts that you can do together a couple times a week.
Here are my top 5 recommendations of training with your spouse.
1. The Classic Bike vs. Run.
Let’s face it, I am no triathlete, and my 6’4″ endurance husband can easily run circles around me. While I enjoy running and am still in the process of working up to the distances my husband can already run, we took the words of a professional athlete to heart. In a previous post where my husband interviewed Craig Alexander, two-time Ironman world champion, he stated that his wife bikes with their child strapped in a bike trailer behind her while he runs. We tested out this exercise, and we give it a two-thumbs up. I can finally keep up with him and we enjoyed it so much we’ve started using it as a pace setter for my husband, deciding on the intensity of the workout ahead of time.
2. Swimming.
If you enjoy swimming, why not swim laps together. You may not be conversing during this workout, but the point is, you have gone to the pool together; swim for an hour or swim a certain amount of laps, you can choose to swim with one another or on your own. Either way, this is an amazing workout for both of you. I personally am unmotivated to get into a pool unless I am going with someone, and I know a few triathletes that try to ignore this part of the race. It will encourage both of you to get in the water.
3. Partner Stretches.
If you value your body, warming up/stretching before and after every workout is a must, the benefits are truly endless. However, what some people don’t realize is that there are different types of techniques for stretching. Most people practice static stretching where they hold the stretch in a static position for up to 30 seconds. Other techniques such as passive and isometric, (when combined known as PNF stretching) allow for a partner role. If you are unfamiliar with this type of stretching, it would be wise to have a trainer show you the proper techniques; when done properly, these forms of stretching are highly effective. Note: It is important to always warm up before stretching and to never force a stretch.
4. Core Workouts.
Core. Core. Core. Your core is the absolute most important part of your body, and is the center of your body’s strength. With a strong core comes many health benefits, balance and power. Seeing as a triathlete swims, bikes and runs, they should absolutely work on their core. Not only are there health and sports benefits, it looks good too! One of my favorite ways to approach this is through partner yoga. However, if you do not enjoy yoga you can do other exercises such as partner medicine ball, tubing, and balance workouts. There are also exercises that do not require any equipment such as trunk workouts and partner squats. Last but not least, and possibly the most fun way of improving one’s core, sex.
5. Cross Training.
No matter what sport you are training for, it is necessary to cross train, allowing for active recovery and injury prevention to name a few of the benefits. And perhaps you do not prefer your spouse’s sport, so why not find something you can enjoy doing together. For instance, rock climbing! This is a low impact sport that demands technique, endurance, flexibility, strength, and a partner to belay during rope climbs or spot during bouldering. Plus, rock climbing is extremely fun. If you’re afraid of heights, you can also try kick boxing or playing squash! There are so many options for cross training, so give one a try! You two may become hooked finding something you enjoy doing together while having the benefit of being active.
Other than spending time with each other, partner activities strengthen communication skills, trust, and intimacy, so you’re not just strengthening your body, you’re strengthening your relationship.
Have you done any of these with your partner? What are your thoughts? Do you have any other recommendations?
Sphere: Related Content
RSS Feed
Email
Twitter
Facebook