Not many of us really enjoy going to gym. We all enjoy the results, but we don’t really like putting in the work. After all, it’s so much easier to sit at home watching TV and eating potato chips.
Everyone has their own strategy for staying motivated and committed to working out, but we’ve got a foolproof one that works every time: go to the gym with a buddy. And the best gym partner you could ask for is your wife, girlfriend or fiancée.
Here are just a few of the reasons you should be hitting the gym with your significant other.
- Help Each Other Stay Committed
It’s harder to flake out on a gym visit when you promised to meet your wife there. By adding a second person to your gym outings, you’re giving yourself an extra reason to go. Now, if you miss a session, it isn’t just yourself you’re letting down. You’re also backing out on a commitment to another person.
Plus, working out is more exciting and interesting when you do it with someone else.
- Give Each Other Feedback
Working out alone is tough. You’re going to be constantly plagued by doubts. You’re going to wonder if you’re doing an exercise correctly and if you look like you’ve made progress since last month. With your girlfriend right there by your side, you can ask each other these questions and give each other supportive feedback.
- Keep Each Other From Giving Up
When you and your significant other start your workout plan together, establish some rules up front. Maybe agree that you’ll hold each other accountable for your individual fitness goals. If you’re going to the gym by yourself, it’s much easier to tell yourself, “I really wanted to do 30 minutes on the treadmill, but I’m tired today, so it’s fine if I just do 20.” With your girlfriend there, she can remind you of what you set out to do today and then hold you to it.
- Join an Exercise Class Together
Joining an exercise class is like joining any group activity: it’s easier when you do it with someone you already know. So what better way to join a group than to do it with your significant other? Exercise classes have a long list of benefits and are another great way to hold yourself accountable to a workout, since you’re more likely to attend something if you’re paying for it.
- Learn Something From Her
While you and your other guy friends probably have a pretty similar knowledge of working out, your girlfriend probably brings a lot of new knowledge with her. Her experiences in the gym are likely to have been different from yours. By working out with her, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about things she knows that you might not know.
- Share Some Bonding Time
Whether you’re dating, engaged or married, every relationship benefits from spending quality time together doing things you both enjoy. Going to the gym is a great way to spend a little extra time together and bond as you reach work towards your fitness goals.
Have you had great experiences with sharing your gym time with your significant other? Let us know about it!
—
The role of men is changing in the 21st century. Want to keep up?
Get the best stories from The Good Men Project delivered straight to your inbox, here.