Amy & Aron's

Some people never consider working out with their partners. They might find it embarrassing or intimidating, especially if one partner is much fitter than another. But working out together is also an excellent motivator. You can get each other up for it when energy levels are low, and working out together means you can establish a schedule that suits both of you. Below are some ideas to help you to get started with partner exercise and take advantage of the great benefits that go with it.

Alternate Burpees

Working out with a partner can be an excellent motivator, but there are some issues too. What if one of you is stronger, faster, or fitter than the other? Alternate burpees are one exercise where this doesn't matter. One partner stands with a timer while the other does as many burgers as possible in a 30 second period. After that, you swap. It means you are not competing against each other or becoming confused with different speeds and energy levels.

High Five Planks

Suppose you've done planks before you'll know the drill. Assume the position with your legs shoulder-width apart and your elbows on the floor. Feel the strain through your core. In the single pose, you can sometimes raise one arm and touch the shoulder. This brings extra movement and strain into the pose. In the partner high five, you face each other and life one hand each. High five each other in the pose attempting to maintain the best posture. To prevent tinnitus, monitor your heart rate.

The Ab War

Even though you're partners and are definitely on the same team competing against your own bodies, there's no harm in a little healthy competition either. In this exercise, you compete against each other to see how many abs crunches you can do in a given time. It's an excellent motivator and can be a lot of fun if you're not too competitive. Why not make it enjoyable by putting something at stake.

Interval Training

Interval training can be anything that takes your fancy; the idea is to hold a pose or raise the heart rate over a short period to increase your workout's efficiency. Similar to the burpees exercise, you take turns to perform the activity while your partner times you. Try a wall sit hold where you sit against a wall and crouch to a sitting position. It is excellent training for the core and thighs. After that, you can try a bug pose where you lay on your back and put your arms and legs in the air.

A 10 to 1 Race

A ten to one race is an excellent activity, especially for the end of a workout when you want one last activity before a cool down. Choose an activity such as air squats, sit-ups, or burpees. As fast as you can do ten of these, then nine, the eight, all the way to one. The first to finish gets the plaudits. Though competitive, it's a good way to round off a partner workout.