Couples that train together, stay together! Valentine's LOVE exercises

Those who exercise together stay together! My own husband and I knew we were meant to be together when we did our first run together. Both of us tried to race to the finish, and then did a circuit of push ups, dips, lunges, burpees, and bicycles.  I realized he was the one for me, as the workout was before we were going cycling for the day.  My perfect companion in so many ways, and for you, you don't have to be competitive, although it is fun, but just being active together can do wonders for the two of you as a couple and your self esteem. When exercising, it not only strengthens your muscles, but helps release a plethora of feel-good endorphins. Why not fuel your Valentine’s Date Night with them? Fall in love with your partner all over again (or at least kick his/her bum). Partner Squat (Strength and Endurance): Face your partner with your feet shoulder width apart. Sit back into a squat,* hold for 10-30 seconds. Grab your partner’s hands in front of you and jump. Repeat 3 times, do 10 reps. Chase (Cardio and strength): Try to beat your partner to the top of the stairs, then let your partner chase you. If you don’t have stairs, run in place for 60 seconds, keeping your knees as high as possible. Repeat five times. You can also do sprints in front of your house from your place to the stop sign or house one block away.  Pretend you are racing for who makes dinner or does the laundry- the competition is under way! Push Up Play (Strength and balance): Face your partner in push-up position*. On your way up, raise your right hands and “high five” one another. Repeat on the left side. Attempt to go slower or faster, encouraging one another the entire time. Advanced partners can raise a leg with each push up. Keep going until you can’t do it anymore! *proper form is extremely important. Touch the “bum” you love (Strength and fun): Lie on the floor with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle with your feet pressed against your partner’s. Bring your belly button towards your spine, look towards the ceiling, and keep your hands by your side. Gradually raise your head towards your knees while your hands are reaching towards your partner’s. Quickly touch hands and return to starting position. Repeat 15-20 times. For more resistance and challenge, push against each other’s feet more intensely. Repeat the circuit 4x. Have fun and Happy Valentine’s Day to you and your turtle dove!

* Tip- Register for a race together. Always fun to train, race and finish celebrating each others' successes! Photo is before the 100th Dipsea Race - 6.13.10 *Tip- Make each other laugh as you face one another in squats or compete when racing to the stop sign! Laughter is wonderful medicine for any relationship too... *Tip- Find active couples and  hit the trails, with your partner and friends!It is always fun to exercise with other like-minded active couples. Mark your calendars-  Next date night for Power Fitness PDX is March 4th!