Exercising With Your Partner
Posted in Fitness by inMotion Life
We know times are tough at the moment, and not everyone can afford to pay expensive gym membership fees, or hire a personal trainer. However, this shouldn’t stop you from exercising regularly and living a healthier lifestyle.
If you are looking for a free workout that won’t break the bank come month end, then exercising with a partner is a great alternative. The way this works is that instead of using weights or machines like you would at a gym, you will use each other to create the resistance for each other while you perform the exercise. This should of course be done carefully and by using small amounts of pressure to prevent any injuries.
There are various types of exercises you can do together, and we will describe a few of them below.
Shoulder Press
The shoulder press can be done by standing face to face with your partner and pressing your palms together at shoulder level. By keeping pressure on each other’s palms you then move your arms upwards in a smooth motion. Try not to arch your back. Aim to do 10 reps.
Shoulder Shrugs
For shoulder shrugs, have your partner place his / her hands on your shoulders. Now try to lift your shoulders up to your ears while your partner applies pressure. The idea is for your partner to apply gentle resistance. Again aim for at least 10 reps.
Inner / Outer Thigh Muscles
Position your legs so that your partner has their hands on the outside of your knees. The movement involves you pushing your legs apart while your partner tries to prevent you by applying pressure. Aim for 10 reps. This can also be repeated for the outer thigh muscles by having your partner place their hands on the inside of your knees.
Hamstrings
Lie down on the floor on your stomach and bend one leg at the knee so that it points up to the ceiling. Your partner should hold the back of your foot and apply resistance while you try and bend your leg to your butt. Aim for 10 reps if possible. This exercise simulates leg curls.
Quadriceps
To work your quadriceps, lie on your back on the floor or use a mat if you like. Lower your knees towards your chest, this will be the starting position. Your partner will apply pressure to your feet while you attempt to straighten your legs. Aim for 8 to 10 reps of this exercise.
While doing these exercises the person applying the resistance should use enough force to make it difficult for the person to execute the movement. But not so much that it is impossible to move at all. With a little practice you will both get the feel of how much pressure is needed, and you will know when to increase the resistance.
If you happen to be doing this with your spouse or girlfriend / boyfriend, there’s nothing like spending quality time together, helping each other get fit and strong, and all the while saving money in the process… 😉
