Diet & Fitness Blog
Valentine's Couples Workout
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Pam Ofstein, eDiets Director of Nutrition Services, was kind of enough to be my partner in this Valentine's Day couples' workout.
Perform each exercise, then move to the next one. Try to complete the circuit (all exercises) twice.
Couples' Lunge and Reverse Lunge
1. You get double your money with this exercise. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others' hands with arms slightly elevated.
2. Pam takes a forward long lunge with her left leg, while I perform a reverse lunge with my right leg. Alternate legs with each rep. Keep your body straight during both movements, and don't let your opposing knee touch the floor. Perform 12 reps on each leg.
After completing 12 reps, the person performing the reverse lunge then performs the forward lunge, and the person performing forward lunges will switch to reverse lunges. Lunges will work the quadriceps, hamstrings and the butt. Support your partner by keeping your hands and arms elevated and by giving them words of encouragement.
Couples' Squat
1. Begin by facing your partner while holding each others' hands, with arms slightly elevated. Feet should be shoulder-width apart.
2. Lower by bending at the hips and knees to a parallel squat. It's important to stick your butt out while lowering -- almost as if you're about to sit in a chair.
Rise back up to the starting position and repeat. Perform 15 reps. Squats work the quadriceps, hamstrings and butt.
1. Begin by lying on a mat with your feet and ankles interlocked. This will provide support for your partner.
2. Place your hands crossed over your chest and perform an abdominal crunch. Support your partner by telling them to keep his eyes straight up and not to bend his neck. Perform 15 reps.
Begin with your backs flat on a mat with feet and ankles interlocked. With your fingertips placed on the sides of your head, perform opposite elbow to opposite knee crunches. Lower to the mat and perform the same movement on the other side. Perform 15 reps on each side.
Chest Press
Both partners shoulder stagger their feet so one leg is behind and one leg in front. Bring hands up to chest level and place the bottom of your hands against the hands of your partner. Now each of you should slowly push right and left as each partner provides just a bit of resistance. This is great for the chest, shoulders and arms. Perform the movement for 40 seconds. Look directly in your partner's eyes while performing the exercise and keep your torso facing forward -- don't twist your upper body.
Shoulder Press
One person will begin on their knees. Bend arms at the elbow 90 degrees and make fists. Partner stands behind and provides the slightest resistance by pressing down with the palms as the person kneeling presses upward. The goal of the person kneeling is to perform a full shoulder press with resistance. Perform 10 reps, then switch.
Lay flat on a mat with knees bent. As you raise one leg, your partner will place his hand on your ankle and gently stretch your leg towards your upper torso. This should be performed with very little pressure, and your lower back should not come up off the mat. Hold for 30 seconds and switch legs.
Celebrate Your Victory!
Oh, and guys? Please give your honey a Valentine's gift that's thoughtful and meaningful. Otherwise, the remainder of 2010 will look like this:
Happy Valentines Day!As an eDiets member, you can get more fun, specialty fitness ideas like this one -- and even work directly with Raphael to create your perfect plan! Get more information now and get on track to get a body you love!
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in Communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with The American Council On Exercise.
Labels: exercise, fun, holidays, relationships, weight-loss, workout
Comment by 
said... - Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:30:00 AM
This couples workout is great.
Make your next one a YOGA couples workout...please.
Comment by Chris said... - Wednesday, February 13, 2008 3:21:00 PM
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 13, 2008 3:56:00 PM
Pam, Your balance foot must always face your opponent with the heel! Also you get more power if your kicking foot is parralel to the ground! Turn your hip into Pam and you'll both get a good work-out!
Comment by said... - Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:44:00 PM
Man, this is just great. What better way to start Valentines Day.
Comment by said... - Friday, February 15, 2008 5:55:00 AM
Sex between lovers can also be a great exercise for couples, if done the right way...but i dont think a blog with pics would be appropriate for this site...
...as the other blog commenter mentioned, go for a YOGA couples workout next time...although it's not really my style to say please, I second the motion...please.
Comment by said... - Friday, February 15, 2008 6:05:00 AM
A brilliant idea. I've been looking for a way to exercise with my husband who has a bad foot. This solves the problem.
Comment by said... - Friday, February 15, 2008 12:25:00 PM
Super sexy workout! Thanks for a romantic idea and I third the motion about Yoga couples workout, please!
Comment by said... - Friday, February 15, 2008 2:12:00 PM
I simply love this! how refreshing and positively happy. It's a pity my 7-and-a-half years older husband does not believe in this nor in Valentine's Day either. It is not reality according to him and I should 'get real"!! Some advice would be appreciated! He thinks romance is for the weaker men and no sirre not him. I do get very lonely and try to talk to him; he says I'm wasting his time & he has more positive things to think about than my emotions at night. We have two lovely kids.
Well I do love this and keep it up! Will probably do it alone or with my kids.
Comment by said... - Saturday, February 16, 2008 10:59:00 AM
Thank you! I would also really appreciate a yoga couples workout.
Comment by 
jstrong said... - Sunday, February 17, 2008 12:31:00 PM
Comment by Lauren said... - Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:38:00 PM
lol just be careful not to knee your boyfriend/husband in the balls when you do the lunge...
whoops..
Comment by said... - Saturday, February 14, 2009 6:26:00 AM
Oh, to you the one who said your husband has more positive things to think about than your emotions at night???, I say this. A happy wife makes a happy life. Maybe you have more positive things to think about than if his laundry is clean, or if his supper is hot and ready!!! For example, maybe your long over due for that massage or spa treatment you have been dreaming of. Or maybe That good friend of yours from high school is only in town for one night and you would hate to disappoint her by turning down her dinner invitation. Sounds to me like he has become a bit selfish and needs to be reminded of how important you really are to him. Trust me, I have been there, sometimes all it takes is one single "NO, I have another commitment tonight" to snap them out of it. If it takes more than a few times, there is deeper issues that you really need to resolve, with or without him. Never let yourself believe that he makes you. You make you who you are and what you are worth.
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