Love is in the air! Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate connection; and fitness is a fun, healthy way to do it. Whether you’re ready to workout with a romantic partner, a best friend, or a family member, it’s the perfect opportunity to move, motivate each other, and have some fun together.

Alternating exercises is a great way to stay motivated and make workouts go by even faster. One partner can work while the other either rests or performs a complementary movement. For example, partner A can do pushups while partner B holds a plank, then switch after 30-60 seconds. For an extra challenge, try this partner exercise: partner A starts with 10 goblet squats (feel free to add in a kettlebell!) while partner B stays engaged in a squatting position before switching and doing 10 goblet squats while partner A holds a squatted position. Then, partner A will do 9 goblet squats while partner B holds before doing 9 themselves. Keep alternating until you get to zero! This workout is very flexible and can be done with any exercise and with any amount of reps that both partners are comfortable with.

Cardio workouts can also be fun as you connect through movement. Incorporating a jumping rope or tossing a medicine ball back and forth can bring in some playful energy. Try some jumping squats while high fiving on every jump. Watch an instructor lead a zumba session on YouTube. Whatever it is, support your partner while pushing them to do their best even when they get tired. 

After your workout, connect with some partner stretches! Lots of static stretches you do on your own can be altered and even amplified when joined with a partner. Try a seated forward fold while holding each other’s hands. If you can’t quite reach each other, try holding both ends of a strap or stretch rope. Sitting back-to-back to practice some deep breathing is a great way to connect. Another great end to a workout is to follow a yoga instructors’ partner routine on YouTube. Partner yoga fosters trust, communication and intimacy through synchronized movements.

Whether you’re alternating exercises, stretching side by side, or tackling a playful cardio challenge, partner workouts are a chance to strengthen both your body and your bond. This Valentine’s Day, take a few minutes to move, laugh, and challenge each other. You might be surprised how much closer (and stronger) you’ll feel by the end of your session!