Working Out as a Couple

My boyfriend and I have just begun running together as a way to spend time together and as a way to live a more healthy lifestyle together. Do you have any tips for exercising as a couple? I'm especially worried about when the weather cools down and the sun sets earlier.

My bf & I started running together about 4 months ago.  I really enjoy it - it gives us a chance to talk and challenge each other.  I think it's something you have to get used to - for instance, he is ex-military and used to really pushing people, when I am pushed I get annoyed and shut down.  So you have to learn what helps the other and what hurts.  It might be helpful to talk about that before hand.  Also, you should talk about your goals before hand so you know whats in store and you both agree.  One other thing to figure out - what if one of you can't go, does the other go with out or is it an all or nothing kind of thing?  I think it's really important to figure out how to support the other person and not use the other person as an excuse - so for us, if one can't go the other still goes and goes with the support/blessing of the other.

Thanks! This is great. I think the accountability of it is really helpful, especially for him. I was working out on my own, and now he's decided to join me. We really like it so far. I think talking about goals is really good. Do you do any other activities together? Bike riding? Hiking?

We only religiously do running together, but are trying to be more active in general - for example, last week we biked to dinner instead of driving.   I go to the gym three times a week to do cardio machines and lift weights at home three times a week, he's expressed interest in this but I've selfishly claimed that time as 'me-time' :)  so, for now, it's just the running.

I've approached my boyfriend about running with me, and he wont! This is so frustrating to me because i cannot understand why he wouldn't want to. He claims he "doesn't have time" to do it...and yet he spends countless hours wasting time playing video games. (he's 21 years old) i guess part of it, he sees me as being naggy, but it really seems silly from my point of view.

My brother and my sister both have SOs that run with them, and it makes me so jealous! This is my rant because your post made me sad.

Fitness is a huge part of my life, and i'd like it to get even bigger honestly. So it's really hard to watch him sit infront of a computer screen all day, while i bust my butt running around like a maniac, all ALONE. Rant.

But i'm happy for you guys, who have boyfriends that are into it! Keep it up, seriously! Lucky ducks.

adelephant - My bf was the same way (video gaming and all!) when I first started exercising, I really begged him to come with and he wouldn't no matter what I said.  Then I shut up and later I think he started to see the positive effect it had on me.  After that, the running was his idea.  Not to be totally manipulative or anything, but you should try the whole reverse psychology approach - don't ask him to come with anymore, make small comments here and there about how much you love it, maybe the next time you're at a family get together you could talk with your brother, sister and their SOs about how great it is.. he'll end up feeling left out and come around.

That is a good idea. My boyfriend idolizes my brother, strangely enough, so he could be swayed when the time comes. And that does make me feel better that you were in the same boat!

My husband and I do the Power 90 workout videos together - cardio and weight training on alternating days.  It's "manly" enough for him, but I can keep up with them and use lighter weights for the same exercises.

My partner and I do absolutely everything together: we're both getting PhDs in the same department, both writing our dissertations about strikingly similar topics, both locavores and we cook together, eat together, everything.  So when I started jogging and strength training he did too.  Problem is, he weighs 120 lbs soaking wet.  I am 15 lbs heavier and trying to get down to about 115-120.  So now I'm hesitant about letting him workout with me for fear that he will be even skinnier!  Sucks kinda.  But I love spending time with him.

Wow, that's intense! I just got out of grad school (I am thankful for that!) and my boyfriend is looking at another three years. I wonder when the semester starts up how that will affect our exercise routine. I'm on an early morning to early evening schedule, but I know once the papers start, he's going to be up into the wee hours. Any tips on cooking together? Right now my boyfriend and I are in different apartments and take turns doing the cooking. Seems to be working so far.