The Power of Two: Best Exercises to Do with a Partner

When you’re working out do you feel it’s a bit of a... solitary endeavor? You know, just you, your thoughts, and the weights? Yeah, it’s not always a bad thing, after all you can focus easily and listen to music to help you train. But working out with a friend or partner can be some of the most effective, motivating, and altogether fun workouts.

Whether it’s your best friend, spouse, or gym buddy, exercising with someone else can elevate your fitness routine. As such we’re going to cover the various benefits of working out with a partner, explore some great partner exercises, and see why two really is better than one when it comes to fitness.

Before we jump into the exercises, it’s probably a good idea to understand the unique benefits that come with both solo workouts and partner workouts. Both have their place in a balanced fitness routine.

When you're on your own, you can immerse yourself in the workout. You control the pace, the music, and the intensity. This time can be meditative, offering a chance to tune into your body and mind, free from distractions.

Solo workouts mean you can go whenever and wherever you want. No need to coordinate schedule, just lace up and go.

Pushing through a tough session alone can build resilience. It’s just you against the workout, which can be incredibly empowering.

It’s harder to skip a workout when someone else is counting on you to show up. This built-in accountability can help you stay consistent, which is key to long-term success.

A little competition can push you to work harder. Whether it’s who can do more reps or who finishes a set faster, having someone alongside you can ignite your competitive spirit.

During challenging exercises, a partner can offer motivation, help with form, or spot you during a lift. This support can help you push through barriers you might not break on your own.

Let’s face it, working out with a friend can also make exercise more enjoyable. The banter, the shared experience, and even the shared struggle can make the time fly by.

Ok, now that we’ve covered why working out with a partner can be beneficial, let's look at some specific exercises you can do together. These moves are designed to challenge both of you while keeping the workout dynamic and interactive.

• Stand facing your partner, about a foot apart, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Extend your arms out in front of you and grip your partner’s hands firmly.
• Slowly lower into a squat together, ensuring your knees don’t go past your toes.
• Hold the squat at the bottom for a moment, then push through your heels to stand back up.

Partner squats not only work your legs and glutes but also engage your core and back as you stabilize each other. Plus, you’ll both get a good laugh as you try to stay in sync!

• Stand back-to-back with your partner, about a foot apart.
• One of you holds a medicine ball (you can start with a light weight, like 4-6 pounds).
• Both of you twist to the same side—one passes the ball to the other, who receives it and then twists the opposite way to pass it back.

This exercise targets the obliques and engages your entire core. It also helps improve your coordination and timing as you work to pass the ball efficiently.

• Both of you get into a plank position, facing each other, about an arm’s length apart.
• Hold the plank, maintaining a straight line from your head to your heels.
• Reach out with your right hand and high-five your partner’s right hand, then return to plank. Do the same with the left hand.
• Continue alternating for 20-30 seconds.

This exercise strengthens your core, shoulders, and arms while also testing your balance. The high-five adds a fun, interactive element, keeping you engaged and motivated.

• One partner lies on their back with their head at the other’s feet.
• The person on the ground grabs the ankles of their standing partner for stability.
• The person lying down lifts their legs towards the standing partner, who then gently pushes the legs back down toward the floor. The challenge is to avoid letting the legs touch the ground before raising them back up.

This move primarily targets the lower abs, but the standing partner also works on their balance and stability. It’s an intense core workout that will have you both feeling the burn.

• One partner gets into a plank position, while the other stands at their feet.
• The standing partner lifts the planking partner’s legs by their ankles, like a wheelbarrow.
• The planking partner then performs push-ups, while the standing partner stabilizes their legs.
• Switch roles after a set number of reps.

This exercise challenges your chest, shoulders, and triceps while also engaging the core and testing balance. It requires good communication and teamwork, making it a fantastic partner exercise.

Remember, everyone’s body operates differently. What works well for one person might not be the best fit for another. As such, the exercises and routines outlined here are just a starting point, feel free to modify them based on your fitness level, preferences, and goals.

And whether you’re looking to bond with a friend, add some variety to your routine, or simply make your workouts more enjoyable, exercising with a partner can be a great way to achieve your fitness goals. But don’t forget the value of solo workouts, too. Sometimes, you might crave that quiet, focused time alone to connect with yourself.