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HEALTH & FITNESS D.I.Y. Fitness: Workout with a Partner If you love your body and love your mate, and are searching for ways to combine the two actions, try these six muscle-strengthening, ab-tightening, leg-firming exercises you can do from the comfort of your home or at the gym before an intense workout.
Jesse Cooper is the director of personal training for Star Fitness in Greenbelt, Md. With more than six years in the health and fitness industry, Jesse says his approach to fitness is not only to focus on weight training, conditioning and nutrition, but to boost self-image and self-confidence, and have fun, as well. More Articles Diet & Fitness : What's Keeping You From Being Fit and Fabulous in '05? |
Inner-thigh
Stretch: Sit with legs pointed outward and with
your toes touching one another’s. Hold hands, fully
extending the arms, and take turns leaning back until
you are laying flat on the floor. Hold the position for
10 to 15 seconds or for what is comfortable to you. It
helps if you take a deep breath and completely relax
your body before starting.
Spinal
Twist: Sit cross-legged and face your partner.
Place your right arm behind your back and extend your
left arm. Your partner should do the same. Each partner
should then grab each other’s right hand with his/her
left. Begin to stretch in a clockwise motion. Hold the
position for 10 to 15 seconds, and then switch sides.
For an extra good stretch, ask your partner to tug
gently on your right hand. This exercise can be a little
difficult for those who are inflexible, but don’t give
up; over time, it will become easier, and bring you and
your mate closer together in more ways than one.
Standing
Ball Toss: Stand approximately six feet apart,
and toss the ball back and forth for 12 to15
repetitions. For this exercise, you will need a medicine
ball. The models in the photo are using a six-pound
ball, but choose a weight that is comfortable for you.
Torso
Twist: This exercise also requires a medicine
ball. Stand back to back, about 12 inches from your
partner. Using your torso, turn your body to the right,
and pass the ball to your partner, who should then pass
the ball around to your left. Keep the rotations going
for 12 repetitions or a number with which you feel
comfortable.
Synchronized
Squats: Stand facing your partner about three
to four feet apart and toes slightly pointed outward.
Grasp your partner’s lower arms, and slowly move into
the squatting position at the same time. Hold for one to
two seconds and come back up. Repeat 12 to 15 times or a
number with which you feel comfortable.
Leg
Push Down: Lie on your back, and lift your legs
into the air, keeping your feet together. Your body
should be in an “L” shape. Have your partner stand
above your head, and thrust your feet toward the floor.
The objective of this exercise is to stop your legs and
feet just before they hit the floor. You will definitely
feel the effects of this exercise on your stomach right
away. Repeat 12 to 15 times or a number with which you
feel comfortable. Careful not to let your feet hit the
ground!