She finally agreed yes. [Not the yes you’re thinking. That came much later.]
Her agreement was proceeded with second guesses that flood my thoughts. Maybe, this wasn’t a great idea after all.
Ah, she’ll be fine…
I was just ecstatic that I persuaded my lovely, yet hesitant girlfriend, Melissa, to join me in a Muay Thai class.
See, at that point she had some exposure to the sport by working the pads with Ryan. Plus Melissa gets after it in the weight room. She strength trains like a savage.
So I thought this would be a great way to get a workout in as a couple. Just a simple a beginner Muay Thai class.
In the car ride over to the combat gym, I assured her that she could do this and most importantly, that we would work together.
As we walked in the door to the combat gym, everything was just peachy. Coach, Sean Hinds, wrapped her hands. I even gave her wraps to match the color of her just manicured nails. [Nice touch right?]
Then we were off to warm up. Just like any other Wednesday night.
But then…
An unfamiliar individual began to take over the class. This man did not speak a lick of English but was right from the country where Muay Thai originated. Little did we know, he was the Trainer of the Year in all of Thailand.
Monlit Sitphodang.
Uh oh. I’m in trouble. He might as well have been Tong Po.
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This “warm up” turned out to be one of the hardest Muay Thai training sessions I have ever had the pleasure of participating in.
Even close to that 3 hour workshop, Ryan roped me into. But that’s another story.
Now let me remind you…Melissa doesn’t even know the difference between a teep and a jab. But she stays close to my side and we power through it together.
A few minutes in, we drop down to do a set of 20 push-ups. I tell Melissa just do them from her knees as I was aware of the volume.
As Monlit instructed more advanced techniques, Melissa starts to become frustrated. Especially, since Thailand’s Trainer of the Year decides to pick on her novice skills and shake his head in disapproval.
Let’s just say more than a few f-bombs and other creative language are thrown in my direction.
Then it takes a turn for even worse…
We get separated. Sean Hinds graciously helps Melissa with learning the techniques. But my promise is broken…
So, we find ourselves on opposite sides of the room, when we have to go down for another set of push-ups. As Melissa decides to go down to do her kneeling push-ups, Monlit kicks her knees to make her do the more difficult version.
AH SHIT! Not cool. Let’s just say that completed our Muay Thai couple experience…
LESSON OF THE STORY:
Go with your gut feeling. In hindsight, it’s probably better off that my girlfriend doesn’t know how to kick and punch anyway.
I definitely got the cold shoulder for awhile on the car ride home until we burst in laughter.
Go figure. The ONE time Melissa decides to join me, a guest, crazy instructor decides to take the reigns. Now, we look back and laugh at the story.
But rather than put your relationship in the gauntlet, here are some better ideas for a couples workout:
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1. HIKE
Since moving to Los Angeles, we make it a weekly ritual to get outdoors and hike one of the many Southern California trails.
It’s been a perfect opportunity to put away our phones, get our fix of sunshine and vitamin D, and enjoy each others’ company. All while working up a little sweat.
The best part is getting to the top and sharing an awesome view or sunset together. Maybe even take a little couple selfie.
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2. I GO, YOU GO
When I interned at Quinnipiac University, Brijesh Patel had these brutal workouts called “Jailhouse Circuits”. Basically, it was 30 seconds of an exercise followed by 30 seconds of rest. When you would work, your partner would rest. Then vice versa.
Even though we used them for athletes at the time, this is a perfect couple workout style.
When it’s your significant other’s time to put in the work, encourage him or her. Show them support and that you have their back when things aren’t comfortable.
Below, I have a sample of an “I Go, You Go” workout. Try it for a quick, yet sweat inducing 3 to 5 rounds.
If you don’t like my movements, you and your partner can alternate choosing your own exercises.
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A1. Kettlebell Swings or Jump Squats
A2. Push Press or Push-Ups
A3. Reverse Lunges or Step Ups
A4. Inverted Rows
A5. Planks
Make this one more difficult but more fun by doing it together and reaching each of your arms out and touch.
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3. EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN
With such a variety of exercise classes at your hands today, sign up for one that you both haven’t tried before.
Ryan and I even took an aerobics classes done at a ballet barre here in LA with our ladies. Yes, we dominated too.
Just like there’s an app for that, there’s probably a class for that too. Try rowing, spinning, yoga, dancing, etc.
Melissa and I plan on trying to paddle board for the first time. Hopefully, we have a better experience there! [fingers crossed]
You can learn a lot about your counterpart when they are in situations out of their comfort zone. They can also learn a lot about you in how you react.
Show support and have some fun.
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4. METABOLIC SESSIONS
To be honest, I do not personally work out with Melissa. We have different goals and therefore, different programs. But we like to do active things together. So these are some ways we incorporate a healthy lifestyle into our relationship.
The final way is to do your high intensity interval training or metabolic work together.
To me, these are short, fat burning workouts. They are supplemental to our actual training programs.
Since these HIIT workouts call for generic tools (i.e., sprints, sled, kettlebell swings, ropes, bikes, etc.), we can both work at our own intensities (speed, weight, etc.). No one has to slow down or back off and we both get a great workout in.
Try this workout with your partner and two kettlebells.
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2 Kettlebell Cleans or Swings
1 Kettlebell Press
3 Kettlbell Front Squats
Then switch. Get as many rounds as possible completed in 10 to 20 minutes.
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I must admit it is much easier to achieve your fitness and aesthetic goals when your counterpart cares about their health and body too. So I encourage you to try at least one of these couple workouts. They will break up the monotony. Plus, you are doing yourself a favor and making sure your man or lady doesn’t let himself go.
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Worst comes to worst, just man up and get a pedicure with your lady. Or you could do some physical activity in the bedroom.
Just watch out for a guy named Monlit…
Do you workout with your guy or gal? If so, what couple workouts or activities do you enjoy together?
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