When my husband and I decided to start working out together, it wasn’t about fitting into a certain size or achieving some dramatic transformation. We simply wanted to feel better—inside and out. As I navigate perimenopause, I’ve been searching for natural ways to improve my sleep, boost my mood, and maintain a healthy weight. My husband, on the other hand, was ready to increase his overall fitness and energy levels. So, we took the plunge and committed to this journey together.
Little did we know how much it would impact not just our health, but also our relationship.
Getting Started: The Challenge of Finding a Routine
This was our first time committing to a fitness routine as a couple. Though we had both wanted to work out together in the past, the timing was never quite right. When we finally made it a priority, we had to work through some initial challenges.
One of the biggest hurdles? Choosing a gym and agreeing on a schedule. My husband was flexible, so I took the lead in setting a routine that worked for both of us. Another challenge was our differing fitness levels—he preferred to take breaks during workouts, while I powered through. Over time, we found a rhythm that worked, swapping out weights as needed and pushing each other to stay on track.
The Rewards of a Shared Fitness Journey
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience has been simply knowing that we’re doing this together. Whether or not our waistlines shrink in the next six months, the real victory is in how we feel.
Beyond the physical benefits, working out as a couple has strengthened our relationship in unexpected ways. We’ve found ourselves tackling more projects around the house, feeling energized to take on tasks that once felt overwhelming. We’re also bonding over meal planning—though keeping it budget-friendly is still a work in progress!
Most noticeably, our moods have improved. There’s something about releasing all that pent-up energy that makes day-to-day life feel lighter.
Staying Accountable & Motivated
One of the biggest advantages of working out with a partner is the built-in accountability. On days when motivation is low, we remind each other why we started. Sometimes, we decide to skip a workout—and that’s okay, too. What matters is that we keep showing up.
To keep things sustainable, I let my husband choose most of the exercises, which makes him feel more engaged. He always checks in to see if they’re working for me, which helps keep our workouts balanced. We don’t have specific fitness goals beyond staying active, managing our weight, and maintaining good health, but consistency is our top priority.
Advice for Couples Wanting to Start
If you’re thinking about working out with your partner but feel unsure, my biggest advice is to be open to the process. Let your partner take the lead sometimes, and don’t stress about having perfectly matched fitness levels. The goal isn’t competition—it’s consistency.
Looking Ahead: Our Fitness Goals as a Couple
Our journey together is still in the early stages, but we already know that this is something we needed in our lives. Moving forward, our focus is on toning, keeping up with our kids, and maintaining good health—including keeping cholesterol levels in check.
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that making time for our health has had a ripple effect on every aspect of our lives. Working out together has given us more energy, improved our moods, and brought us closer as a couple. And that’s a transformation worth celebrating.
We’re also working on budget-friendly meal planning, which has been an adventure in itself! If you’re interested, I’ll be sharing more about our meal ideas and grocery-saving tips. Also, if you want to know the specifics of our workouts and reps, let me know in the comments below or send me an email—I’d love to share more!
