FIT CLUB
ELLE.COM.AU / @ELLEAUS 191
Photography: Sevak Babakhani. Gloves, $89.95 for pair, Lonsdale, lonsdalelondon.com.au
I
t’s as predictable as the corny one-liners – there’s
always an awkward fitness date on The Bachelor
or The Bachelorette. Watching two nearly naked
strangers perform tantric yoga is about as cringey
as it gets (thanks, producers), but take away the
cameras, the mortifying voice-overs (“I just can’t
wait to see this sensitive side of him”) and, yeah,
maybe the tantric bit, and working out with
a partner can actually be hugely beneficial.
A study conducted by the Department of
Kinesiology at Indiana University in the US found
that couples who went to the gym together hadonly about a six per cent dropout rate, compared
to couples who worked out separately – they
had a dropout rate around seven times that.
“Training together gives you a common interest
and is a fantastic opportunity to support each
other in achieving your health goals,” explains
Sydney-based personal trainer Greg Stark. “When
it comes to creating an effective workout routine,
accountability is key. Who better to keep you
accountable than the person who sees you naked?”WHAT IF YOU’RE SINGLE?
While we wait for fitness dating apps to take off
Down Under (Sweatt is popular in New York), Stark
suggests you start by changing up your routine.
“Women usually head straight to yoga class and
guys to the weights room; it should be the other
way round.” Not only will you challenge yourself,
but you’ll remix your pool of fit friends, too.
If yo u’r e after sparks, avoid any “on the hunt”
behaviour, which will give off creepy vibes (this
includes wearing a full face of makeup and taking
tons of selfies). “Be mindful that people are at the
gym to exercise,” says Stark. “The best places to
strike up a conversation are at the water fountain,
on your way out after class or in the lounge area- not mid-burpee.”
Whether you make romantic or platonic
connections, you’ll still reap major benefits. “When
people work on their health, all other aspects of
their life seem to flourish. They grow in confidence,
improve in mood, have more energy and feel better
about themselves. There’s nothing more attractive
than a healthy, happy and confident woman.”
WHAT IF YOU LIKE WORKING OUT AT HOME?
Streaming videos is an efficient and affordable
option, and now you can do it with a partner thanks
to Hoolio (hoolio.com). The online platform, which
is free for a basic membership, offers a variety of
tailored videos and allows you to connect with
friends over webcam to work out with them
simultaneously – worth the entertainment value
alone (hey, laughing burns calories, too).A WORD OF WARNING...
You’ll work harder when motivated by your
partner, but Stark says acting cocky is a surefire
way to get dumped (at least as a workout buddy).
“Don’t be that annoying partner showcasing your
athletic prowess, like showing off your headstand
while your partner is still battling his downward
dog,” he warns. Starting something new together,
like enrolling in a boot camp, may be the best bet
for long-term fitness and relationship success. qpartner
work
Science says you can boost your fitness level just
by coupling up. Here’s how to be a team player,
regardless of your relationship status
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Words by Janna Johnson O’Toole