From Start to Fitness
Husband-wife workout
By ANDREA RENEE WYATT,

Q: My husband and I both retired recently, and we decided to begin to exercise together. We have different strengths and personal goals and don't want to hold the other back, but we really want to do this as a team. Is possible for both of us to work out together and still reach our individual fitness goals?

A: It is wonderful that you and your husband have decided to exercise together. Having a workout partner to help keep you accountable, motivated and committed to your workout routine can make reaching your fitness goals easier and possibly more fun.

Although you may have different fitness goals from your husband's, a few modifications can be made to your individual workouts to produce a successful partnership.

When planning your workouts, decide what goals you and your husband have in common. For example, if you both want to complete 40 minutes of cardiovascular exercise each workout, you both can complete the activity on the same piece of exercise equipment, although you might not work at the same intensity.

Also, if you and your husband enjoy exercising outside, but cannot run, ride or walk at the same pace, consider having one of you ride a bike while the other runs or uses inline skates. You both will be completing the cardiovascular exercise at the same time and at an intensity you personally can handle, while not making anyone feel left behind.

Many people believe that if someone is stronger than another then their workout routines will be completely different. This is not necessarily true. Almost every exercise can be modified for anyone from beginners to advanced. You and your husband can use the same resistance machines, but the weight your husband uses does not have to be the weight you use. Also, the progression of the exercise does not have to be the same.

For example, if you both wanted to do push-ups, there are many progressions to completing this exercise. Whether done with your knees on the ground, against a wall or in a standard push-up position, the benefits of the exercise still can be achieved.

Another option could be to complete part of your workout together, then separate to complete other exercises before meeting up again. For example, you can do your cardiovascular workout together, then your strength training separately and later meet up to complete your flexibility and cool-down routine together.

Having a workout partner can be a great tool for fitness success. Be creative.

Always consult a physician before beginning an exercise program. Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.S.S., C.S.C.S., is a certified personal trainer with an extensive background in strength and conditioning as well as therapeutic recreation. If you have a fitness or training question, e-mail Andrea at letters.kfws@hearstsc.com or write her in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853- 6475.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.