Working out together can be fun, romantic and get you in shape. Whether you exercise in the gym or at home, partner it up and strengthen your bond. Brinda Sapat tells you how!
Equipment:
- Medium level resistance bands, 1 each (These are worth buying if you don't have them. They are not expensive, can be used for a good, effective workout and make the best portable exercise equipment).
- Up tempo music
- Sexy workout gear
Warm Up
Get the muscles warm and juices flowing with a quick 5 minute jog; or if you are the dancing kind, get moving to your favourite dance track.
Lunge and press: For fab legs, good arms and a toned chest
Stand backing each other holding on to one end of both bands in either hand. The band should cross over in the middle of both of you. Now move away from each other till the bands feel taut. Bend your elbows and hold your hands up near the shoulders with the palms facing forwards. Take a large step forward with your right leg and lunge by bending both knees.
Keep your body straight and do not lean forward. As you step forward to lunge, push your arms out in front of you taking care not to lock your elbows.
Return to standing, bring arms back to shoulder and then lunge with the left leg.
Do 2 sets of 12-16 reps.
Both partners must step forward and back at the same time to get the correct tension of the band. Do a few reps to get your rhythm and flow; as well as adjust your distance for the right amount of resistance from the band.
Squat and row: For a shapely rear end, sizzling arms and a sexy, strong back
Hold onto the bands in the same way as above, but this time face your partner. Step away from each other, far out enough to feel the taut band by keeping your arms extended in front of you.
Stand with your feet a little more than hip-distance apart and go into a squat (Push the hip back and bend your knees. The knees should not go forward past your toes) as you simultaneously pull the band back by bending your elbows moving them back past your waist and squeezing your back muscles. Stand (without locking the knees) and extend arms slowly.
Both partners must pull back at the same time for maintaining the right tension of the band.
Do 2 sets of 12-16 reps.
Lateral raises: For super sexy shoulders!
Stand next to each other, both facing the front, with your feet hip distance apart. Hold the band in the outside hand and place the other end of the band under your partners inside foot that is near your foot. Make sure it is securely and firmly placed under the foot so that it doesn't snap out.
Raise the arm that is holding the band out to the side till it is in line with the shoulder. Don't let the elbow drop (The arm should be straight without locking the elbow). Lower down very slowly.
Do 2 sets 12 reps and then switch sides with your partner to work the other shoulder.
Plank and hi 5's! For tight and shapely abdominals and back
Get into push up position on the floor facing each other. Maintain a straight line from head, shoulder, to hips, knees and feet. Hold the abs tight. The back should not arch, nor should your hips go above the level of your body.
Holding this position, raise the right hand up and give your partner a high 5! Bring the arm down and do the same with the left. All the while maintain the plank in correct alignment.
Do 2 sets of 10-12 reps.
Round off your session with a few partner assisted stretches and a loving neck massage perhaps!
Illustrations: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com
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