Working out alone is great. But working out with someone is even better! Whether it's with your gym buddy, your CrossFit teammate, or your life partner (yes, we saw you, you trying to impress with your squats), working out with someone boosts motivation and progress.

Here we offer you exercises and Workouts of the Day (WODs). In short, fun and effective ideas to get your partner sweating and even strengthen your bond a little more. Come on, lace up your sneakers, let's get started!

The Benefits of Partner Training

Let's not kid ourselves, it's easier to skip a session when no one's waiting for you. But if your partner is there, it's hard to back out! Training as a duo means:

• Fewer excuses, more diligence: you can no longer hide behind the famous "I'll go tomorrow."
• Healthy competition: you give your all to avoid falling behind.
• More fun, less hassle: the exercises are more fun and go smoothly.
• A free coach: your partner will spot your posture errors and help you improve.

In short, training as a couple is both a sport and a good dose of motivation.

Exercises to do in pairs

1. Synchronized squats (to suffer together)

How to do it?

• Stand facing each other with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Lower into a squat in perfect sync (otherwise, punishment: burpees!).
• Get back together and start again.

Why is it great? Because it's a simple but formidable exercise for the legs and glutes. And above all, seeing your partner's tense face is motivating.

2. Push-ups with high fives (to celebrate each repetition)

How to do it?

• In push-up position, facing each other.
• Go down and up, then high-five your partner.
• Alternate hands and try to keep the rhythm.

Why is it fun? Because in addition to working your pecs, it adds a balance and coordination challenge. And if your partner cheats? Extra push-ups for him (yes, it's the law of sports).

3. Face-to-face plank with eye battle

How to do it?

• In a plank position, facing each other, as if you were going to play "who blinks first."
• Try to hold on as long as possible without shaking (and without cursing the other person).
• To make things more interesting, add hand slaps.

Why does it burn so much? Because you're working on core strength, stability, and patience. If your partner looks at you relaxed, they're cheating.

WODs to push your limits together

WOD 1: Extreme Synchronization

Goal: avoid desynchronization or risk burpees!

Circuit to be completed together :

• 50 duo burpees
• 100 synchronized squats
• 50 high-five push-ups
• 100 sit-ups in relay

Do it in the shortest possible time, but keep your technique clean (and watch your partner!). You can, of course, make the circuit easier or harder to suit your level.

WOD 2: Explosive Relay

Goal: endurance and recovery.

While one runs 400m, the other continues:

• 10 kettlebell swings
• 15 box jumps
• 20 mountain climbers

Switch roles every round, up to 20 minutes of torture (Tip: run your 400m at full speed to put the pressure on your duo).

WOD 3: Shared Strength

Objective: intelligently distribute repetitions (or not).

• 100 deadlifts (shared)
• 100 pull-ups (shared)
• 100 thrusters (shared)

Whoever slows down pays for the post-workout shake. Since we're nice, we'll put the link right here, so all you have to do is warm up your card.

I'm the one who pays

The golden rules to avoid ending up in a Cold War

1. Communication is the basis: It's better to define the program beforehand, otherwise it will turn into freestyle and endless debate.
2. Adapt to each other: If your partner is stronger in cardio and you in strength, adjust the roles.
3. Trust yourself: Whether it's for the spot during risky exercises or for counting repetitions (without cheating, thank you).
4. Be consistent: A good duo is built over time, so don't give up.

Find your sweat ally

Working out as a partner is the perfect mix of motivation, competition, and fun. And let's face it, it's always more fun to sweat it out as a duo than to struggle alone on a treadmill. So go get your partner motivated and try these exercises!