The fitness buddy workout

Aug 17, 2009 9:24 AM by Michele Borboa, MS

Posted in Health & Wellness / Diet & Fitness / Exercise & Fitness

Partner
Exercises

Is your favorite way to combat stress recruiting your best friend to meet you for a double latte and scone as a prelude to an afternoon of shopping? Though an effective way to boost your spirits, it probably isn't doing your thighs or wallet any favors. Friendly social interaction is certainly needed for mental health, but it can also be a boon for your physical fitness when you spend time sweating together instead of sipping coffee and nibbling a dessert. Fitness professional Sabrena Merrill, MS, shares the benefits of working out with a buddy and a few partner exercises to get you started.

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The fitness buddy workout

The good news about most partner exercises is that you can do them with a fitness buddy as well as by yourself when you do workout on your own. The following three exercises target the core, back and lower body.

Medicine ball V-sit with rotation and pass

For this core-strengthening exercise, one partner holds the medicine ball, completes two rotations then chest passes the ball to the other partner who then performs the same.

Start position: Face your partner, sitting tall with your knees bent and both heels on the ground. Both partners recline back slightly, stabilizing the torso by contracting the core (abdominal) muscles.

Medicine Ball V-Sit Start Position

Movement: Exhale and slowly rotate your torso and the ball to one side, keeping the ball close to your body and aligned with the middle of your torso. Repeat this rotation on the other side. Your partner should mirror the movement.

Medicine Ball V-Sit Start Position

Partner switch off: Returning to starting position, chest pass the ball to partner, who then repeats the movement, rotating once in each direction and passing the ball back. Perform this series for 30 to 60 seconds.

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