Couples' workout: Fall in love with fitness

Does watching another night of reality TV with your mate really put the mojo back in your relationship? We didn't think so. So how about changing up your weekly routine with moves that get your endorphins soaring?

Get fit and strengthen your relationship

Fitness expert Steve Ettinger says couples who work out together tend stay together and offers his favorite partner workout that will not only pump up your fitness but also strengthen your relationship.

"Working out with your significant other adds another dimension of quality to 'quality time,' " says Ettinger, a certified strength and conditioning specialist who has been featured in SELF and Fitness magazines as well as on ESPN, Fox, and Good Morning America Health. "Not only can sweating together be a fun experience, but working on and implementing similar goals will make you much more accountable and likely to succeed."

Get close with this couple's workout:

Each partner performs 10 lunges on each leg. Aim for three sets. Do this exercise together.

Start position: Stand tall with your hands on your hips.

Movement: Lunge forward with the right leg. At the bottom of the movement, both knees are at 90 degrees, without touching the ground. Step your left foot forward until it is parallel with your right foot, shoulder-distance apart. Squat down, keeping your head and chest up. Lunge forward with your left foot. Bring your right foot forward to meet and perform another squat. Continue with 10 lunges on each leg, with a squat between each lunge.

Each partner performs 15 rows. Complete three sets, alternating between the seated and standing position, with no rest between sets.

Start position: One partner is seated, holding the band, leaning back slightly with abs tight. The second partner is standing with knees slightly bent, holding the handle attachments of the band.

Movement: With palms facing in, the standing partner performs a rowing movement and then slowly returns the band to starting position. The seated partner should maintain a strong grip on the band -- it helps to grip the band with one overhand and one underhand. If you are the seated partner, make sure to tighten your abs so that your body does not move while your partner rows; this will work your abs while your partner is working back muscles.

Competitive cardio

Ettinger suggests rounding out your resistance training with some high-intensity competitive cardio. Try the cardio or sprint exercises below or do both, if you're up to it.

Do two rounds, two minutes each, with two-minute rests between rounds.

Start position: Take three cones or markers and place a cone or marker at 10 yards, 20 yards and 30 yards away.

Movement: The first partner sprints to the 10-yard marker and back. Then the 20-yard marker and back. Then the 30-yard marker and back. Repeat until two minutes is up. The first partner rests while the second partner performs the same sprint pattern. Compete with your own time to see if you can complete more repetitions during the second round of sprints.

Watch: Perfect-form lunges

Learn how to do perfect-form lunges on this episode of the Daily Dish.

More on couple's workouts

Tips for going on an exercise date
Are you in love with your workout buddy?
3 Benefits of working out together