Setting aside time to exercise is a must at the start of a new school year. Not only is exercise great for your body, but it can also do wonders for your mental health and even your relationships with other people. Teaming up with your roommate to get fit is the perfect way to bond, so we’ve put together a list of partner workouts that can be done right in your dorm room or apartment.
Begin standing back-to-back, pressing your weight into each other. Slowly begin to walk your feet out until you are both in a seated position with your legs bent no deeper than 90 degrees. To stay upright, keep your core engaged and your backs flat against each other. Hold for at least 30 seconds and then stand up at the same time.
Partner one, lay flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Have your arms out, creating a T shape with your elbows bent and palms facing the ceiling. (a) Partner two, stand facing your partner with your knees slightly bent, your back flat, your neck in a straight line with your spine and your elbows straight. Press your body weight into their palms. (b) Partner one, begin to push your arms into the air until your arms are straight and then lower them back down to the starting position. Repeat five times and then switch.
(a) Partner one, begin in a seated position with your palms next to you, your fingertips facing forward and your elbows bent and facing behind you. Lift your legs off the ground and hover them to the right side. Partner two, stand facing partner one to the left of their legs. (b) Partner one, keeping your legs elevated and low to the ground, swing your legs to the other side while partner two jumps over them. If you begin to feel a pull in the lower back, lift your legs a bit higher. Repeat, switching from side to side. Keep a steady pace and do as many as you can in 30 seconds and then switch. Partner two, to avoid shin splints, make sure you’re landing your heels on the ground every time you jump as opposed to staying on your toes the whole time.
Partner one, begin seated in a cross-legged position with your shoulders directly over your hips. Bend your arms into a 90-degree angle and keep them at your side. (a) Partner two, place your hands on your partner’s shoulders and press your body weight onto them. (b) Partner one, lift your arms up to shoulder height, fighting against the weight of your partner. Slowly lower your arms back down and repeat. Complete 10 reps and then switch.
(a) Partners one and two, lay on your backs, facing each other with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Place your arms either behind your head with your hands supporting your head or across your chest with your palms touching the opposite shoulder. Arrange your feet so that one of partner one’s feet is in between partner two’s feet. (b) Go into a sit-up at the same time and without stopping, (c) grasp each other’s hands and come into a standing position. Sit back down and repeat as many times as you can.