Have you heard of the saying the couple that workouts out together stay together? Well, there may be some truth to this! Super fit couple Justin Norris and Taylor Gainor are the co-founders of the LIT Method. The dynamic duo met in 2012 at a small boutique gym in Beverly Hills where Justin was working as a private personal trainer. Taylor had recently relocated back to the west coast from New York to pursue a career as a personal trainer, needless to say, the two of them hit it off! 
Fast forward a few years later, the couple developed their signature fitness program that is changing people’s lives. LIT was created to help build you up, not break you down. The workouts physically and mentally challenge the mind and body through a specified centric workout. Clients are walking away with a unique and memorable workout experience pain-free!
So what are the benefits of working out with a loved one? According to Psychology Today there is growing evidence that working out together can truly strengthen a relationship. Other benefits include:
Increased happiness: Participating in an exciting and challenging physical activity together helps couples feel more accomplished and satisfied in their relationships according to the Aron, Norman, Aron, & Heyman, 2000. Exercise is a perfect example of the type of activity that can have these positive effects.
Help you achieve your fitness goals: Couples that both cares about fitness with the same amount of passion make it easier to cheer each other on and offer support as you try to achieve your fitness goals. A study of heterosexual couples showed that average-weight husbands who care about fitness engage in more physical activity when their wives offer more supportive health-related comments (Skoyen, Blank, Corkery, & Butler, 2013). It’s proof that words of encouragement go a long way especially coming from your other half!
Increase your emotional bond: Working out together creates a rhythmic bond almost like dancing! Your actions are coordinated, you lift weights and run at the same pace, making partnered workouts naturally more seamless. Such behavior creates nonverbal matching, or mimicry, which benefits you both (Stel & Vonk, 2010). Workout sessions together provide an opportunity to create such connection that will benefit the health of your relationship.
Not sure where to start with your honey? Try a few of the suggested moves below to get your heart racing.
LIT workouts begin with focusing on at least two major muscle groups, making it more difficult than only concentrating on one. The goal is to work muscles to fatigue in order to build strength. Start with three sets of 30 sumo squats—a squat with your feet wider than hip-width and your toes slightly turned out. On the thirtieth rep of each set, lower into squat and pulse slowly up and down for 30 seconds. Rest for 30 seconds between sets. Try facing your partner while performing this workout, seeing other is a great way to encourage each other to complete the workout.
Continue the burn with some cardio! This move can be done anywhere, aim for 45 seconds of mountain climbers: From a plank pose, bring your right knee in toward your chest, then your left, and repeat, picking up speed as you go. “They’re a better alternative to the burpees a lot of boot camps do, which have a massive impact on your joints,” says Norris.
Norris suggests adding single-muscle-group moves to shape one particular area and balance out your workout. Do three sets of 15 to 20 triceps dips: Sit with your hands on the edge of a bench or chair, fingers facing forward. Scoot your butt past the edge of the chair, and bend your elbows to lower your body (be sure the movement comes from your arms, not your hips). Rest for up to 30 seconds between sets.
Always finish with a stretch! Norris says this will help reduce the risk of injury even if it’s a short stretch. While lying on your right side bend the left knee to grab the left foot, pull it towards your butt. Hold 30 seconds, switch sides, and repeat. Next lie on your back; extend right leg and pull toward chest to stretch your hamstrings. Hold 30 seconds, switch sides, and repeat.
