Some people out there definitely enjoy going to the gym alone and having that time be a personal experience. But if you’re inclined to bring a workout buddy along, why not bring your significant other?

1. It saves time. If you go to the gym for 90 minutes in the morning and your significant other goes to the gym for 90 minutes in the evening, that’s three unnecessary hours that you spent apart! If you’re in the kind of relationship where you like to be together a lot, it’s really just practical to go to the gym together and save that extra 90 minutes for something even more fun later!

2. A healthy dose of competition. What’s life without a little competition? At the gym or on a run, it’s a fun idea to see who can do more reps or who can get the fastest mile time to add a little excitement to your workout. Pushing yourself to go harder or faster than your partner is a good way to improve your PR’s (as long as you know your limitations and don’t hurt yourself)

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3. Bonding. This is another whole level of bonding, because you get to see this other side of your partner that you normally wouldn’t be able to. You’re at the gym working out because you’re vulnerable enough to admit to yourself that you have room for improvement - and your partner is doing the same thing. This is huge because you are both in this same vulnerable space together working together. And working out is quite often a solo activity, so the fact that you’re willingly choosing to do this with your significant other says that you’re both really dedicated to strengthening your relationship. Plus, working out makes you super hungry (the amount of food I want to eat after a workout could probably feed my whole family) so you get to bond even more by feasting together afterwards! I can’t think of anything I enjoy more than eating a lot (a lot) of food while enjoying the company of the person I love.

4. Self-improvement. Because you two are constantly together, you’re able to keep each other on track with your workout journey. Whether it’s picking out healthier options at the grocery store or convincing your partner not to skip a workout, it’s really nice to have somebody there to keep you on track.

5. Higher self-esteem. After all of this bonding you’re doing at the gym, it’s really hard not to feel amazing about yourself and your relationship. Lots of couples are too embarrassed to work out together, but you two have built such a strong foundation by doing this, it’s worth getting excited over. It is also really exciting to see yourself and your partner improve at something you’re passionate about. As a workout buddy, you’re responsible for (safely) pushing your partner to improve all of the time so when they reach a new PR, it’s exciting for the both of you! It’s also a perfect reason for you two to go out and celebrate together at a nice dinner, as it’s always a good idea to celebrate any impressive accomplishments.