Personal training for couples is perfect for two people – be it a couple, two friends, two colleagues or even family members. It simply means sharing one personal trainer between you. Read more about the benefits of couples personal training below.

 

Written by

Chris Nicklin is a certified Personal Trainer with over 7 years' experience, and the owner of Nxtep Personal Training. Chris qualified from Edge Hill University with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sports Coaching and Performance Development, and has delivered over ten thousand one-to-one Personal Training sessions.

Updated 29/9/2022

Couples can often find themselves putting on “Relationship weight”. Sometimes this can be because your partner eats more than you, so you end up eating their portion sizes. Commonly though, it can simply be a consequence of feeling content and happy in your relationship. However, putting on weight together is a lot easier than losing weight together! Often one person is ready to try and lose weight before the other, so they end up exercising alone.

Our personal trainer for couples programme enables couples (even those with differing levels of fitness and different goals) to exercise together, which many people find more motivating and great for their relationship.

It’s also cheaper than one-to-one personal training as you split the cost! To save even more money and make friends while you’re at it, you can try small group personal training.

 

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Paul CorriganPaul Corrigan
12:26 10 Mar 24
Sadly I'm leaving the area and would love to take Nxtep with me. I attend the small classes. Chris has created a unique venue that would be hard to match anywhere. The environment is warm and friendly. The sports science work that Chris does behind the scenes to prepare the classes is immense, so that we don't have to worry about it. Just plug and go. Though education is always at hand if required. The classes can be hard work (results driven) but always fun. The equipment is of the highest standard. I've always been around sports but have never experienced anything so positive and rewarding. At 57 there is no way I would ever have thought I'd lift such heavy weights or complete these vigorous exercises. Chris gets you there incrementally and safely but always with great humour. He uses a truly interactive App that plots your progress. A fitness App that actually works, who knew!!Also the clients are lovely and incredibly supportive of each other. Well bloody done Chris!
Aidan McGearyAidan McGeary
07:50 27 Feb 24
Over the past alomost 3 years, Nxtep has been central to my personal growth. Chris and his clients make up a fantastic community of people who have helped me develop in many ways. No one lifts a single kg on my behalf or runs a step for me, but as part of a positive and nurturing environment I have been able to consistently, week in, week out, exceed my expactations of what I am capable of. The Physical and mental benefits I have experienced since being a part of this community have been game changing and I owe them a great deal. Aidan.
Alana McgladeAlana Mcglade
17:44 20 Feb 24
Chris has been absolutely amazing at supporting me on my fitness journey. Everything is tailored to the individual so it suits everyone no matter what stage you're at. There's a really supportive environment that I haven't experienced elsewhere and the flexibility Chris has shown to me when needed has been amazing. Would never go anywhere else now!
Ashleigh PattersonAshleigh Patterson
20:07 18 Feb 24
CHRIS AND LUCA YOU ARE AMAZING AT WHAT YOU DO.At one point i couldnt walk up the stairs... after been hospitalized and locked in a room for nearly a month at pinderfields I was diagnosed with severe asthma to been under observation for COPD at 30 years old and still living everyday with it now, I decided to make a change. I moved to Cheshire I joined @nxtepknutsford and in a matter of months I was competing at @turfgames with the gym familyI cannot thank everyone enough who has been on my journeyNow at 32 I can lift 110kg on a deadliftI can run .... some sort of distance and always improving as much as my lungs will carry me.Never give up and push to be betterWe saw. We came. I conquered! 🏆
Steven ThompsonSteven Thompson
07:40 15 Feb 24
The model works for me , small group of less than 6 with a dedicated trainer . Have used gyms for many years but this model works for me . Complete professional instruction at all times . All about correct technique and protecting back etc . Plus there is no escape - maximising every session and getting maximum benefits . A real community approach .
deborah walkerdeborah walker
10:08 12 Feb 24
Always a great session with Chris .Come away feeling fab
Iain FountainIain Fountain
12:04 06 Feb 24
Have been training regularly each week since October at Nxtep and just wanted to give some feedback on my experience which has been nothing short than excellent. Chris, Luca and the team have provided one and one expertise, techniques, dietary plans to help with weight loss, build lean muscle and improve fitness. Can’t shout their praises enough. Good job Nxtep.
Hannah ThrelfallHannah Threlfall
14:10 10 Nov 23
I signed up for the 6 week body transformation initially to help me get my pre baby body back after gaining a lot of weight through pregnancy. I lost 8.6kgs in the 6 weeks and have since renewed my membership to continue with my progress and I’m almost down 10kgs in total only 2kgs away from my pre pregnancy weight. I have always hated going to the gym and would dread going initially but now I am 8 weeks in, training 3x per week and feeling fitter and much happier in myself it is something I definitely want to continue. I feel it has really changed my lifestyle and I am making healthier choices everyday with a much more positive outlook, my family have commented that the old Hannah is back as before I felt I’d lost myself since becoming a mum for the first time. Chris and Luca are incredibly knowledgeable about anatomy which was very important to me after having a C-section and I have seen huge improvements in my core and lower back stability. I am also enjoying the new friends I am making from the sessions and never thought I’d say it but I’m looking forward to continuing the training long term and being in the best shape of my life!!
Katie MorrisKatie Morris
08:05 15 Sep 23
I've really enjoyed the community at Nxtep. I've never been this thrilled get up before 7am to attend the gym. Chris and Luca are brilliant and I feel I've come so far in the year since I started coming. Looking forward to more progress and the pride that comes with working hard
Lesley SneesbyLesley Sneesby
08:04 15 Sep 23
Thank you Chris and Luca for your amazing help, guidance and support in such a welcoming environment at Nxtep
MerelMerel
15:47 03 May 23
I initially joined Nxtep to get a better grip on my fitness levels after yo-yoing for years with sporadic classes and runs. It was an excellent decision as the sessions are three times a week which quickly got me in a good rhythm. Chris and Luca are both fantastic and very patient with a newbie like myself who had never lifted weights before. They have really helped me understand fitness and weight lifting a lot better. They also adjusted any exercises based on my capabilities as I had an injured shoulder for a while, and with the rehab exercises they gave me that’s now back to normal. I can’t recommend Nxtep enough!
CharlotteCharlotte
15:38 04 Aug 22
I've been working with the guys at Nxtep for about a year now; I originally joined thinking it would be a short-term thing to lose weight for my wedding.A year later and I'm married, 12kg lighter than when I first started, lifting much heavier weights and am in much better shape in general. Chris and Luca have been amazing with my training; they always challenge me to try new things and to push further, which is really helpful for someone who's training has always seemed to plateau in the past.They've also taught me about health and fitness as a lifestyle; there's so much more to it than lifting some weights or constantly being on a diet, and they always keep things new, fun and flexible. They're also really helpful and approachable guys; I've messaged them lots of times to ask for training tips and advice when I'm going to the gym outside of training hours, and they're always more than happy to help.
Jackie KingJackie King
19:38 17 May 22
I first met Chris in January 2020. I was 12 weeks pregnant with my first child. As a trained dancer, and teacher I was hoping to maintain my levels of fitness whilst minimising the risks of my pregnancy. My early dance training concentrated on training my limbs, while often neglecting my ‘centre’ or ‘core’. It wasn’t until a back injury in 2012 due to weak lower back muscles that my approach to training changed. When I first found out about my pregnancy, I worried about my back and how to keep it strong.Chris helped me through my pregnancy teaching me safe ways of keeping my core strong, helping with my postural alignment as well as addressing some muscular imbalances that I wasn’t aware I had. Most importantly, Chris gave me the confidence to continue training through pregnancy. I knew I was in safe hands. Chris is phenomenally knowledgeable in how our bodies work.May 2022, I am currently pregnant with my second child and still continuing to train with Chris at Nxtep. Luca has also joined the team and is a fantastic addition. They are a great team, and I am very lucky to be trained by them both. I would highly recommend anyone thinking about pre or post natal pregnancy training to consider Nxtep.
Sean WSean W
12:09 02 Apr 22
Before starting at Nxtep I would go through a cycle of starting to get fit, injuring my back, then avoiding exercise for fear of making it worse. The same happened when I started here, with my over eagerness to improve leading to the same old injury. Chris and Luca kept me motivated and coached me through the recovery process, allowing me to strengthen the areas susceptible to injury and enabling me to carry on where I’d previously have given up. Now I’m lifting ~100kg more than when I first started and the past few years of persistent back injury seem a distant memory. The guys have helped me with my nutrition, my outlook and overcoming what I previously thought I couldn’t. I can’t thank them both enough!
Paul KennedyPaul Kennedy
22:59 05 Nov 21
I’ve been working with Chris and the team at Nxtep, and the initially just wanted to get stronger and fitter somewhere local when the gym near work was no longer an option due to the pandemic. I know feel really confident handling weights and my diet. I recently saw myself in a film from before I started at Nxtep and other people couldn’t recognise me from me who didn’t know me well so, it definitely works! Highly recommended.
Jordan CraigJordan Craig
20:45 05 Aug 21
Training at Nxtep during Covid was tricky but Chris and Luca made it work! Started with training outdoors in the carpark before we were allowed to move indoors, it was always fun and I feel I made real progress.It never felt just like a business and always felt more caring, I was also doing it as part of my DofE to which Luca/Chris were very helpful with.I've had to stop due to other focuses in life but I've got some real fond memories of the time and am hoping to go back later if I can!
ryan unwinryan unwin
20:29 28 Jul 21
Great personal trainer, his sessions are great and really push you into great mindset to achieve your goals, great knowledge of the body aswell! Would definitely recommend!!
David VDavid V
17:54 22 Oct 20
Wanted to improve all round fitness especially strength and conditioning so contacted & met with Chris.....was very impressed with his approach and was motivated to getting started & looking forward to the challengeChris was fundamental to me in making the nutrition and exercise changes required to achieve goals.... inspiring, motivational, encouraging & supportive he is great to work with......regular tracking & updates help me to stay focused..... Chris is easy to get along with and the sessions are challenging but enjoyable.....
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Can Two People Share The Same Personal Trainer?

Yes! Personal training for couples, buddy personal training or two-on-one personal training as it can be referred to, refers to sharing a personal training session with a friend or partner, and we have lots of happy client couples at Nxtep.

It’s a fantastic way to keep each other motivated and on track, you get to split the cost of the session, and it can also be a lot of fun!

While sharing a trainer is sometimes beneficial, it’s crucial to keep in mind that everyone has different fitness capabilities and objectives, so it’s not for every couple.

What If You Have Different Levels Of Fitness?

Generally, we find that a male/female couple will tend to have differing fitness levels. So in these cases, we construct a different bespoke exercise and meal plan for each person. However, our coaches are highly experienced in training more than one person at once with separate needs, so the focus is still on working out together at the same time, in the same room.

 

couple-personal-training

What Happens If One Person Wants To Quit The Session Or The Program?

Sometimes people just do not feel like exercising at the same time, perhaps due to personal health issues that prevents or hinders them exercising. Whatever the reason, it is important to respect someone else’s wishes. If one partner does not want to participate in the session, then their partner should respect that decision.

Likewise, if one person in the couple wants to quit the PT program altogether for any reason, this should also be respected. We’ll do our best to gently persuade the person not to give up, but the bottom line is no one should feel pushed into doing something they do not want to.

If a partner or friend does wish to quit, we can simply switch the remaining person onto a standard one-to-one PT routine, or they would be welcome to join a group personal training programme.

What If Both Partners Have Different Goals?

We find that a lot of our couple clients often have the same goal, which is most commonly weight loss. Sometimes however, partners come to a personal training session with very different fitness goals – for instance, one partner may want to lose weight while the other wants to gain muscle mass. Therefore, it is important to discuss these differences before beginning the workout, and to agree upon what type of results are most desirable for both parties.

We will then put together two plans – one for each person, with your own bespoke exercises, numbers of reps, and your own individual meal plan to help you achieve your personal goal.

Can I Do A Personal Training Programme With A Friend Instead Of A Partner?

Yes! You can definitely do a personal training session with a friend instead of a partner. In fact, sometimes it can be better, as friends can often push each other harder, or there can be healthy head-to-head competition between them.

 

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What Are The Benefits Of Working Out With Your Partner?

In addition, working out with your partner may help you feel better about yourselves. Research has shown that people who exercised with their partners experienced less anxiety and depression than those who didn’t exercise with their partners, and not only that, were able to motivate each other to stay on target and keep going more successfully than people who exercised alone.

It’s no surprise that exercise strengthens relationships though. When we workout together, we become closer. We spend time together doing something enjoyable. We learn new skills. We develop our bodies. We get stronger. We feel better about ourselves, and we enjoy each others company.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Working Out With Your Partner?

With the way we are able to train two people working out together with differing goals and differing levels of fitness, there really aren’t any drawbacks to couples personal training!

Obviously, like with anything new, people may find the first day tough, but more often than not though, we find couples who are good together get stronger as a result of sharing a PT regime.

 

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Is Personal Training For Couples Right For Us?

When deciding whether or not personal training for couples is right for you and your partner, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own unique set of circumstances. No two people are alike, and no two workouts are the same. While there are certain things that you can control, such as your diet and level of activity, there are other aspects of your life that you simply cannot change.

For instance, if you’re trying to lose weight, you’ll need to eat healthier foods and cut back on calories. However, if your significant other doesn’t share your desire to lose weight, then it won’t matter how healthy your food choices are.

So, while it’s true that working out with your partner can provide numerous benefits, it’s also important to think about your individual situation. Only you know what works for you and your partner.

Think about what kind of exercise you’d like to do. Do you have the same goals and fitness levels? If so, do you want to do the same routine at the same time? If so, do you prefer cardio or strength training?

If not, then no problem – we’ll devise a bespoke programme with your own specific exercises and individual meal plan for each person.

If you want to work out with your partner, but aren’t sure if it’s a good idea, ask yourself these questions:

  • Do we both enjoy being active?
  • Does my partner really want to do this?
  • Is my partner supportive?
  • Am I supportive of my partner?
  • Can we keep up with each other’s schedule?
  • Can we stick to our plan?

If the answer to most or all of these questions is “yes”, then two-on-one personal training is probably right for you and your partner.

 

5 Great Exercises To Do As A Couple

Plank Reach

One minute of plank holding is challenging enough, but with this enjoyable couple’s exercise, you may have a partner encouraging you as you go. Put one arm’s length between you and your partner as you both assume a plank posture, facing one another. Be careful not to let your back fall to the floor or pushing your bum out into the air. The floor should be parallel to your body, which should be in a straight line.

Reach out and high-five your partner using their right arm and your left. Then, with both elbows on the floor, return to your initial plank posture before extending your other hands toward one another once again.

Wheelbarrow Walk

This one recreates the wheelbarrow walk thing you do as kids in the backyard and incorporates it into a legitimate exercise!

One of you will assume a plank posture, but instead of utilising their elbows to support themselves, they will use their hands and their arms will be fully extended. Make sure they are separated by shoulder-width. Your spouse will then hold your legs so that you are just using your arms for support. After that, tense your core and walk with your arms.

Back Extension

One of you lays down on the sofa’ armrest with your head on it. Your upper body should dangle over the edge, bending at the waist, with your legs positioned on the armrest’s cushion side. To ensure that you have a complete range of motion during this exercise, try to place the armrest so that it is directly below your hip bone.

To go closer to the floor, start by bending at the waist. Inhale, and then push yourself up until your back is straight by contracting your lower back muscles. Ensure that you are not overextending if you find yourself in an arch. then go on.

Your partner is holding onto your legs as you do this to keep you safe and enable you to complete the workout. After your set, switch roles.

Push Up Reach

Push-ups are a fantastic workout that primarily targets the chest and tricep muscles. Although they are usually performed alone, there’s nothing like adding a high five to make it more enjoyable with a partner and to provide a new challenge.

Make sure you’re both doing push-ups while looking at each other. On your toes or on your knees, do the push-up version that is most appropriate for your fitness level. Then you will all reach over with your left hands and give each other a high five. Put your hand back down after doing another push-up, and then give yourselves another right-side high-five.

You may need to practise timing your pushups and synchronising your motions so that you can both give each other a high five at the exact same moment.

Hook Squats

For this exercise, you both stand with your backs touching and facing in the opposite directions. Hook the right arm of your partner with your left arm, then repeat on the opposite side.

Now squat down so that your backs are straight and your thighs are parallel to the ground, while keeping your arms still intertwined. When both of you are ready, begin spinning clockwise. After making a complete circle, spin around the other direction. Rinse and repeat!

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