Now that we’re fully committed and motivated to get healthy and fit, let’s execute a workout plan. As I’ve mentioned before, having a workout buddy is extremely beneficial. They’re there to keep you motivated, push your limits, and throw you a compliment when you need it the most. But it turns out that’s not all they’re good for; having another person around in the gym opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for creative workouts. It keeps things new and exciting! Every time my friend and I get together for a sweat session, we do one or more of these exercises that our dear personal trainer taught us. So grab your bud, read over this list, and get sweating!

Lower Ab Killers: 

Ever notice a little pouch of fat under your belly button staring you in the face when you look into the mirror? That’s because our poor lower abdomen is forgotten far too often while working out. Sure, crunches and Russian twists are great; but neither of those target the right spot. Here’s what you do…

-       Have your friend lay down on a mat.

-       Stand above them, with your feet directly on either side of their head.

-       Your friend should wrap their arms around the back of your leg, and grab your ankle or the back of your shoe.

-       Keeping their legs and knees straight, they should lift their legs to your chest.

-       Hold on to their feet, allow them to stabilize, then lightly push their legs away from you either straight down, or slightly to the left or right.

-       Just before their feet touch the ground, they should return their legs up to your chest.

-       Repeat.

Stability Ball Pass:

Think of this exercise as a game; you’re playing pass with your friend, the only difference is you’re using your body! It’s great for your core and legs.

-       Lay down on a mat, and have your friend lay oppositely behind you, keeping their head to yours. (Legs-Head-Head-Legs)

-       To make sure there is enough space between you, back enough far away that when you stretch your arms above your head, you can just touch their hands.

-       Hold the ball between your feet, keeping your legs straight as you bring it up into your hands.

-       Pass it off to your workout buddy, bringing the ball over your head and into their hands. They will then place it between their feet, bringing it down until it’s almost touching the ground, then repeat.

-       Remember to not let your feet or the ball touch the ground as you lower your legs. Work those core muscles, I know you can!

Excruciating High Fives:

Who doesn’t love high fives? We’ve all been giving them out since we were what. Three years old? This one is fun and challenging, but I must warm you now, you might not be able to look at the fun hand gesture the same way again…

-       Get into push up position. Your pal will do the same, facing you.

-       Ensure there is enough space between you by lifting one hand off the ground and stretching it in front of you. You’ll be good to go if you can easily reach your friend’s hand when they’re stretching theirs out, too.

-       Make sure you are both using the same hand (right and right, left and left), simply clap hands, then alternate.

-       Just like a regular high five, you should never leave your friend hanging.

Challenge yourselves with these workouts. They’re fun, effective, and not at all time consuming. Count how many each of you can do in each set, and try to beat that number every time. Get creative, make up your own. As long as you’re sweating and hurting in the right places, you’ll know they’re working!

Crave Healthy Habits!

By Ashlee Lacasse