There are numerous benefits of having a person who will keep you motivated during a workout. Studies show that people who have a workout buddy are more inclined to stick with a program than those who don't. But should that person be your spouse or significant other? It sounds like a great idea – you may live together and join the same gym, where you get a price break on membership and can travel there together. It's a great way to mix it up on dates. Instead of a fattening dinner and movie, you could check out a hot new class or power walk around the track. Nothing wrong with that. But if you and your mate aren't a match fitness-wise, then it could spell trouble. Gauge yours and your significant other's level of fitness. If one is way more in shape than the other, then working out could become frustrating for one and ultra-competitive for the other. No one likes to be the one lagging behind on a run or the one who just can't lift another 10 pounds.
The same is true for your motivation – or lack thereof. If missing a workout is no biggie for one partner, then it can either create resentment in the other partner or cause him or her to start slacking off, too. Not to mention the guilt trip that one might inflict on the other for missing a workout. Consider your "gym personalities." Perhaps you like to take it easy with some yoga, and he likes to deadlift all day, every day. That may not work out when it comes to motivating one another. Give joint workouts a try a few times to see how it goes before committing to a schedule with your significant other. Ensure that you both feel supported and motivated, not competitive and belittled. Perhaps you can compromise with motivating one another to get to the gym, then go your separate ways when you walk in the door.