Ah, Valentine’s Day: the way-too-commercial day for gifting loved ones with flowers, neck ties and organ-shaped boxes of candy. If you’ve got that special someone in your life, we’re sure you’ve pulled out all the stops to show them how much they’re appreciated. Or maybe you just ran into CVS real quick.

But Valentine’s Day wasn’t always about teddy bears and gift cards. Its origins come from the Ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia, a mid-February fertility festival (so at least that part hasn’t changed). It wasn’t until the 1600s that Europe first embraced the tradition of exchanging valentines. Then in the 1840s, the first mass-produced valentines were sold in the United States and have been awkwardly handed out around the office ever since.

Today, the average American spends $116 on Cupid’s birthday. And a whopping 58 million pounds of chocolate are purchased in the week leading up to the holiday. With that in mind, we thought we’d add another tradition to the holiday and show you a special, Valentine’s Day-inspired couples workout.

These Partner bodyweight exercises will push both people involved and are a great way to get a fun workout with your valentine . . . in addition to, you know . . . any other activities you two may have planned.

Dual Bodyweight Squat

Stand facing your partner at arm’s length in normal squat position with your feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Grasp forearms and begin to squat, leaning back slightly as you do so. When your thighs are parallel to the floor, hold your position for three seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat 8-12 times.

Valentine’s Day twist: During the three-second hold, tell your partner something you like about them. Each partner must say something before you can return to starting position. Example:

“I love your cooking!”
“You have really nice handwriting!”

Push-Up with Shoulder Tap

Begin by facing your partner in push-up position. Your heads should be about half a foot apart. Lower yourself down for a standard push-up, remembering to keep your back straight and core tight. Complete the push-up.

When you’re back to starting position, take your left hand and reach out to touch your partner’s right shoulder. Repeat 8-12 times, alternating the shoulder you tap each time (left hand to right shoulder, right hand to left shoulder).

Valentine’s Day twist: While tapping each other’s shoulders, take turns telling each other something the other person has done that you appreciate. Example:

“You washed the car yesterday!”
“You got rid of that goatee!”

Wheelbarrow Push-Up with Squat

Partner A will begin in push-up position. Partner B will stand behind Partner A and pick up Partner A’s ankles, holding them on their sides, thus holding Partner A in a “wheelbarow” position.

Partner A will perform a push-up while Partner B holds their ankles. Make sure your back is straight and core tight while performing the push-up. Lower your chest down to the floor and back up. While Partner A is lowering their chest to the floor for the push-up, Partner B will perform a body squat while holding Partner A’s ankles. Keep your back straight and send your hips back while keeping your knees straight. Both partners should lower and raise simultaneously. Repeat 8-12 times.

Valentine’s Day twist: Partner B (squats) can see Partner A (push-ups), but not vice-versa. So Partner B, tell your partner how good they look! Example:

“You have a great body and your hard work shows!”

Reach-and-Touch Plank

Begin with both partners facing each other lying on your stomachs a few feet apart. Place your elbows under your shoulders and palms on the ground. elevate your torso off the ground to the point where your back and legs are straight and core tight in a standard plank position.

Take your right arm and extend out to touch hands with your partner, then return to plank position. Alternate arms and repeat for 30-60 seconds.

Valentine’s Day twist: Planks are a very mental exercise. Relax your mind by humming a song that means a lot to both of you. Example:

“Hmm hmm hm hmmm hmmmmm, hmmm hmmm hmmm hmm hmmmmmmm” (Which is obviously ‘Just the Way You Are’ by Bruno Mars).

Jump Squats with High Five

Stand side-by-side with your partner, about one foot apart, facing opposite directions. Both partners drop down for a squat by throwing back your hips and lowering yourself until your thighs are parallel with ground. Then while keeping your back straight, explode back up through your legs and core into a jump.

As you’re jumping, extend both arms out over your head. With the arm closest to your partner, give a well-deserved high-five! Land lightly on your feet and go right into another squat. Repeat 8-12 times and switch sides.

Valentine’s Day twist: While jumping up for the high five, take turns saying a quick memory or inside joke you two share. You’ll have to think fast! Example:

“Surf lessons!”
“Your mom’s casserole!”
“Italy!”
“My stupid goatee!”

Have fun, you crazy kids.

Got a favorite partner workout we didn’t mention? Let us know in the comments section.

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