Medicine Ball Exercises For Couples

Take your fitness and your love life to the next level. Working out as a couple adds variety to your existing exercise regime and helps contribute to a healthy relationship. Nurture your heart while sculpting your body with these partner medicine ball exercises. "Medicine balls are easy to handle and provide an overall body challenge at all fitness levels," says group fitness instructor Susan Sacchetti. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.

Standing Russian Twist

The rotational movement in this exercise targets the abs and obliques. Stand back to back with your partner, feet shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent. Hold the medicine ball at waist level and rotate through the waist to pass the ball to your partner. Keep your hips facing forward and your knees soft to avoid injury to the knee. Pass the ball in the same direction for 10 reps then switch sides for 10 more. Do three sets.

Push Up Pass

This advanced exercise works the shoulder, chest and abdominal muscles. Kneel face to face approximately 4 to 6 feet apart. Pass the medicine ball at chest level to your partner. Immediately, fall forward and perform a push-up. Push forcefully off your arms and back into starting position in one smooth movement. Your partner passes the ball back and completes her own push-up. Repeat to fatigue.

Partner Slams

Performing the slam both requires and builds upper and lower body strength. This total body exercise targets the shoulder, back, quad and abdominal muscles. Stand facing your partner approximately 8 feet apart, with your feet slightly wider than your hips. Hold the medicine ball overhead. Forcefully throw the ball against the floor 2 to 3 feet in front of you using the strength of your whole body. Push into your heels and sink into a squat position as you release the ball. To protect your knees, keep them behind your toes as you squat. Take turns slamming the ball. Repeat to fatigue.

Pass Shuffle

Increase speed and agility with this cardiovascular exercise. Stand facing your partner approximately 8 to 10 feet apart. Pass the medicine ball to your partner at chest level and quickly shuffle in a half circle to the your partner's original position. Both partners shuffle at the same time. Change directions after each pass and add a full circle shuffle for more intensity.

Sit-up Pass

This challenging core exercise works the muscles of the abs, back and chest. Sit face to face with your knees bent and your feet touching your partner's. Perform a sit-up, tossing the ball to your partner as you rise to the top of the sit-up. Your partner catches the ball and performs his own sit-up. Complete a full sit-up when you have the ball and another when your partner has the ball. Repeat for 15 to 20 reps.