How to Create a Workout Plan for Couples

Do you ever glance at your current physique in the mirror and wonder what your significant other sees in you? Or, do you constantly hear your companion complaining about her figure (or lack thereof) or questioning you about yours? The answer to some of those body woes is simply getting up and doing something physical you both enjoy. The steps below can help you construct a workout plan that will help you and your mate get motivated and active, while enjoying one another at the same time.

Instructions

1

Sit down with your mate and figure out when a dual workout fits into both of your schedules. Sometimes agreeing on the workout time it is the most difficult part of the process.

2

Write down your commitment on a calendar that both of you look at on a daily or weekly basis. Seeing your intentions in writing helps you follow through on them better.

3

Decide on a plan that both of you can learn to enjoy. For example, choose something neutral if you both like to do opposite things (choose biking if you like to run and he likes to jump rope). Or, choose something neither of you have ever tried. That way, you are both learning something new together. Some ideas are partner yoga, spinning or even salsa dancing. Mix it up and get creative.

4

Begin your quality time together. You will notice how much better you feel doing something good for your body with the one you love, rather than spending time sitting in front of the television. However, if you both need your daily intake of TV, you can also find many quality exercise videos on demand through your cable or satellite provider, at the local video store (many have free fitness sections) and at the nearby library. Learning new aerobics steps, kickboxing moves or even striptease dances may be the most fun you have all week.

5

Remember to be each other's motivation. If one person is always helping the other one get inspired, there is less of a chance you will quit. Plus, the overall outcome will improve your self-esteem and confidence, as well as give you a whole new outlook about your partner.

How to Prevent HIV Transmission

Knowledge of HIV prevention is important for everyone, including those already living with the virus. The first step in preventing transmission of HIV is knowledge of how it is spread. Once you know more about HIV, it will be easier to change your behaviors to keep yourself and others safe.





Instructions



1

Know your status. Anyone can become infected with HIV, so it is important to get tested now. People living with HIV are less likely to transmit the virus if they know they are infected. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested for HIV at least once. If you use drugs or are sexually active, get tested at least once annually. Contact your local health department for information on free HIV testing locations.



2

Refrain from intravenous drug usage. Sharing needles to inject recreational drugs puts you at a much higher risk of contracting HIV, because it is highly likely that someone else's blood will be injected into your bloodstream along with the drug. Seek rehabilitation centers and programs to help you with your addiction. If this is not an option, consider taking advantage of needle exchange programs in your community to have access to sterile needles.



3

Use protection every time. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that consistent, correct usage of latex condoms is highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV. To be safe, always use a new condom every time you have sex. Male and female condoms are both effective in providing a barrier to sexually transmitted diseases. Use only water-based lubricants, as oil-based lubricants can break down the latex and cause the condom to break.



4

Practice monogamy. The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of coming into contact with an HIV-positive person. The only way to be completely safe from the threat of HIV is to abstain from sexual activity completely. If abstinence is not an option, limit your number of sexual partners or only engage in sexual activity within a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship in which both partners have tested negative for HIV.