Due to the onset of cold weather or our hibernation nature to Netflix and chill, you may have noticed that date nights have become a bit immobile. And if you’re part of the 43.3% of the population that qualifies as “sedentary”, now is the time to change your routine.(1) There are many ways to spice up your dates but these ideas will mix romance with fitness. Active couples know that breaking a sweat together can not only boost fitness but also strengthen the bond between partners. So, say goodbye to the traditional dinner-and-movie routine and let's dive into some healthy date ideas that will leave you both smiling and sweating.
1. Hiking Adventures
Trade city lights for nature trails and embark on a hiking adventure. Whether you're scaling a mountain or strolling through a scenic forest, hiking provides the perfect opportunity to connect with your partner while getting a good workout. Did you know that early humans may have walked up to twelve miles a day to find food, explore, and secure shelter? This habitual activity strengthened their muscles and bones, increased oxygen intake, and had a positive impact on neuronal development. Studies have also found that hiking can reduce heart disease, decrease the chance of diabetes and obesity, reduce anxiety, and reverse the negative effects of osteoporosis and arthritis.(2) Since walking is one of the lowest impact sports around, all the cardiovascular benefits of other aerobic activities are achieved without the stress and strain on your body.(3) Additionally, researchers have found that exposure to nature increases human health and well-being.(4) So, pack a picnic, lace up your hiking boots, and let the fresh air invigorate both your body and your relationship.
2. Couples Yoga Class
Stretch, bend, and laugh together in a couples yoga class. Yoga not only enhances flexibility and strength but also encourages mindfulness. Slow deliberate movements and deep breathing increase blood flow and warm up muscles, while holding a pose can build strength.(5) Regular yoga practice may reduce stress levels and inflammation which contributes to a healthy heart. Factors like high blood pressure and excess weight, which contribute to heart disease can be addressed through yoga. In an article titled ‘Yoga and Couple Relationship Satisfaction: The Synergy Between Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence’, researchers found that time spent practicing yoga had a positive influence on relationship satisfaction through mindfulness, and then through emotional intelligence.(6) To add to all the benefits, trying out new poses together can lead to some hilarious moments and shared triumphs. Find a local studio or explore online classes through the SunnyFit® App from the comfort of your living room.
3. Bike Riding Bliss
Hop on your bikes and explore your city or countryside together. Cycling is a low-impact exercise that provides an excellent cardiovascular workout. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels, and lungs all get a workout. You will breathe deeper, perspire, and experience increased body temperature, which will improve your overall fitness level. There are many health benefits for regular cycling, including increased cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength and flexibility, improved joint mobility, decreased stress levels, improved posture and coordination, strengthened bones, decreased body fat levels, prevention or management of disease, and reduced anxiety and depression.(7) So go enjoy the wind in your hair as you pedal side by side, discovering new places and creating lasting memories.
4. Rock Climbing Excitement
For an adrenaline-packed date, try indoor (or outdoor) rock climbing. This activity challenges both physical and mental strength while fostering trust between partners. Strap on a harness, conquer those climbing walls and revel in the sense of accomplishment as you reach new heights together. The physical benefits of rock climbing have been investigated in numerous studies. Rock climbing requires that the climber maneuver a variety of different angles, overcoming their body weight to shift, turn, and pull themselves up. Climbers use muscle power and endurance of upper and lower limbs, hands and feet, waist and abdominal, and trunk and hip flexibilities.(8) At the end of a long climb, you can practice a real-life “trust-fall” with your partner as you belay down.
5. Outdoor Fitness Bootcamp
Joining an outdoor fitness bootcamp is a fantastic way to challenge yourselves as a team. From bodyweight exercises to high-intensity interval training, these classes offer a dynamic and invigorating experience. Sweating it out together not only improves physical health but also boosts endorphins, leaving you both energized and smiling. A team from Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry analyzed studies and concluded that there are benefits to mental and physical well-being from exercise in the natural environment, including mental well-being, greater feelings of revitalization, increased energy, and positive engagement.(9) A dose of vitamin D and fresh air will go a long way and will leave the happy couple feeling even happier. Additionally, for those struggling with weaker immune systems, one of the key post-COVID advantages is the evidence that virus transmission is incredibly low outdoors. So alongside excellent hygiene standards that may not always be found in your local gym, outdoor bootcamp will leave you safe and sweaty.
The Benefits of Working Out Together
Beyond the obvious physical perks, exercising with your significant other provides a range of emotional benefits. Shared physical activities release oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting feelings of bonding and closeness. Working towards fitness goals as a team also fosters a sense of mutual support and accomplishment, strengthening your emotional connection.
1. Shared Goals, Shared Success
Embarking on a fitness journey as a duo allows you to set and conquer shared goals. Whether it's reaching a certain weight, mastering a new workout routine, or completing a fitness challenge, achieving these milestones together promotes a sense of shared success. Celebrating victories as a team creates a powerful bond and reinforces the idea that you're a united front in all aspects of life.
2. Motivation that Lasts
We've all had those days when the couch seems more appealing than the gym. Having a workout partner acts as a built-in motivational system. On days when one of you is feeling less inspired, the other can provide that extra push. The mutual encouragement keeps both partners accountable and ensures a consistent fitness routine, fostering long-term health benefits. One study showed that on days when people exercised with their romantic partner, they experienced higher positive affect during exercise, higher daily positive affect, and were more satisfied with their relationship compared to days when they exercised without their partner.(10)
3. Boosted Endorphins, Boosted Love
Endorphins are a type of “feel-good” brain chemical, the body's natural mood enhancers.(11) The body triggers the release of them during pleasurable activities, such as sex and exercise. When you and your partner break a sweat together, you both experience an endorphin rush simultaneously. This shared biochemical response creates a positive association between the workout and the feeling of happiness, reinforcing the emotional connection between partners.
4. Quality Bonding Time
In our fast-paced lives, finding quality time to spend with your significant other can be a challenge. Working out together provides an opportunity to connect without distractions. Whether you're going for a run, lifting weights, or simply taking a walk, the shared experience creates a unique bond that extends beyond the gym walls. Additionally trying new fitness activities together can lead to excitement. One study found that excitement in relationships can be defined in a variety of ways, such as novelty, arousal, challenge, interest, spontaneity, playfulness, and adventure.(12) Engaging in these activities with a partner can promote higher relationship quality.
5. Enhanced Communication
Exercise often requires teamwork, coordination, and communication. Whether you’re spotting each other during weightlifting or synchronizing movements in a fitness class, these activities encourage effective communication. Learning to work together physically translates into improved communication skills outside of the gym, strengthening your overall relationship.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, ditch the sedentary date nights and infuse your relationship with energy and vitality. The benefits of working out with your partner extend far beyond physical fitness; it's about forging a deeper connection, supporting each other's goals, and sharing the journey of self-improvement. So, embrace an active lifestyle, find an activity you both enjoy, and let the power couple workout become a cornerstone of your healthy and thriving relationship.
1,3,4. Mitten, D., Overholt, J. R., Haynes, F. I., D'Amore, C. C., & Ady, J. C. (2016). Hiking: A Low-Cost, Accessible Intervention to Promote Health Benefits. American journal of lifestyle medicine, 12(4), 302–310. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827616658229. Accessed 5 February 2024.
2. American Hiking Society. (n.d.). Health Benefits of Hiking. American Hiking Society. https://americanhiking.org/resources/health-benefits-of-hiking/. Accessed 5 February 2024.
5. John Hopkins Medicine. (n.d). 9 Benefits of Yoga. John Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-benefits-of-yoga. Accessed 5 February 2024.
6. Galloway, N., Foulstone, A., & Lurie, J. (2022). Yoga and Couple Relationship Satisfaction: The Synergy Between Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence. International journal of yoga therapy, 32(2022), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.17761/2022-D-21-00049. Accessed 5 February 2024.
7. Better Health. (n.d.). Cycling: health benefits. Better Health. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits. Accessed 5 February 2024.
8. Li, L., Ru, A., Liao, T., Zou, S., Niu, X. H., & Wang, Y. T. (2018). Effects of Rock Climbing Exercise on Physical Fitness among College Students: A Review Article and Meta-analysis. Iranian journal of public health, 47(10), 1440–1452. Accessed 5 February 2024.
9. The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry. (2011, February 5). Benefits of outdoor exercise confirmed. ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 26, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/02/110204130607.htm. Accessed 5 February 2024.
10. Sackett-Fox, K., Gere, J., & Updegraff, J. A. (2021). Better together: The impact of exercising with a romantic partner. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(11), 3078-3096. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211012086. Accessed 5 February 2024.
11. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 19). Endorphins. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins. Accessed 5 February 2024.
12. Harasymchuk, C., Walker, D. L., Muise, A., & Impett, E. A. (2021). Planning date nights that promote closeness: The roles of relationship goals and self-expansion. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 38(5), 1692-1709. https://doi.org/10.1177/02654075211000436. Accessed 5 February 2024.
