Given today’s busy family schedules, combining exercise with time together as a couple is an ideal multitasking option.
Not only will you increase your fitness, but your relationship will also grow in a healthy way.
“We have more workout dates than dinner dates,” saysMichelle and Phil Andrew, Wilmette parents of four young kids.
Since dedicating time to both your fitness and relationship takes work, getting sweaty together in the gym could be the perfect solution. “Moving into a fulfilling relationship takes commitment and focus, as does exercising,” explains David Klow, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Skokie.
Here are seven ways exercising together will improve your love life AND your health:
1. You’ll spend regular, uninterrupted time together
Exercise, especially when done outdoors, clears the mind and provides the perfect opportunity to discuss a topic in depth, make some decisions, or share all the little things from the week. With no children, electronic devices or housework demanding attention, you can focus fully on each other. This intimate time together will allow you to regularly connect—even if the remainder of the week is hectic.
2. You’ll workout harder
Your competitive juices will flow as the two of you try to beat your time from the last session. When the going gets tough, your other half will push you through to the end. You can encourage each other to set and reach goals, like finishing a half marathon, biking 50 miles, working out five times a week for the entire year, or committing to a weekly yoga class. With built-in accountability, your goals are within reach.
3. You’ll stick to your exercise commitment
According to a Michigan State University study, having a workout partner can increase your motivation by 100 percent. For Jeanne Dwyer, Winnetka mother of five, it’s much easier to get up for a 6 a.m. workout with her husband, Pat, on the program.
4. You’ll have more fun
Running, biking, playing tennis and skating are all forms of play that we enjoyed as kids. Bring that fun back into your relationship, like Jeanne and Pat, who regularly workout with a group that have become good friends. This built-in social outlet makes each workout fun and keeps them coming back. For Michelle and Phil, a run with their dog along the lakefront finds them laughing as they dodge a wave or race to the fence.
5. You’ll be pushed outside your comfort zone
For Michelle, taking her swimming from the pool to the lake was much more doable with her husband, a strong swimmer, leading the way. Each partner can introduce and encourage the other to try something new, whether it’s cross-country skiing, rowing or paddle boarding. Having your partner next to you makes the challenge realistic and provides a safety net.
6. You’ll become a team
According to Klow, passing a medicine ball back and forth, balancing on one another while doing squats, doing couples yoga, biking together at sunrise or taking a brisk walk along the lakefront creates more connection in your relationship. This teamwork will help get you through challenges at home, too.
7. You’ll expand your physical connection
Klow stresses the importance of being physically present with your spouse. “Exercising together can be a regular practice of centering attention to your physical bodies.” Sharing the experience of feel-good endorphins while out running together does wonders for your physical connection.
Trying a new workout together is a great way to start getting healthy with your significant other. Take up a new sport; enjoy a restorative yoga class; walk in the woods every Sunday morning; or commit to the latest class at your club. Watch your fitness—and your relationship—climb to new heights.
