Make a date with your partner to workout together. You will get fit and fit together
better. You can lift weights together,
train for a 5K or if you are adventurous sign up for couples yoga! Sweating together is a good way to reduce
stress, increase your fitness, improve your sex life and build better
communication. When you work out
together both partners come away with feelings of synchronicity, cooperative
energy, a shared experience and shared passion.
Add the inevitable endorphins that come from a good sweat sessions and
you can really boost your relationship.
Most obviously, working out together will impact your sex
life because exercise helps you feel better about yourself and increases your
self-esteem. Exercise frequency leads
to enhanced feelings of attractiveness and increased energy levels – both of
which can increase sexual desirability and performance. Additionally, the time you spend in the gym
suddenly becomes “us” time. The more
time you spend together the more intimate you will feel towards your
partner.
Your performance in the gym will increase. By working out as a couple you can face the
challenge together through positive reinforcement. There is the obvious verbal feedback of “push
for 1 more rep” or “let’s do another lap” but also you can give observational
feedback such as correcting your partner’s form on an exercise or
position. This sense of altruism and
camaraderie can continue outside of the gym and seep into your daily routines
to strengthen your partnership.
Many studies have demonstrated the physical and emotional
benefits of regular exercise. When you
workout as a couple, these benefits spill over into the relationship. Exercising together is a good way to work
through conflicts. The benefits of
working out such as less stress, better sleep and a sharper brain will all help
you navigate the years together. When
you see your partner working as hard as you in the gym, it is easy to trust you
can tackle problems outside the gym with the same intensity.
It is important not to compete one on one, unless you are
equally accomplished and both enjoy the activity. Keep the emphasis on the health and fitness
outcomes and not competition. The most
exciting thing you can do in the gym is trying something new for both of
you. Join a “Zumba“ class, hire a
personal trainer to show you the ropes, or sign up for hot yoga. If you are new to the weight room or a group
fitness class just having a buddy will change your confidence. When you feel like you belong, you do! And when you try something new and different
it can bring you closer together.
Finally, just going to the gym together and doing separate
workouts has its benefits. Get the day
and time on the calendar and get your bodies moving together. The benefits reach beyond the gym doors.
