Research shows there are good reasons for romantic couples to work out together. For example, Psychology Today reports five ways it can help a romantic pairing.
- It increases happiness with the relationship. After physical exertion together, couples say they’re more satisfied in the relationship and in love with each other. “Having a date night at the gym can boost the quality of your romantic relationship.”
- It improves the efficiency of your workouts. Just having your partner there can boost your energy output.
- It can help you fall in love with each other. Sweaty hands, racing pulse, shortness of breath … are you exercising or falling in love?
- It can help you reach your fitness goals. In one study, some husbands said they worked out more when their wives offered supportive comments.
- It can increase bonds. Exercising creates opportunities for nonverbal matching of physical rhythms and patterns, which deepens the love connection.
Plus, exercise is fun – at least, it should be fun. And who doesn’t want to enjoy good times with their significant other? It’s good to develop gym friendships and create shared memories together.
“In sum, fitness can be about you, or it can be about you and your partner, so why not share this aspect of your lives, either regularly or just on occasion, and discover how doing so might give your relationship a new dimension and new life,” psychologist Theresa E. DiDonato says.
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.