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For many couples, juggling work, kids, and other responsibilities can sometimes leave you forced to choose between going on a date and going to the gym. Why not combine the two for a workout date? True, it’s not a romantic, candlelight dinner, but swapping out your favorite restaurant for the gym can have real, long-term benefits for both you and your partner.
Meet your wellness goals
Studies show when you have a consistent workout buddy, you’ll enjoy the actual exercise more and do it more often. In fact, researchers in the UK found individuals are more likely to meet a specific health-related goal when their spouse is doing the same thing.
Emotional connection
Physical improvements are obviously important, but the emotional benefits that come from spending quality time with your spouse are equally as important. “We all know when you work out, your body releases endorphins—making you happier,” says Kris Lundeberg, licensed clinical social worker at Sanpete Valley Hospital. “So when you add to that exercising, spending quality time with your spouse, and working toward a healthy goal together—it leads to a closer relationship and a happier marriage.”
Up your accountability
Recruiting any workout partner keeps you accountable for the amount of time you put in and even the intensity you’re giving to the exercises. So you can imagine how much more accountable you will be when you have someone who knows (most) of your daily schedule, eats (most) of your meals with you, and can see right through your “not-today-I’m-tired” excuses.
Friendly competition
Working out alongside your spouse can push you to do a bit more, and even get downright competitive. But this is a good thing when you consider the long-term improvements both of you are making for your health—allowing you to compete with each other for years to come!
Easy on the wallet
A workout date is usually a lot less expensive than dinner and a movie. Your destination doesn’t even have to be the actual gym — it could be your local high school track, a hike in the mountains, a run through your town, or even in your own home using these medicine ball workouts for two.
Start with stretching
Nothing ruins a good date like a trip to the doctor. To avoid injuries, Justin Abbott, MD, ER physician at Sevier Valley Hospital, recommends a good pre-workout stretch and then easing into your exercise routine, especially if it’s still new. “Start out by doing half of what you want to be doing to start with and then slowly build on that foundation — this will help you avoid ripped tendons, tears, and sprains,” he says.
Take turns
It can be difficult at first to find an exercise method or routine that both of you like, so take turns being in charge of your workouts. Maybe one day it’s yoga, but the next it’s weights. Try different things together to find out what works for you and your new workout partner.
