Being in a couple is hard work! After the honeymoon period has passed and being easily entertained by the most mundane activities with our partners turns into the chore of figuring out, “what are we doing this weekend?” couples can sometimes find themselves at a loss for ideas. Humans are lovers of mental and physical stimulation and are constantly, whether consciously or unconsciously, looking for excitement and adventure even in our romantic relationships. As a former Marriage and Family Therapist, I experienced first-hand that for couples one of the most difficult things to maintain in relationships was a mutual interest in a shared activity. Some couples have an easier time finding activities they can enjoy together than others. But for those who need a little help or would just like to expand their shared activity horizon, here are 3 great reasons why couples should work out together.
We live in a day and age of BUSY. And by busy we mostly mean burying our faces in our screens. Even when we’re spending time together as a couple, often we are watching a movie or TV show or are side by side scrolling through social media. Making time for a couple workout means setting aside actual quality time where you’re both engaging in an activity that stimulates the feel good chemicals in your brain, which in turn helps you bond more with your partner. I suggest making an appointment to work out together at the same time every week, this way you have that guaranteed QT regularly. In addition, setting some fitness goals together could also include your meal prepping, which can lead to even more QT together. Every Sunday my partner and I do a big grocery store run for the week and also search for new healthy recipes to cook together. It’s not only an efficient practice, but it’s also fun to try new meals we’ve created together.
We all live with some level of stress. Whether it’s our jobs, family, or just anything in life in general. Moreover, our bodies react to stress in different ways. However, for many the one thing that tends to suffer when you’re stressed is your libido. Stress can cause your body to increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that can decrease your interest in sex. If you read my blogs, you probably already know exercise helps your brain release the feel-good chemical endorphins, which lowers cortisol levels. As a result, working out reduces stress and can in turn help maintain a healthy sex drive. In addition, working out boosts your self-confidence which may help you feel more connected to your own body and may help increase arousal, which can lead to better sex! For example, cardio such as speed walking, jogging, swimming, or biking improves your circulation, which is a key factor in sexual response. Sex is a full body activity, so by keeping muscles, blood vessels and nerves performing at their best, you would only heighten the experience! Therefore, naturally if you start a couple workout plan regularly, you’re more likely to want to have sex more often too.
Whether you’re simply looking to start becoming healthier or are already into working out, but want to keep improving your fitness level, couple workouts are an excellent way to help you reach your goals. When partners care about each other’s health and fitness, it becomes easier to achieve fitness goals. After a long, crazy work day the last thing you can think of is going to the gym. However, “I shouldn’t have gone to the gym” has been said by no one EVER! What a lot of us need is motivation, and what better motivation is there than a couple workout with your beloved like going to that 6PM—or if you’re really motivated—6AM spin class with you! Sharing the fitness experience with your partner can not only help keep you motivated, it can help hold you accountable for yourself and for them! When your partner sees you as their accountability partner it can help you feel more motivated, because you see someone else is relying on you. If you and your partner are working on fitness goals together, you’re more likely to consider the fact that if you don’t go to the gym, they might not either– and that means not only you, but they are less likely to achieve their goals as well. Therefore, making it a team effort can be a great way to make sure each of your goals are met.
Disclaimer
Although my blog topics can be very beneficial to your overall health, they are not intended for the purpose of providing medical advice. All content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of published information on or through my website, blog, e-mails, programs and services. However, the information may inadvertently contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Every effort has been made to present you with the most accurate, up-to-date information, but because the nature of diet, fitness and health research is constantly evolving, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of our content.
