Most people think of working out as a solo activity – with your headphones in, you’re lost in your own world. It’s a great way to clear your head and gather your thoughts while improving your mental and physical health… but working out a couple has some added benefits.
Here are the seven reasons that couples who work out together, stay together.
1. Increases Your Happiness Together
Exercise releases endorphins – that’s no secret. But studies show that participating in physical activity as a couple leads to couples feeling satisfied with their relationships and more in love with each other – so exercise is not just good for your mental health, but it’s also good for the health of your relationship.
Workouts also relieve stress… so when you’re feeling on edge over finances or just frustrated with each other, hit the gym and sweat it out.
2. Improves Your Copulation Life
Not only do those endorphins make you happy, but they can also ramp up your copulation drive and improve your copulation life. Working out can also boost your self-confidence and make you feel more in touch with your body – two things that mean better copulation and increased arousal.
Still not sold? Ever wanted to try out a particularly athletic position from the Kama Sutra? Your increased levels of strength and flexibility will make positions that once seemed impossible seem easy.
3. Gives You Guaranteed Quality Time
By scheduling a time to workout together, you’ll be guaranteed to spend more time together. Do you usually miss each other in the morning before work?
Set an alarm for a little earlier than usual and go for a run with your significant other. Would you rather work out at night? After your shift at work, plan a date night at the gym! It’s obvious that more quality time is good for any relationship.
4. Increases Your Emotional Bond
Nonverbal matching or mimicry can greatly increase your emotional bond. While you’re lifting, coordinate your curls with your partner’s… or match pace with your significant other on your next run. This level of matching makes couples feel more attuned to one another.
5. Holds You Accountable
One of the great things about scheduling to work out together is that it forces you to actually do it. There’s nothing worse than letting your girlfriend or boyfriend down… so when the alarm goes off at 6 AM and your partner leaps out of bed to get ready for a run, you’ll have to go too.
If you’re feeling unmotivated, who better to motivate you than your significant other! “One study found that 94% of couples stuck to a fitness program when they did it together.”
6. Breeds Healthy Competition
Nothing forces you to push yourself to run just a little farther or jump just a little higher than seeing someone else do the same. Bring back an element of playful and flirty competition by working out together and seeing who has the fastest mile or who can do the most burpees.
The competition will encourage you to really push yourself during your workout, which can lead to more gains. “Even if you already feel competent doing a particular exercise, bringing along your romantic partner may be a fantastic way to boost your energy output.
Your partner’s presence will improve your speed, without you necessarily being aware of their influence.”
7. Opens Your Eyes to New Workouts
Maybe you’re in a bit of an exercise rut or you’re just looking for something new to keep you active and engaged… Working out with a partner is a good way to get you to try new things that you might not have been willing to try on your own.
Maybe your partner is a yogi and you’re used to strength training… the two of you can trade off on workouts in order to spice things up and work on developing other muscle groups or skills like flexibility and balance. Or if you’re both stuck in a rut, try taking a new class together lie Zumba or HIIT.
Encourages You Both to Be Healthier Versions of Yourselves
Obviously, the best thing about working out is the health benefits. Exercise makes you feel better mentally and physically and working out with your partner ensures that you’re both working toward becoming healthier versions of yourselves.
There are a ton of benefits to working out and some added benefits to working out with your partner. So the next time you’re getting ready to go on a run, invite your significant other and go for a job together! It’s sure to make you feel good and improve your relationship with your sweetie.
Image Credit: pexels