Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and there’s a research that says “couples who exercise together, are happier”. Well, we decided to uncover this mystery and explain why this is very true.
You’ve seen them before: a couple that looks so in love and connected they seem more like honeymooners than people who have listened to each other snore for over a decade. It's much easier to get out of a routine than into it, so wouldn't you want someone by your side who's encouraging you to push yourself?
Why not grab your partner’s hand and invite him or her to be your workout partner as well? A growing body of evidence suggests that couples who sweat together really do stay together. Here are the 5 reasons for this:
Quality Time Together
When life, jobs, and kids get in the way, it can be hard to carve out alone time for you and your partner. We often have the best of intentions when it comes to “date nights,” but sometimes even those can get put off if you have to work late or something unexpected comes up. However, if you’re prioritizing your workouts, you probably already have them built into your schedule as “appointments” with yourself you can’t break. So if you’re already making time in your day to work out, why not do it together? Exercising together means built-in quality time during the day, and more quality time helps keep your relationship healthy.
It's All About Teamwork
Relationships and marriages are all about working together. Taking on new fitness challenges with your partner can take your relationship to a whole new level. As you both work toward your goals, you have a better understanding of the obstacles and victories your partner is experiencing. Just think how powerful that understanding can be in other areas of your relationship.
Fall In Love With Your Partner (All Over Again)
Exercise induces the symptoms of physiological arousal—sweaty hands, a racing pulse, shortness of breath. These symptoms mirror, in many ways, the thrill of romantic attraction. Interestingly, people can easily mistake the two and misattribute physical arousal for romantic attraction. Use this phenomenon to your advantage by inviting your romantic interest to workout with you. The results? A likely boost to your attractiveness in his or her eyes.
Cheat Days Are Twice As Fun
You may have thought you were in all your glory at the gym, but when the two of you get in front of a plate of mac and cheese there is no stopping either of you. You indulge as much as you want because you know exactly where you will be the next day - back at the gym.
Increase Your Emotional Bond
When you work out together, you create a context in which you can coordinate your actions. For example, you might lift weights in rhythm with your partner, match your own walking or running pace with his or hers, or toss medicine balls back and forth. Such behavior creates nonverbal matching, or mimicry, which benefits you both. Nonverbal mimicry helps people feel emotionally attuned with one another, and those who experience or engage in it tend to report greater feelings of having “bonded” with their partner. Exercising together provides an opportunity to create such connection, benefiting both your health and your relationship.