If you’re wondering what to do with your beloved this weekend, and dinner and a movie seem a little ho-hum, then why not consider exercising together? Exercising can increase your confidence. It can also increase your sense of self-worth. That, in turn, can make you more attractive to your partner and vice versa. This mutual attraction can also heat up if the pair of you work out together.
Researchers at Brigham Young University found individuals who exercised on any given day reported more positive marital events and higher levels of relationship satisfaction on a daily level. The patterns were more consistent for wives than for husbands. Additionally, when couples actually exercised together on any given day, both husbands and wives said they felt more positive about their relationship.
“Working out with your partner can be really rewarding and get those endorphins pumping,” says Aussie fitness expert Sophie Guidolin creator of The BOD, an online custom nutrition, exercise, and mindset program. “It can be a great motivator to cheer each other on and can make couples feel closer. Once you get into the habit of going for a run together or working out in the gym, it’s a great step towards living a healthier, happier life together.”
Personal trainer Sophie and her husband Nathan, a fellow personal trainer, like to work out together whenever they have space in their busy schedules. Parents to four children, the pair regularly strength train together in the gym. They also plan their family meals according to their individual macro splits – calculated daily calories and percentages of protein, carbohydrates, and fats according to their own body composition goals. So, they cook and enjoy the same meals, just in different portion sizes.
If you need more encouragement, just consider what exercising together could do for you as a couple.
1) Increases your level of happiness in your relationship
When you work out, your body releases hormones such as endorphins and endocannabinoids which make you feel good, block out pain and boost the brain’s reward senses. These mood boosters can last even into the next day. If you’re working out alongside your partner, you’re likely to be happier in their presence and afterward.
2) Ramps up your love life
Exercise releases adrenaline speeds up your breathing, raises your heart rate and increases your blood pressure, which is similar responses when sexually aroused. These triggers can also make you feel more attracted to people so if your partner’s nearby, then that’s a bonus!
3) Strengthens emotional bonds
Going outside your comfort zone such as training for a joint fitness goal together or spotting your partner when they’re lifting weights in the gym can strengthen emotional bonds. Having a shared interest that you can discuss and enjoy also makes you feel in sync.
4) Creates feelings of support
Positive affirmation from your other half when you’re trying to get fit and healthy is a great morale booster. Being each other’s cheerleader when you’re working hard and being generous with encouragement, will do a lot for your self-esteem and appreciation for each other.
5) Increases your energy level
Couples are usually in the business of trying to impress each other. So, when you’re working alongside your partner you’re more likely to try a bit harder, run a little faster or lift a little heavier. This will help you to get the most out of your workouts and improve your level of health and energy. Which in turn should give you more energy to put back into your relationship!
More About Sophie Guidolin:
Sophie Guidolin is an Australian born author. With her seven published recipe books being loved to death in tens of thousands of households. She is the queen of multitasking and thrives on organized chaos. She creates nourishing goodness with her family kitchen on the Gold Coast. Along with being a mother-of-four, Sophie is a nutritionist, recipe creator, and personal trainer. She is also a fitness model, professional IFBB bikini athlete, and writer, and relishes in the craziness of it all! Sophie is also the founder of The BOD, a global movement of men and women changing their lives for the better through nutrition and exercise.
While you’re here, check out Zoe Bingley-Pullin’s low-carb breakfast recipes that won’t make you miss bread.
