5 Reasons Exercising Together Can Make Couples Stronger

by Kristi Rambo
 
Out of new date night ideas? Research shows that working out with your partner can help you get fit and strengthen your relationship, so skip the dinner and a movie routine and hit the gym instead! Here’s why:
 
MOTIVATION
The first step to improving your fitness is getting started. Having someone to exercise with keeps you accountable and keeps you company! Once you get going, you’re likely to work harder than you would have alone—without even realizing it (Psychology Today).
 
CONSISTENCY
A study in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness shows that couples’ monthly attendance in an exercise program was significantly higher and dropout was significantly lower than that of those who went solo.
 
ATTRACTION
Here’s where this turns into a date. An article in Psychology Today states that exercise mirrors the thrill of romantic attraction. This can make a couple find each other even more attractive than before working out together.
 
CONNECTION
One way exercising together can increase a couple’s bond is through nonverbal mimicry. “When you do something in coordination with someone, then it actually increases feelings of likeness and closeness to that person. So were you to run in tandem, there’s this nice sense of harmony physically that then can translate to feelings of harmony and connection,” (U.S.News).
 
HAPPINESS
Working out also releases endorphins, which make you feel happy. These feelings can then transfer into your relationship (U.S.News). Studies show that couples report feeling more satisfied and in love with each other after tackling a physical challenge together (Psychology Today), so set a goal and make it a date!