Working Out Together Works
We all know the benefits working out can have on your body and mind. But what about your relationship?
Working out is usually considered a solo activity. While exercise can be a great form of "me time" and self care, studies show that working out with your partner can benefit your relationship. You don't have to do the exact same workout as your partner to feel the benefits of making time to move together. Sharing this part of life with your partner can truly give your relationship new dimension and new life.
6 Benefits of Working Out With Your Partner
Start moving together and feel better physically, and within your relationship! Here's six benefits of working out with your partner:
1. You'll feel happier in your relationship.
Elle Woods said best: "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't." Legally Blonde gets it right! It's hard to be upset, annoyed, or stressed after a good workout. When living with your partner, especially during pandemic life, it's normal to feel minor annoyance. A little sweat, stress relief, and mood boost could be exactly what your relationship needs to feel softer, nicer, and more forgiving towards your partner. Studies actually show that after jointly participating in an exciting physical challenge or activity, couples report feeling more satisfied with their relationships and more in love with their partner.
2. You'll feel hotter.
Exercise changes your body, sure. But it also changes your mental state, and your perception of yourself. Hitting the gym consistently makes you feel better about yourself. It makes you feel stronger, more confident, more energized, and sexier in general. This contributes to a a higher sex drive, better sex life, and more satisfaction in your body. If you don't feel good about yourself and your body, that can have a damaging effect on your relationship. Thankfully, the opposite is also true.
3. You'll get quality time.
People often feel they can barely squeeze in time for a workout or a date night in the midst of their busy schedule. Working out together can kill two birds with one stone! While it may not be the fanciest date night, working out together can be a great way to spend some quality time. You don't have to do the same workout if you and your partner have different goals; just setting aside the time to move together is enough.
4. You'll desire your partner more.
Most of the time, we see our partners up close. Stepping back and seeing your partner from a distance can give you a different view of them, and increase your desire for them. Seeing your partner move through a yoga flow, or hit the weights, can make you want them more. Knowing you can't necessarily have them in that moment delays gratification, which is really what desire is all about. Exercise also 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.
5. You'll be more likely to stay on track towards your goals.
It's hard to make a lifestyle change, or to stay consistent, when you're on your own. Having a gym buddy to keep you accountable can be a great tool, and what better person than your partner! It's easier to get out of bed to workout in the morning when your partner is getting up with you. It's easier to eat healthy meals when the person you're sharing meals with has the goal of staying healthy as well. It's easier to make time rather than excuses when your partner is by your side rather than sitting on the couch relaxing. Teamwork truly makes the dream work, especially when it comes to your health.
6. You'll get more out of your workout.
Workouts tend to be better when you are with other people. Whether that's a coach or a gym buddy, people tend to push themselves harder and increase the intensity when other people are around. Knowing someone else is watching keeps you accountable! That's true when it comes to your romantic partner. If your partner is moving at a certain pace, it can encourage you to keep up and match that pace as well. When one of you is starting to slow down, the other can help keep the energy up. Working out together can also increase your desire to impress each other, which is important no matter how long you've been together. All of this leads to better workouts.
Conclusion
Even if you and your partner have different workout preferences or goals, setting aside time to move together can make a huge difference in your relationship. You'll feel better about yourself, feel happier overall, and have more desire for your partner. If you want to keep your relationship healthy and strong, start moving together regularly.
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Fire + Voice helps people overcome fitness fads and restrictions in order to move well, feel good, and create a sustainable movement routine for life. Through personal training, yoga, and global retreats, you can live fit AND free.