Couples who exercise together reap huge rewards
by Shelley Galasso Bonanno, M.A.
The benefits of exercise and being physically active are well known. R ecent studies reveal when it comes to actually taking advantage of those benefits, it is our closest partner who may be our best ally in our search to maintaining a lifelong, healthy lifestyle. Couples who work out together increase their chances of sticking to their fitness regimen by an impressive 70 to 90 percent, compared to couples who don’t exercise together.
Our partners can encourage and motivate us, and they strongly influence our exercise habits and choices. While partners don’t always agree, finding a physical activity that you and your partner can agree upon seems to be the key. Perhaps your partner isn’t a fan of late night jogs but is willing to take an early evening exercise class with you. Take advantage of this shared experience to strengthen one another as a couple, mentally as well as physically. Exercise can be seen as a challenge that you and your partner face together, and challenges strengthen relationships. Being physically active –swimming and other water sports like kayaking or paddle boarding, yoga, bike riding, walking, or taking a group exercise class such as kickboxing – can bring a new richness to a relationship. For many, exercising together can become a source of shared achievement, accomplishment, and teamwork. Engaging in new physical activities might even help foster an increased sense of playfulness, adventure and friendly competition between the two of you.
Couples who exercise together reap not only the physical health benefits of living a healthy lifestyle, but many additional emotionally strengthening relationship benefits. Exercise can be seen as an opportunity to increase bonding and quality time together as you work together toward a common goal. Engaging in new and novel activities together as a couple, such as learning to ride a tandem bicycle, not only strengthens a relationship but helps keep it fresh and exciting. In addition, neuroscience research has revealed that when people are involved in novel experiences, the body releases positive hormones, and when the novel experience is shared between couples, a whole new type of bonding can occur between partners. Physical activity increases not only our mood and energy, but it can also contribute to increased libido and intimacy between partners.
Having a physically active partner is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle. As you and your partner make the choice to be physically active, you will not only grow emotionally closer, you’ll increase the odds that you both will live longer.
Shelley Galasso Bonanno, M.A. is a limited licensed psychologist, mediator, and psychodynamic psychotherapist who has worked as a consultant and in private practice with individuals and families for more than 27 years. A lifelong resident of Macomb County, she earned her master’s degree in 1987 from Wayne State University with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy. Her writings have appeared in various print and web publications. You can follow her on Twitter @shelleybonanno.
