Couples that sweat together burn more calories
Everybody (well, most everybody) does it. For some it’s a daily occurrence, others weekly, and then there are those who maintain a monthly practice of it… maybe.
Whether you exercise for the sake of mental stimulation or simply a workout, it can in fact be a powerful way to bond with your partner. Yes, exercise has been proven to do the mind, body, and even relationships good.
According to Beverly Whipple, PhD., certified sex researcher and Professor Emerita at Rutgers University of New Jersey and co-author of “The G Spot: And Other Discoveries About Human Sexuality” (Owl Books), there are several reasons- chemical, physical and emotional- why couples who exercise together are also more connected.
Chemically: Dr. Whipple reminds us that “Exercise releases endorphins in our brains which help us to feel better.” That “natural high” after a workout can, by proxy, make you feel more connected with the person who you shared the high with- and who better than your partner!
Physically: Dedicating time to exercise together is a commitment to take care of your body, tone your muscles, burn calories, and shows your partner that you care about improving or maintaining your physical appearance and health- therefore longevity, in order to spend more quality time together now and in the future. Not to mention basic attraction. It’s easy to get into a comfortable groove and let yourself go once in a relationship. Working out together is a great way to help keep that initial appearance-fueled spark alive.
Emotionally: Any interest or activity that a couple shares and experiences together can have a positive impact on the relationship, especially when you are depending on each other to do it.
Dee Murphy, a celebrity trainer and ExerciseTV fitness expert who has made several fitness DVDs with her husband, Patrick, believes that “the couple that plays together stays together!” According to Dee , working out together is adult playtime, it gives couples a chance to momentarily step away from their roles as husband, wife, mom, dad, boss, etc, and allows couples to instead laugh, compete, exert, and work towards a common goal. “Whether it’s lifting in the gym, running at the beach, playing flag football, or taking a yoga class, this commonality draws you closer as a couple. A shared ambition to go “one more set” raises endorphins and heightens awareness of each others physicality…something we should be more aware of!” Challenge your loved Stephanie Vitorino's Core Workout to celebrate each others’ achievements and indulge in your stronger stomachs.
So what does Patrick say about all of this? “Pushing each other
to finish that 5 mile run, or to make it through the last 10
minutes of an hour and half long workout to do abs not only
strengthens you physically, but it strengthens your commitment and
respect for each other… and that’s hot!” Warmup with Patrick’s All
Systems Go Warmup with your significant other to reinforce your
devotion to one another and heat up your entire body.
More than the shared experience, Dr. Whipple points out that any form of physical activity that strengthens the pelvic floor helps to actually enhance your experience in the bedroom too. Of course, kegels do the trick, but anything that engages the core- like Pilates, sit-ups, and strength training also effectively strengthens (and therefore stimulates) those muscles. If you want to really heat things up, Dr. Whipple suggests Couples Yoga. Yoga is sure to target those core muscles, increase blood flow, get those endorphins pumping, strengthen and tone; now add your partner to the mix for a couples yoga session and you will not only get a great workout, but an amazing opportunity to be intertwined- physically, spiritually and chemically. Try Chris Freytag’s Release, Refresh and Renew to relax and de-stress in unison.
So get outside and run, spot each other on the weight bench, or twist into a partner yoga pose. One thing’s for sure, any type of sweating together will do your body and relationship good!
To renew and strengthen your relationship today, ExerciseTV is giving you Tom Morely's Cardio Yoga workout for FREE. Just add the workout to your cart and enter the code CARDIOYOGA at checkout.
For more tips and workouts with Patrick, Dee and other celebrity trainers, check out ExerciseTV at www.exercisetv.tv.
