6 Ways for Couples to Exercise Together

There's an old adage that says "The couple that plays together, stays together." While this is true, I'd like to put forward a new one: "The couple that works out and pushes each other to get fit together, stays together."

A recent study published in the Health Communication journal showed that weight loss can have both positive and negative effects. The study found that in couples where one partner had lost about 60 pounds over 24 months, the relationship changed for the better. However, in some of the couples, the partner that didn't lose weight felt threatened, jealous, or even nagged by their partner. They felt that their partner placed excess pressure on them to lose weight as well, which caused a rift in their marriage.

Don't let that be the case! Get into shape and work out together as a couple. Here are a few ways to do so:

1. Join a Dance Class

What better way is there to get in shape and improve your marriage/relationship than by dancing together? You can learn some nifty salsa moves that will impress your friends when it's time to go clubbing, or you may want to take ballroom lessons "just in case" you have to dance at a wedding. Any sort of dance class will be fun as a couple, and it's a great way to learn something together and spark up your romance.

2. Take Martial Arts

This may sound counterproductive, but you'd be amazed by how much anger you can work out just by being able to throw a punch at your husband! Of course, he'll be suited up in padding just like you, but it's cathartic to release pent-up frustrations from the day into a punching bag or chest protector. Just make sure that you don't bring the violence home with you.

3. Take the Kids Running

Got a newborn sitting around all day in a stroller? Take the little one for a run, and share the load of pushing the stroller. Of course, you'll have to match your pace to your spouse's, but it will help you to push your heart, your partner, and your child around. As an added bonus, the walk can help the little one get to sleep at nap time--giving you enough peace and quiet to take a nice shower and have a nice meal when you get home.

4. Clean the House

Do you know how many calories you can burn doing chores around the house? Clean out the garage, sweep the entire house, give your tile floors a waxing, or rake the lawn together. It will be a fun way to get both your house and your bodies in shape.

5. Hit the Gym Together

It's probably hard to fit the gym into your schedules, especially if you both work. However, making a date of your daily gym session is a great way to spend time together exercising. Of course, you don't have to do the same routines, but just knowing that the other person is there working hard with you is usually good enough.

6. Make Date Night a Sporting Night

Instead of going to a restaurant for date night, why not do something a bit more active? Rent the nearby tennis courts, or spend an hour at the batting cages. Play a game of one-on-one, or rope another couple into a game of two-on-two basketball. Go for a run in the park--ending your night with a nice massage and a light meal to help you recover your energy.

Getting in shape together is a good way to grow closer to your partner, and you'll find that the positive peer pressure placed on each other will definitely be a good thing for your marriage.

6 Ways for Couples to Diet Together

Some people get lucky and are born with fit, toned bodies. Andy Peloquin is not one of those people... Fitness has come hard for him, and he's had to work for it. His trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, an NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise, diet and healthy living. He loves to exercise--he does so six days a week--and loves to share his passion for fitness and health with others.

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