3 benefits to exercising as a couple

By Lavern & Ronda Nissley

​We have enjoyed exercise activities and adventures for years. The big 3 have included tandem biking, racquetball and cross-country skiing. Recently we've added another activity, especially for achieving fitness inside when outside activities aren't as comfortable during the winter months.

But first, the 3 benefits to exercising as a couple . . .

​There are many benefits to physical activity as individuals. Stress reduction, weight control, cardiovascular health, joint mobility, overall wellbeing - we've experienced all of these when we get at least three 50 minute workouts in a week. We've also experienced the opposite when we've taken a break from working out!

According to Theresa E. DiDonato, Ph.D "a growing body of evidence suggests that couples who sweat together really do stay together." Studies show that working out together can:

1. Increase satisfaction with your relationship. Couples engaged in physical challenges or activities report feeling more in love with their partners. Invigoration is arousal, and it drives romantic attraction.
2. Help achieve fitness goals. There is a built-in accountability benefit when using the "buddy system". We may tend to blow off a workout if we're approaching it by ourselves, but doing it together creates synergy as well as a rewarding sense of achievement when finished.
3. Enhance time together. We (Lavern & Ronda) have hundreds of positive memories that relate to physical exertion. Taking a 25-mile tandem bike ride on a clear, sunny day is something we have never regretted. Many ideas and initiatives have grown out of the hundreds of hours on our bike.

Recently Ronda discovered another exertion activity that we have really come to enjoy together. It's a YouTube channel with dozens of easy to do workout videos, but that give us great cardio and fat burning benefits. It's led by a delightful couple, Daniel and Alex, from the UK. We absolutely love their playful banter with each other in that awesome British accent.

The name of the workout video approach is TeamBodyProject.com. Below you can see a brief segment of Daniel and Alex leading a session as well as us following along in our downstairs recreation area. NOTE: Ronda is doing the chair exercise due to a sprained ankle.

This is a good time of the year to get started with a couple activity that truly makes you feel better! Remember, couples who sweat together, stay together!