sweat together

By Lavern Nissley

"Couples who sweat together, stay together." Really? Yeah, research actually supports surprising benefits from exercising together. Want to know more? And details on an upcoming local opportunity to participate in a couple's boot camp?

A 2014 post in Psychology Today cites lab studies 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." Apparently, the physiological arousal in being active together stimulates romantic attraction.

Throughout our almost 40 years of marriage Ronda and I have ventured into a variety of cardio/endurance activities that have brought us great fulfillment and a sense of achievement.

• ​For about 15 years we've been going to a local gym 3 times a week, especially during fall and winter seasons. An hour of activity typically includes treadmill warm up, some strength training on weight machines and about 40 minutes of racquetball. (She gets 2 bounces to my 1 bounce to even things up a bit.)
• In 2010 we purchased a tandem recumbent bicycle and have accumulated over 11,000 miles including about 6 century trips and a 300 mile group trip over 5 days. On a warm, sunny day it is one of our favorite activities, and it most often includes a destination meal!
• In 2011 we were introduced to cross country skiing by our friends Alvin and Ruth Ann Yoder in Pigeon, Michigan. We love the adventure of at least 2-3 inches of powdery snow and cutting tracks at a local soccer field complex. Great cardio with 800-1000 calories per hour burned!

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We can attest to the sense of connection and achievement that sweating together has brought us. What might you explore together that both of you enjoy and look forward to?

Here's one local opportunity: A couple's 12 week boot camp on Saturday mornings led by fitness instructors at the Springfield YMCA (only $18/couple) starting January 12, 2019. And, get this, couples who complete at least 6 of the 12 sessions qualify for a free family membership valued at $775! Open to first 20 couples registering.

Info/Register for couples boot camp