Valentine’s Day Workouts for Two

Posted by Kristin on Feb 8, 2011 in News | 0 comments

Dinner, champagne, chocolates… all very romantic for Valentine’s Day. But how about a few ideas for something unexpected to do with your sweetie this Valentine’s Day (or to help burn off the calories from all of those chocolates)? Ok, I know what you’re thinking, but keep it clean, folks…exercising together can be fun- and romantic!

Take a hike

No, today’s not the day to tell your significant other to take a hike. But it is a fun thing to do together! Whether it’s a walk, a ramble, or a run, seeing the sights and breathing fresh air can equal quality time spent together and can burn calories at the same time. Go to a part of town that you haven’t seen, walk along a romantic body of water, or just take a nice stroll to the site of your first date.

Tennis, anyone?

Tennis can be fun whether you’re just picking up a racquet for the first time or you’ve been playing your whole life. Practice your swing with an easy volley or crank it up a notch and challenge another couple to a doubles match. Working together with your Valentine to win a match or getting up close and personal tips on your serve, is sure to inspire “love”. Sorry- couldn’t resist that one!

A bike built for two

Actually, my husband and I have ridden a bike built for two – I don’t recommend it if you are a control freak in any sense of the word (me). However, a bike ride together on separate bikes is fun. Like hiking, you can see someplace new, tour one of London’s great parks, or just use it as a romantic and calorie-burning way to get to your V-day dinner reservation. And if you don’t mind not having control of the steering, hire a tandem (if you must steer, make sure you get the front seat!)

I wanna rock!

If you really think your Valentine is rockin’, how about an indoor rock-climbing date? This on-the-wall activity lets you work together (one climbs, the other belays – which is essentially holding onto the rope to keep the climber safe, inspiring a lot of trust!) It’s easy to get started, even if you’ve never climbed before. My husband suggested rock-climbing as one of our first dates, and I thought it was a little strange at the time. We’re married now, though- so it must’ve been a pretty good idea!

A sensual stretch

Though yoga has taken on the form of a workout in many gyms world-wide, poses with a partner can be quite sensual and spiritual, resulting in deeper trust, a shared sense of intimacy, and strength built together- both physically and mentally. Partner yoga can involve supporting and guiding each other through asanas (poses), shared breathing techniques, guided meditation, and touch therapy. Pretty romantic, right?

When it comes to working out with your loved one, there are a few caveats. The idea behind this is fun time together. Control the competitive side, or least keep the competition healthy and fun. And please, no matter what, don’t say ANYTHING to your partner that suggests that they need to exercise or lose weight!

Have a happy (and healthy!) Valentine’s Day.

Photography by S.F. Pitman, Pascal \o/, and Duncan Rawlinson