There’s a saying that ‘couples who train together, stay together’ and what better day than today to start your
exercise routine with your other half.
ESSA is encouraging loved-up couples around Australia to help themselves and their partner live a longer, healthier
life and start moving together this Valentine’s Day!
Research has shown that being active with your loved one not only keeps you in shape, but makes for a happier and
healthier relationship. Working out with your partner not only increases the likelihood that you’ll stick to your
exercise regime, but it also helps to strengthen the bond between you. “When you work out together, you create a
context in which you can coordinate your actions, which creates nonverbal matching, or mimicry. This helps people
feel emotionally attuned with one another, and those who experience or engage in it tend to report greater feelings
of having “bonded” with their partner” Stel, M., & Vonk, R. shared in British Journal of Psychology.
You could invite your partner to join your current exercise routine, or you could try and start something new
together.
Anita Hobson-Powell shared that “Exercising with your partner should be fun, so try and think outside the square
when it comes to exercise. Try new activities that will challenge you both and help your overall health”.
“Venture out on a hike, grab a tandem kayak or canoe, rent some bicycles, play a bit of tennis, go ice skating or take
a long walk on the beach… there are an endless amount of date ideas that gets you and your partner moving”.
Research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has found that if one half of a couple improves
their exercise levels, the other half is more likely to follow suit. Partners encourage certain behaviors and habits in
each other, so when talking about exercise, spouses can have a positive impact on one another in terms of staying fit
and healthy over time.
“Maintaining an active lifestyle is easier when you have the support of your partner. I’m not just talking about moral
support, but both people getting out there and moving!” commented Anita.
You’re also less likely to get bored when working out with your partner and having someone to motivate you can
make all the difference to achieving your goal. You’re more likely to encourage each other in a way that inspires and
push a little harder than you might do on your own. Having your partner work out with you means that while you’re
having a laugh and cheering each other on, you’re also getting healthier together - it’s a win-win.
“It’s also important to remember to exercise the right way for your needs, if you have an existing health condition or
are worried about starting a new exercise regime then talk to your local GP or an accredited exercise
physiologist who can give you the expert advice on how to get started.” Reminds Anita.
So give the gift of health this Valentine’s Day! Get moving with your partner and give your heart (and sweetheart) a
Valentine’s Day to remember.
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