In honor of Valentine’s Day and American Heart Month, the Adult Fitness Program at Colorado State University is offering some workout ideas that are not only good for your heart, but for exercising your romance.
Working out with a partner is a great way to not only obtain physical benefits but also personal ones. The ability to work out together takes advantage of a common interest and leaves many feeling a deeper bond from the additional motivation and support.
This month, show yourself and your partner a little love through these exercise options.
Dance class
Sign up to take a dance class together. Many instructors offer private or groups lessons (a great way to get friends involved). Dance class styles can range from the traditional ballroom and Latin dances to more modern styles. For a 150-pound person, an hour spent ballroom dancing to a fast tempo will expend around 240 to 300 calories, meaning you can eat 3-4 pieces of chocolate and not feel guilty.
Couples yoga
Not only is yoga a great form of exercise that helps many to relax, increase flexibility, and improve strength, but it also lends itself well to being done together. Couples yoga or partner yoga is designed to rely on each other for support and alignment. In an hour-long yoga session, a 150-pound person can expect to expend about 175 calories. Having a glass of red wine for your special dinner only costs you 125 calories (1 serving of 5 fluid ounces).
Couples race
Going for a walk or a run with your partner is a great way to get time together that you would normally spend apart. On Valentine’s Day, make the cardio session all the more special by turning the run into a scavenger hunt, or take breaks at destinations special to your relationship. You can run side by side, or take turns leading to quicken the pace and get your adrenaline pumping even more. Running for 45 minutes at five miles per hour burns 350-400 calories for a 150-pound individual. Chocolate cake for dessert, anyone?
Couples gym session
Many couples who exercise together recite the mantra: couples that train together, remain together. Having a partner is helpful for a lifting session at the gym. For heavy lifting, your partner can spot you, but you can also do exercises that require two people. You can do crunches and pass a medicine ball back and forth between you, or get down for a plank and high-five each other for every major milestone. A 150-pound person can expect to expend between 215 and 250 calories for a 60-minute gym workout, meaning you can enjoy six chocolate-covered strawberries, which you hopefully made together.
This content was provided by Kimberly Burke, the director of the Adult Fitness Program at Colorado State University, an outreach program through the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Adult Fitness offers exercise opportunities for employees of CSU as well as community members, while providing hands-on learning experiences for health promotion students.
