Understanding Our Motivations
Research shows that people are more successful at exercising if they do so together with their romantic partner. For busy dual career couples searching for ways to spend quality time with one another, exercising is a perfect solution.
Motivation: Men and women are different
Research suggests that men often report exercising because they enjoy it and that women are more likely to work out to improve their appearance, which is the case in our marriage. Perhaps this partly explains why men are more likely to work out.
Equally important to recognize is how to help women stay motivated. As the NY Times reported, Eve Rodsky found that the women who successfully maintained long-term exercise routines were the ones who showed compassion for the ebbs and flows along the way.
Improved Relationship Satisfaction
Research also shows that when you exercise with a partner, you will experience more positive feelings while exercising and have a more satisfying relationship overall.
Compared to days when people exercised without their romantic partner, people who exercised with their romantic partner experienced higher positive affect during exercise, higher daily positive affect, and were more satisfied with their relationships.
Close the Exercise Gender Gap
A report released in October 2024 found that women ages 35- to 44 have an hour less daily free time than their male counterparts.
Resentment can build in relationships where partners experience vast differences in free time. Men can take a step toward a happier marriage by finding ways to workout together.
Resentment can build in relationships where partners experience vast differences in free time. Men can take a step toward a happier marriage by finding ways to workout together.
Here are 17 ideas for exercising together:
🏓 Pickleball
🚴 Cycling
🧘 Yoga
🥾 Hiking
🏋️ Gym Workouts
💃 Dance Classes
🏊 Swimming
🔄 Circuit Training
🧗 Rock Climbing
🥊 Kickboxing
🏄 Paddleboarding
🤸 CrossFit
🎾 Tennis
🚣 Rowing
🛶 Canoeing
🤸♀️ Pilates
🏃♂️ Trail Running
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