You may remember in last summer’s article, I asked you whether you were a lone wolf or a lover of the pack when it came to your workouts. We looked at the benefits of both, with a bias to getting into group classes and working out with friends. Coming together as a duo, trio, a team even, and getting those exercises nailed can really help keep you motivated and want to keep being consistent on your fitness and health journey.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m also a huge advocate of the lone wolf workout too…especially when you need that down time, you time, and let’s be frank: space from everyone and anyone occasionally.

But, do you work out with your other half? Your partner in life? Your ride or die? Do you find it attractive that your partner wants to take care of themselves and their health?

Studies show a positive link between adrenaline and attraction. So, basically, exercising with your partner can make you more attracted to each other. From a racing pulse to sweating palms, physical activity induces physiological reactions similar to that of romantic arousal. Are you both grabbing your trainers and heading out the door at this point?

For couples, setting aside time to spend together is a great way to build intimacy, whether you’ve been together for three or thirty years. As you carve out time in your days to exercise together, you also send the message to your partner that you are making them a priority.

Asking a local married couple, who are also my clients, about why they have always worked out and trained together they said: “One of the most basic human needs is to feel important and special. When someone makes time to be together and agreed on the same goal of working out to be healthy, a very good side effect was that our bond became stronger.”

Regular and consistent exercise has incredibly positive effects on your long-term health and wellbeing. Relationships can thrive when they are also future-focused. A shared focus on exercise and training together can reinforce a commitment about your future.

“From a racing pulse to sweating palms, physical activity induces physiological reactions similar to that of romantic arousal.”

We al know by now about happy hormones– endorphins- which can increase your overall happiness. When your exercise, your body increases its level of endorphins, naturally triggering mood-enhancing feel-good brain chemicals. Maybe the more in sync you feel with your partner, the more connected you feel. The more connected you feel, the happier and more satisfied you could be. We also know that those happy hormones can help defuse tempers, making us more open to different opinions, so you may even find that those arguments and disagreements between you happen less and less.

A good workout can also make for a great date. What about training for a 5 or 10km run together, going paddle-boarding, or taking a long bike ride? Head to the gym together for a joint personal training session, or sign up for a six-week Pilates course together? Even going on a long walk regularly is an important bonding activity that can boost your fitness levels too.

So, whether you’re usually a lone wolf or a member of the pack, when it comes to your workouts, keep in mind that when you make time to exercise with your partner, it really can build bridges, intensify bonds, fasten those ties, and help create a sense of togetherness. Bliss.

Find out more at www.anytimefitness.co.uk