Getting In Shape Together
It is common knowledge that it is much easier to stick with a fitness routine if you have a “workout buddy” to keep you motivated and serve as your support system. Even better if your workout partner is your spouse or significant other, who can really help encourage you to reach your fitness goals. If you are not feeling particularly enthusiastic during a workout, your partner can distract you by discussing various events in your life — or even by whispering naughty “sweet nothings” in your ear. Not to mention, embarking on this fitness program together can be a great bonding experience that encourages teamwork in all aspects of your relationship. Plus, you are bound to get turned on as you watch each other's bodies get tighter and firmer.
Nancy Kennedy, cofounder of Kennedy Strom Fitness in Los Angeles, says there is a definite connection between physical fitness and sexual fulfillment. “Working out increases your libido as you wake your body up,” she says. “You feel your body. It is not numb. You walk taller and are more aware of your muscles and how they feel and where they are. All of this also builds confidence, which increases your sex drive. Increasing blood flow throughout the body will also increase arousal.”
Taoists and other ancient people believed you could tell a lot about people's sexual prowess and genital characteristics by studying their appearance. For example, someone with a lot of hair on his face and body was thought to have a strong sex drive. Men with long noses were assumed to be well endowed, as were men with long fingers.
And getting in shape with your partner is bound to have a positive impact on your relationship, Kennedy says. “Working out together is another way to spice up your sex life. Not only do you feel the benefits like heightened awareness but watching each other lift, sweat, and strain can be very stimulating. Touching each other and assisting with lifts really brings two people closer. You can walk into the gym mad at your partner and walk out in love and ready to go…!”
If you embark on a workout routine with your partner, be very selective about any “constructive criticism” you offer with regard to their effort or performance. If you make your partner self-conscious, the negative fallout will quickly erase any benefits you may have gained from this joint activity.
Choosing a Good Joint Fitness Program
Now that you have decided to embark on a fitness program together and reap some of these benefits, you should put some thought into the specific type of program that will work best for both of you. Consider your individual fitness levels and physical abilities. This is especially important if there is a great disparity between your fitness level and that of your partner. You want to choose activities that will challenge you, of course, but if one partner finds it impossible to keep up, they will quickly become discouraged and frustrated, which will cause tension in the relationship.
This is why it can be a good idea to select a program that allows for flexibility and can be tailored to each of your individual fitness levels. A program involving weights, for example, is a good choice because you can easily adjust the weight involved to accommodate the person's abilities.
It can be a good idea to choose activities related to things you both enjoy. If you are both snow lovers, for example, look into getting a season pass at the closest ski resort. (Bonus: After hitting the slopes, you can enjoy warming each other up while cuddling in front of the fire in the ski lodge.)
Love to get your groove on and dance the night away? See if there are any dance classes for couples in your area.
It is even better if you can find an activity that reminds you of a special experience or shared memory that evokes positive feelings for both of you. Remember that special island getaway where you went snorkeling before making love on the beach? Perhaps you can recapture that romantic feeling by joining a swimming program — or maybe even by learning how to scuba dive together. Perhaps you can even go on a second honeymoon that involves some kind of outdoor adventure or enjoyable physical activities.
