Although January tends to be the time for resolutions related to health, it doesn’t have to be. You can start right now. Working out can be something you incorporate into your daily life that is not only good for you but also brings you and your spouse closer together.
Moving your body and exercise has been proven to impact not only your physical health but your mental health as well. The Mayo Clinic website states that by participating in physical activity, it causes your brain to activate certain chemicals that create a happier mode and reduce feelings of anxiety. This good mood feeling translates to your relationship too!
Psychology Today reports that certain lab studies have found that after engaging in physical activities together, couples reported feeling much more satisfied with their relationships and more in love. Today’s military couples are probably spending more time than ever together due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. Working out can be a great opportunity to reinforce the relationship’s foundation and help reduce any negative emotions brought up by the isolation.
These days, working out looks a little different though. With the Coronavirus pandemic causing most families to reduce their outings to stay safe, working out at an outside gym may not be feasible. That’s okay! There are so many different ways you can work out at home and still feel great about your efforts without a big gym membership to do it in. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Spend time outside
Not only is this a great way to change the constant view of your home you’ve probably been seeing for months, but there are so many workout opportunities as well.
- Go for a long bike ride. This is something that you can bring your kids with you to do, either in their bikes or attached bike trailers for the littles. Being active with your kids also sets an example for them to follow as they grow on the importance of physical activity. Very Well Family says that working out around your kids can be motivating and reduce feelings for taking time to work out. Do it together!
- Live near some water? Go kayaking or paddle boarding! Not only is this a super fun activity but it is a great workout too.
- Check out your local hiking trails. This is a great opportunity to not only move your body but to get out into nature and refresh yourself. With the majority of us spending a lot of time in our homes or on our computers with virtual things, this is something you can physically do while still remaining safe. So, go out and play explorer and get fit while doing it!
Work out videos
There are tons of workout videos available at your fingertips, many completely free! Mix and match exercises and find the workouts that you enjoy.
- Start your day with some yoga to not only feel great but you can also enjoy laughing together as you try to form your bodies into the yoga positions.
- Check out the 10-minute couple work out challenge on YouTube! These are quick, challenging, and have you using each other to get it done.
- Check out Cosmopolitan’s 17 Super-Intimate Ways to Get Fit With Your Partner video! Need some romance? Why not get fit and healthy while you reconnect! This is a great date night idea, especially since many couples aren’t going out. Press play and enjoy!
Make your own home gym
Find an area in your house where you can dedicate time to working out. This can be a garage, basement, or heck – the corner of a room. All that matters is that it is a convenient location where you have room to move around and enough room for at least a work out mat. Once you’ve found your spot, fill it with some easy and affordable items to get your couple work out on.
- Free weights
- A jump rope for cardio
- Resistance bands
- Balance balls
- Some foam rollers for recovery
By moving your body, you will be on your way to maintaining great physical and emotional health. When you add in your spouse, you are maximizing those effects of working out and creating a tighter bond at the same time. So, go ahead – get your sweat on. You won’t regret it.