Recent studies show that working out together is good for relationships. It increases happiness with your partner and relationship satisfaction in a number of ways.

At Outlaw FitCamp we’ve seen the benefits of this first hand. Because of this, we always offer FREE personal training for your partner when you train together as a couple. We know from experience that exercising together has enormous benefits and we want to do everything we can to encourage couples to work out together.

Here are ten ways that exercising together strengthens your relationship:

1) Improves the efficiency of your workouts

Research shows that exercising with another person increases your performance. When working out with someone else, you push yourself more and work harder. This gives you better results.

2) Increases happiness with your relationship

Research also shows that exercise with your partner makes you feel more satisfied with your relationship, and even more in love. Participants in lab studies have reported that exercising together increased the romantic quality of their relationships.

3) Helps you achieve your fitness goals

When you care about your fitness and your partner’s fitness, it becomes easier to reach your goals. Working out with someone else can be more fun, and this helps you stick to your fitness plan.

4) Increases your emotional bond

When you work out with your partner, you coordinate your actions. This is known as nonverbal matching. Lifting weights in rhythm together, walking or running at the same pace, tossing a medicine ball back and forth—these activities are done in unison. Nonverbal matching makes people feel emotionally connected and closer.

5) Gives you guaranteed quality time

Life is busy. It’s hard to carve out time to be with your partner, even when you really want to. But when you prioritize working out and start doing it together, then you have built-in quality time. More time together can help keep your relationship healthy.

6) Improves your sex life

Feeling happier is always a benefit of exercise. This comes from the feel-good chemicals (endorphins) that are released when you work out. A lot of people are familiar with the feelings of happiness that endorphins provide. What is not as well-known though, is that these endorphins also increase your sex drive. So not only will exercising together make you happier, but it will likely increase your sexual desire for your partner too.

7) Healthy competition adds some fun to your relationship

Bills, kids, work…all these things can begin to snuff out the spark you used to have. But a little healthy competition can put the playfulness back in your relationship. You can challenge your partner when exercising together and keep things fun.

8) Trying something new together and having shared goals brings you closer

Trying something new together can be a great way to increase the strength of your relationship. At the same time, sharing a goal can also bring you closer. A quote from The Little Prince sums this up perfectly, “Love is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.”

9) Gives you built-in accountability

When you don’t feel like exercising, it’s much easier to blow off a workout when you’re going alone. But if your partner is planning to go with you or meeting you there, you’re much more likely to stick to the plan. In fact, a study in Prevention Magazine found that 94 percent of couples stayed with their workout plan when they were exercising together.

10) Provides a fun way to get healthier while your partner is getting healthier too

Couples who are active together enjoy their time together. And by staying active, you and your partner will enjoy the rewards of a healthy lifestyle together throughout life.

There are many benefits to exercising together

There are lots of reasons why it’s good for your relationship to exercise together. Throughout our years of experience at Outlaw FitCamp, we’ve seen this in our own clients. We’d like to help you discover that working out together can strengthen your relationship. This is why we offer free personal training for your partner or spouse when they work out with you.

This Valentine’s season give the gift of health and romance to your partner. We know you’ll be glad you did!