Make Valentine's Day Fun and Fit With These 4 Active Date Ideas
by Autumn Jones
Want to add a little something special to the chocolate hearts and roses you plan to give your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? Try a few active date ideas! Instead of dinner and a movie, consider inviting that special someone to join you on a scenic hike or head to the gym for a fun workout. It might not sound like your typical date, but it's a great way to spend quality time together — all while improving your health.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, breaking a sweat with a romantic partner led participants to feel more satisfied with their relationship (as well as experience increased feelings of love toward their significant other). Additionally, doing an activity together means you'll have more opportunities to connect, feel closer, and work toward a common goal as a team.
Whether you want to rekindle the flame or spark a new romance, surprise your Valentine with one of these four active date ideas and give them a day to remember.
1. A Walk With a Reward
Taking a walk with your date can get your heart pumping in more ways than one! Although February temps are low in some areas, being out in the fresh air with your special someone is a romantic way to spend part of your Valentine's Day. As a study published in the Journal of Environment and Behavior discovered spending time in natural environments can help improve your focus. This means that you and your sweetheart will be able to give each other your undivided attention while walking and talking. And it doesn't just have to just be a scenic stroll! You can bike or snowshoe around town depending on climate and preference.
What better way to round out a fun walk than by spoiling your date with a spa treatment for two? Scheduling a soothing couples massageafter your stroll will be the perfect end to a romantic day spent outdoors.
2. Go Dancing
There's no better active date idea that embodies the essence of romance like going dancing with your Valentine. Don't worry, you don't have to be a pro or have the moves of a ballroom dance champion to make this a memorable evening! Moving and grooving with your partner is the perfect marriage of fun and fit — find someplace with interesting music and hit the dance floor together.
3. Play Chef
Why fight the crowds on the busiest restaurant night of the year when you can make a delicious dinner in your own home? Try surprising your date with a prepared meal, or invite them to cook with you. Either way, you can put together a meal that supports your healthy lifestyle but also checks the romance box!
Looking to go the extra mile? You could spruce up the table with candles and flowers, and set the mood by creating your own custom playlist. These personal touches are the things that will make your Valentine swoon.
4. A Hike With a Picnic Ending
If you really want to impress your partner with an active date idea, give some thought to taking them on a hike, complete with a healthy picnic when you reach the midway point. If possible, scout out a picturesque spot ahead of time. This way, you'll know exactly where you can roll out your picnic blanket and break bread together.
Valentine's Day is all about love — but that can mean loving your health, body, and sweetheart enough to incorporate movement into your celebrations. Finding something active to do together can help you plan an out-of-the-box Valentine's Day that will bring you two closer and keep you both healthy!
As always, please consult with a physician prior to beginning any exercise program. See full medical disclaimer here.