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WHAT'S NEW
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Sweat with your sweetie
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Exercise together to strengthen your body -- and your relationship.
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By Sarah Rogers
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Dancing: It's all about body language
Add a little spice to your exercise routine (and relationship) by hitting the dance floor together. Sharon Galor, dance instructor and salsa director at Toronto Dance Classes, says that a one-hour salsa or ballroom dance lesson is similar to an aerobic workout of the same length. "It is cardiovascular exercise, so you will be sweating," she says.
Dancing is also good exercise for toning because, according to Galor, various moves require you to use different muscle combinations. It also helps couples to learn to read each other's body language and signals. When dancing, the man is the leader and he must direct the woman using his body, so couples must be very connected as partners, she says. "I think it is the most intimate form of exercise to do."
If you're worried about your two left feet, don't be. That's what beginners classes are for and, as Galor points out, all you need is an open mind and a good sense of humour to start. Dancing is also great because once you and your partner learn the moves, you can hit the dance floor on your own, adding to the romance and increasing your physical fitness.
Recreational sports: Let the games begin
Put on your game face and challenge your sweetie to a match! Choose a favourite one-on-one sport or a new one you'd like to try, then enjoy a little friendly competition (the keyword being "friendly"). Try sports like tennis, squash, basketball, golf, etc. Playing one-on-one is a great way to get your adrenaline up, and when the game is over, the loser can take the winner out for a smoothie or you can come up with other more creative rewards on your own.
If you and your partner can't keep the competition friendly, join a co-ed sports team and play on the same side. There are many recreational leagues and teams (soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, floor hockey, baseball, etc.) to choose from and many offer a variety of levels (beginner, recreational, competitive, etc.). Just check your local fitness centers for more information or search online.
Outdoor activities: Four seasons of fun
If you're looking for activities you and your partner can start to do right now and at a minimal cost, consider getting some fresh air together.
- Go for a walk after dinner.
- Research trails in your area and plan to go for a weekend hike.
- Dust off your bikes and go for a ride around your neighbourhood.
- Check out public swim times at your local pool and go for a dip.
- Try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter.
- Go ice-skating or rollerblading, depending on the season.
You will find there are many affordable and fun activities to do in your own backyard. All you have to do is look.
Getting active together is easy, it just requires a little research to find activities that you both enjoy and can commit to on a regular basis. Your workout should be fun and it'll be time that you look forward to spending together.
Visit our Valentine's Day special section for recipes, relationship advice, gift ideas, fun e-cards and more.
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