RECENT research shows that 70 percent of couples stick with their fitness programs when they workout together. In similar findings by Psychologist Today, researchers claim exercising together can boost happiness in relationships, 'increase an emotional bond' and 'cause sweaty palms, racing heartbeats and a shortness of breath' - the symptom of love.
Training with your partner not only generates good feelings towards each other but seeing your partner keeping fit and healthy is a massive bonus
Given that thousands of Brits divorce each year (and the rest seem to battle with an expanding waistline), it's enough reason to drag your other half to the gym.
Has a supportive partner always been a factor in the fight to get fit? Or is it now more than ever that couples are bonding through burpees, swapping cuddles for crunches and solidifying relationships through spinning classes?
Super-fit couple, competing athlete and BBC employee Zavia Hill (25) and weight-lifting aficiondo and financial advisor, Matthew Golding (25), have started working out together after preferring to train alone.
After dating for almost two years, the result, they say, is a closer relationship and increased physical attraction.
Has a supportive partner always been a factor in the fight to get fit?
HIM: 'It can be sexy to workout together'
"Exercise has been a great building foundation for our relationship, the dual releasing of endorphins has meant we're always beaming with positive energy. The gym can make an alternative dating scenario that's funny and even sexy. Whether people like to admit it or not initial physical attraction has a lot to do with first impressions. I knew when I first saw my girlfriend that her exercise regime didn’t consist of some run-of-the-mill weekly class and mundane cardio routine, this girl was seriously moving.
"When I later learned about her involvement in athletics I knew my levels were going to have to be upped. Is that not a fundamental part of a 'healthy' relationship? Wanting to look and feel the best you possibly can and always pushing each other to reach the next level? Of course sometimes our goals and routines clash - I doubt we’d want to swap our upper/lower bodies…"
Couples Who Train Together Stay Together?HER: 'A little competition is good for us'
"My working life doesn’t always permit me to train as much or as hard as I’d like at the athletics track; I miss the competitive edge I get with other athletes when I’m training alone. Training with Matt is the next best thing and allows me to push myself in ways I wouldn’t necessarily do alone. I train more intensely with him than I would with my girlfriends. He knows I’m competitive and I try my hardest to beat him at every opportunity, whether matching his weights on a deadlift and go round for round on an amrap. I love doing that last sit up a second faster than him...
"It feels great that I can keep up with a man and the challenge to do better drives us both on. Matt doesn’t let me win so easy and it makes me feel like I’m with a real man when he finishes first and stops to watch and cheer me on to the end of my set. He'll yell, ‘go on babes, last set, you got this, looking good, great form’ - the support is encouraging and stays with me outside of the gym.
"Training with your partner not only generates good feelings towards each other but seeing your partner keeping fit and healthy is a massive bonus. Also, knowing we aren’t just doing it to look good but that we want to be emotionally and physically well balanced is a turn on."
Find @ZaviaHill and @goldenmanc12 on Twitter
