Fitness for Two:
Active & Fun Date Ideas

Couples that sweat together stay together. Incorporating fitness into your dating routine may seem intimidating; however, it doesn’t have to mean signing up for a 5k on your first date (although it could!). The word “exercise” can be accompanied by unpleasant undertones, but exercise can take shape in various forms beyond the confines of a sweaty gym or endless track. Let’s forget the word “exercise” and think “active.”

Suggesting an active date shows you’re creative, live a healthy lifestyle, and are open to new experiences. Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices into your traditional date roster can only serve to foster a healthy relationship. Though cocktails can be fun, they may not always serve as an accurate representation of the person you could be spending your Monday nights with.

Here are some fun ways to challenge each other to get active and try a fit date, whether you’re meeting for the first time or the fiftieth.

Benefits of Sweat for Romantic Relationships

If you’ve ever felt nervous before a date, you’re not alone. Breaking a sweat is proven to reduce stress, make you more confident, and aid in anxiety relief.http://greatist.com/fitness/13-awesome-mental-health-benefits-exercise Allow the boost of endorphins you’ll experience after exercise to lift your mood and leave you feeling happy and more open. Now adding in a partner, that glow will allow you to connect and establish intimacy outside the bedroom.

Finally, by increasing aerobic activity, you’ll increase your chances of living a long, healthy life together.http://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/news/a40632/reasons-its-awesome-to-workout-with-your-significant-other/ And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Before the date begins, keep these tips in mind for a positive experience for all.

  1. Encourage a pace that is comfortable for both parties involved. Check in at points throughout the date to ensure you are both feeling relaxed and able to focus on what matters most – each other.
  2. Competition is healthy, but too much can lead feelings to fizzle. Remember, this isn’t a time trial. The name of the game here is fun.
  3. Often, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone on a date. Now’s the time to leave your ego at the door, and show each other what a good sport you can be.

Reasons to Exercise With Your Partner - Fitness For Two

Active Ideas Through the Seasons

Get your creative juices flowing and think outside the box next date night. The perfect fit date shouldn’t leave you huffing and puffing fully throughout. Choose an activity that will foster conversation while raising your heart rate and offering a dose of healthy competition.

Try these indoor and outdoor activities for a memorable active date for all seasons.

Fit Dates for Spring:

Fishing: When the season opens, try your hand at a fishing trip together. Catch dinner or practice catch and release by boat or on land. Pack a picnic lunch (bring wet naps to tidy up) to extend the day together.

Verify that you have the proper permits before heading out in your area.

Hiking: When your date tells you that you should take a hike, try not to take offense. Exploring new trails can take you to places in your own backyard you may not have known existed.

Dance Class: When temperatures act unruly, allow an indoor dance class to move you closer and to make a memory you won’t soon forget. Couples brave enough to try will experience intimacy and levels of passion.http://www.hitchedmag.com/article.php?id=1418 Plus, nothing bonds a couple like stepping on each other’s toes.

Fit Dates for Summer:

Golf: If you’re looking for a great view, golf may be the fit date for you. Eighteen holes may seem like a long date if you’re just getting to know each other, so try nine or head to the driving range. Not ready to hit them long? Mini putt is youthful, interactive, and sure to instill fun beyond the ordinary.

Canoeing: Why not learn whether you can work together well early on? Nothing says teamwork like a two-person canoe. It’s not all work. Renting a canoe is easy, and the exclusivity provided from time on the water will allow you to really get to know each other.

Swimming: It might be a little intimidating to strip down to your swimwear on a first date, but for couples who are comfortable with each other’s bodies a trip to the beach or the local pool can provide a challenging workout as well as an opportunity to take in the scenery.

Fit Dates for Fall:

Rock Climbing: If you haven’t practiced rock climbing outdoors before, start with an indoor facility. The in-house team will walk you through harnessing, repelling, and bouldering if you’d prefer to take off the straps. Build trust and hold your partner’s ropes.

Apple Picking: What is more “couple in fall” then heading to an orchard and picking apples? Take your goods home and make a sweet treat together to enjoy, such as a healthy apple crumble.http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2012/11/15/single-serving-apple-crumble/

Walk the Dog: Invite your furry friend in on the action and choose a scenic route for a walk. Think meeting family on the first date is a little soon? Many animal rescue shelters are looking for people just like you to take dogs for a walk in their neighborhoods. An active date with volunteerism: what more could you need?

Fit Dates for Winter:

Skating: Rinks offer afternoon skates, or try an outdoor facility. As tempting as it may be to show off your moves on the ice, the risk for injury is greater than is the reward of nailing that jump you used to ace. Keep it simple.

Skiing: Cozy up on the ski lift with a trip to the slopes. Duos with a shared passion for skiing will get to participate in a mutual hobby – a crucial point for relationship development.

Sledding: Flying down a snowy slope on an out-of-control crazy carpet may not be everyone’s idea of romance – but the rush will be sure to get you both smiling.

Active Dates For Any Season - Fitness For Two

A Healthy Dinner For Two

If you’ve executed your fit date correctly, you’ve worked up an appetite. Use this as an opportunity to make a meal together to refuel. Dive deeper into conversation while tackling yet another experience together. This recipe for healthy chicken parmesan for two will leave you feeling full but without the calories. Sub noodles for a vegetable noodle and choose skim cheeses to skip some calories. For dessert, consider an aphrodisiac like fresh strawberries to intensify the mood.

Ingredients:

  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (8 ounces), fat trimmed
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon melted unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 2/3 cup marinara sauce
  • 3 tablespoon part-skim mozzarella cheese

Method:

  1. Halve chicken breasts, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Combine bread crumbs and parmesan in shallow bowl. Combine butter and olive oil in small bowl.
  3. Brush chicken breasts with butter and oil and then dip chicken breasts into the breaded mixture.
  4. Place chicken on baking sheet and bake in preheated oven at 450° for 20 minutes.
  5. Heat marinara sauce over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes and then add the baked chicken to the skillet.
  6. Top chicken with 1½ tablespoons of mozzarella cheese and cover pan until cheese melts.
  7. Serve over your vegetable noodle of choice.

Adapted from: MyFitnessPal Skinny Chicken Parmesanhttp://blog.myfitnesspal.com/skinny-chicken-parmesan/

Healthy Chicken Parm For Two - Fitness For Two

Whether you’re looking for a date idea to keep things fresh and exciting, or one to experiment with for a first time, n active date leads to endless possibilities for enjoyment and creativity. With something for all levels of physical fitness, feel comfortable together or attempt something new. Try a seasonal date idea tonight or challenge your partner to complete them all. You’ll have a year’s worth of fun and feel good while doing it.

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