Engaging in athletic activities together can benefit a couple in so many ways! Aside from the obviously health bonuses, breaking a sweat together will spark a whole new realm of feelings. It can be difficult to relate to one another on a daily basis, especially if both individuals in the relationship are strong willed and confidant! Sports are a place of common ground (unless you are dating a professional athlete ;). Playing “just for fun” can be a great way to get active, act silly, and just have an all around blast together!
Tennis: Yes, Tennis is very difficult. But, playing tennis means getting a phenomenal work out, and learning teamwork! It’s essential when playing tennis, to not take yourself too seriously. Don’t set out to hit every single ball. Decide to have fun, try hard, and break a sweat. Just think of it this way, the more dips and swoops you have, the more calories you’ve burned! Start off the game with lots of patience, and a basket full of tennis balls!
Bad-Mitten: Slightly easier than tennis, Bad-Mitten is ideal for helping with coordination. This game can be very relaxing and enjoyable. Similar to tennis, the dips and turns might seem rough, but they offer a fantastic workout! A plus to playing bad-mitten: The birdie doesn’t hurt near as badly as a tennis ball.
Ping Pong: Though given a reputation for being loved by nerds, ping-pong is a very competitive sport. The lovely part about ping-pong is that it can be played indoors, and with little to no equipment. Purchase some paddles and ping pong balls, and simply use a table you already own, just be sure to move all of the lamps and vases before the swinging starts.
Running: Many people are intimidated by this word. If you are, face your biggest fears with your significant other! Start training slowly and build up the miles slowly. Begin by walking several miles together. In the following weeks, build up to a light jog. From there, work up to light running, then eventually sprints (if you desire). The process is completely manageable, and you will be much more motivated working alongside your partner!
Bicycling: For slightly less joint pressure, opt for bicycling together! Make a daily or weekly routine, and go exploring together. Take your bikes down to the local park for the day and plan a small picnic. Discover new places together and just enjoy being outside!
If you are particularly experienced in a specific sport, and your partner is not especially fond of your sport, it would be wise to start fresh with a new sport that you both haven’t had experience with! Newbies usually don’t enjoy being coached by a pro, and professionals usually don’t enjoy playing down to beginners. Unless you partner is incredibly understanding and patience, starting fresh with a new experience will probably be the best plan!
By stepping outside that comfort zone, the two of you might actually discover a new sport that you like! Getting over that initial hump of “this is entirely too hard for us” can often result in a new found love and appreciation for athletics
Elise Hutton is a writer who enjoys covering everything from wedding favors to relationship issues.
Yvonne Levy says
My husband George and I are big time fitness enthusiasts. I teach Spinning classes and whenever he can, he takes my class and is there as my cheering section. We love it!
Still Dating My Spouse says
Yvonne,
How much fun! You guys are spending time together but also getting fit…I love it!
Pamela