5  WAYS  WORKING  OUT  TOGETHER  

CAN  IMPROVE  YOUR  RELATIONSHIP

Let’s  face  it:  relationships  are  hard.  

Co-­‐habitating,  being  patient  and  kind  (even  when  you’re  in  a  crappy  mood),  and  putting  

someone  else’s  needs  ahead  of  your  own  aren’t  always  easy  to  do  and  can  come  with  their  

share  of  stress.

We  all  know  that  fitness  has  many  benefits,  and  one  of  those  key  perks  is  the  ability  to  bring  you  closer  as  a  couple  and  make  life  together  better.    

We  started  our  joint  fitness  journey  shortly  after  we  began  dating  and  it  has  enriched  our  lives  in  indescribable  ways,  which  is  exactly  why  we  started  our  @NYCfitfam Instagram  account.  We  have  such  a  blast  sweating  together,  

engaging  in  our  mutual  #fitfam community,  indulging  in  mindful  movement  like  Yoga,  and  watching  our  bodies  reap  the  rewards  of  hard  work  and  commitment.

Here  are  a  few  ways  shared  fitness  can  improve  your  

relationship:

1.  You’ll  spend  more  quality  time  together  

Some  of  our  favorite  moments  together  are  spent  in  sneakers,  whether  sweating  it  out  at  the  gym  or  running  side-­‐by-­‐side  on  

the  open  road.  Whenever  we  travel  together  either  for  work  or  vacation,  we  get  the  added  bonus  of  seeing  the  locale  on  our  two  feet  (cue  visual  of  us  running  along  the  Mediterranean  Sea  in  Ibiza.  Yup,  that  happened!).  We’ve  even  plan  fun  weekend  getaways  around  5k  and  half-­‐

marathon  races,  which  is  a  great  reason  to  travel.  

2.  Working  out  releases  endorphins.  Endorphins  make  people  happier.

During  a  workout,  the  body  triggers  cells  to  release  endorphins,  the  

magic  little  hormones  that  block  the  transmission  of  pain  signals  and  produce  a  euphoric  feeling.  That  post-­‐workout  glow?  You’re  not  

imagining  it.  Plus,  people  who  stick  to  a  fitness  plan  feel  the  pride  that  comes  with  accomplishing  goals.  We  build  self-­‐esteem  by  doing  estimable  acts,  and  this  confidence  can  bolster  a  relationship  by  contributing  to  a  greater  sense  of  mutual  well-­‐being.

3.  You  can  make  like-­‐minded  friends  and  share  a  sense  of  community.

Lots  of  couples,  especially  those  who  work  in  totally  different  career  fields,  have  two  sets  of  

friends  that  don’t  have  a  ton  in  common.  Couples  who  build  fitness  into  their  lives,  especially  those  that  find  shared  fitness  communities,  often  find  as  an  added  benefit  that  they  build  a  shared  friend-­‐base,  which  can  be  really  fun  and  

rewarding.    Try  joining  a  running  club  together,  hitting  the  same  after-­‐work  boot  camp  class  a  few  days  per  week,  or  attending  a  weekly  Saturday  

morning  Yoga  class  as  a  duo.  

4.  You’re  both  hotter  – but  not  just  physically.

A  hot  bod  is  awesome,  but  there’s  actually  nothing  sexier  then  knowing  your  partner  has  dedicated  themselves  diligently  to  a  fitness  routine  all  week.  It  makes  you  feel  proud  of  each  other,  and  reminds  you  of  all  the  great  attributes  that  made  you  fall  in  love  in  the  first  place.  

5.  Better  sex  (!)

There  is  no  doubt  that  the  fruits  of  your  labor  will  be  evident  in  the  bedroom,  and  there  is  a  proven  direct  link  between  sex  and  exercise.  Not  only  will  you  both  feel  better  about  yourselves  (which  is  half  the  battle!),  but  your  chemistry  will  be  turned  up  a  notch  as  your  bodies  continue  to  change.  Plus,  your  shared  increase  in  endorphins  will  fuel  the  fire.  When  you  exercise,  the  

brain  produces  endorphins  that  stimulate  the  release  of  sex  hormones.  So  have  fun  getting’  your  sweat  on  in  the  gym  and  between  the  sheets!

ABOUT:

Jamie  Hess  is  a  lifestyle  publicist,  wellness  enthusiast,  and  one  half  of  the  husband-­‐

and-­‐wife  Instagram  duo  @NYCfitfam.  Shortly  after  her  husband  proposed  to  her  on  a  

treadmill  at  Barry’s  Boot  Camp,  the  couple  began  sharing  their  #fitspo  with  others  on  social  media,  

including  Jamie’s  pre-­‐natal  fitness  journey  leading  up  to  

the  birth  of  their  son.