Nice running: couples who exercise together stay together longer

If you prefer to lie down together instead of being sultry and panting and sweating while doing crossfit: sorry, you better get to work.

Because it has been proven that couples who exercise together stay together longer. You can say goodbye to those exciting dinner dates and drinks with wine and beer, because who wants to work on the relationship that will work in the gym. It may sound a bit less cozy than a night at the movies or with a cheese platter on Netflix, but nothing could be further from the truth. Sweating together is the best move for your love life.

How is this possible? You feel more emotionally attracted to each other, because doing things together is simply good for the friendship bond. But exercising is better than just cuddling in bed – sorry again – because you are doing something. This way, you experience a happy feeling together, because you feel fit and have the sense that you are doing well. And you support each other, there in those body pumps. You are more confident and therefore less quickly jealous of other women. You feel more connected to your flame than ever – you are both happily busy with your lives. Well, it feels that way, right? Whether it is really like that is, of course, another question. But thinking about your body is already a start.

Couples who exercise together even report feeling more in love and happier with their love life, so yes, the evidence is there. Plus: it is good for the sex life. Seeing your partner sweat and puff and blast on the treadmill is (apparently) excellent fuel for a higher libido. You just have to accept the hell that is called squats and jumping jacks. SORRY.

Where have those times gone when love still went through the stomach and cooking a portion of meat was enough for the real, normal, cozy, average lover? That being fit was not a higher goal and only a cold drink made eyes sparkle? Asking for a friend, you know. Because of course, I am eager to sign us up for a day of fitness or squash. Or the Dam to Dam. Or a half triathlon. Or... I don't know any other sports anymore. Panic. I only know which beer my boyfriend likes best.

FACTS

• If you exercise intensively for 75 minutes a week, the chance of a dip is much smaller.
• Fitness is the most popular sport for Dutch adults. For children and young people, it is football.
• There are 3.7 million sports injuries per year.

Image: Pinterest