Think About Your Heart Health This Valentine's Day

Candy hearts aren’t the only hearts you need to worry about in February. Working out as a couple offers an endless variety of heart healthy benefits, but it can strengthen your relationship even as it improves your cardiovascular fitness.

Research suggests that dieting and exercising as a couple (or with a buddy) is easier than going alone. Not only do you get the satisfaction of working together towards a shared goal, you also reinforce the idea that your relationship is about health and feeling good. And, unlike a huge meal or chocolate-fest, shared gym time is a great way to enjoy time together guilt-free as often as you want. Experts have also linked shared gym time with improved intimacy.

For couples who are looking into getting started on a program, some personal training programs will allow two people to share a session. Sharing a workout may help you build trust, improve communication, establish more intimacy all while getting healthier.

This year forget chocolates, wine, and cheese for Valentine’s day – instead, try to do something for each other that helps shrink the waistline rather than expand it.