Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and you know what that means: chocolate and decadent dinners…not the healthiest of holidays. But it can be so much more than that: we’ve compiled a list of awesome date ideas that will keep you on the move and keep your heart happy in more ways than one!
- TAKE A HIKE: Getting some fresh air with a nice daytime hike is a great way to spend some quality time with your S.O. while getting in a good workout. Plus, walking regularly can help lower blood pressure, manage weight, improve mood, and reduce risk for breast cancer. Studies have also linked being outdoors and in nature to boost energy. If you’re looking for a weekend-long way to celebrate, turn your hike into a camping trip! Just be careful if trekking through a snow-covered forest…
- JUST DANCE: Twirling around the dance floor with a hot date on your arm might just be the most classic night out, ever. And it’s a good way to get some aerobic exercise, too!
- RUN A RACE TOGETHER: A little healthy competition never hurt anyone! Hitting the pavement with your Valentine is a great way to get in a good sweat sesh and some much needed quality time. Time spent working out together may also increase trust between partners and even strengthen feelings of closeness (at least for women). Plus, you can motivate each other to make it to the finish.
- GET ZEN: A couple that stretches together, stays together? Research suggests that frequent yoga practice can lead to improved mood and satisfaction with life, and many studies also point to yoga’s many physical benefits (including strength, flexibility, and respiratory and cardiovascular function) . And here’s yet another great bonus: Some studies suggest yoga can improve female sexual function.
- GO FOR A TANDEM BIKE RIDE: No better way to celebrate V-Day than practicing teamwork! Plus (let’s just be honest), tandem bikes are pretty funny, so you’ll get a good laugh out of it, too. Head to a local park or scenic district for a leisurely ride, then grab a Valentine’s-friendly treat afterwards.
- TAKE A SWING AT GOLF OR TENNIS: Whether you and your partner are already pros or it’s totally new to one or both of you, taking a golf or tennis lesson is a great way to sweat a little and learn something new together. (Plus, it’s a great excuse to get close to each other while learning the “proper stance.”) Playing tennis, specifically, is associated with a number of health benefits, including improved aerobic fitness, reduced risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and better bone health.
- GO KAYAKING: If you’re lucky enough to live in a climate with a more temperate February, kayaking is a great adventure sport — and low-impact workout — to try out with a date. Hop in a tandem boat to share the paddling load (and be sure to end the date with a good post-workout snack on the shore).
- TREAT EACH OTHER TO A MASSAGE: Whether it’s a rub down from a professional or your partner, massage brings a bevy of health benefits to the table. Research suggests massage can help reduce stress and anxiety (especially in the workplace, in patients with heart problems, and possibly in those with chronic back pain), though more research is needed . And of course, massages are also a great excuse to get some hands-on time (literally!) with your Valentine.
- SPEND SOME TIME JUST KISSING: Believe it or not, there’s plenty of science behind why we kiss. In addition to triggering feelings of closeness, sexual excitement, and pure happiness, studies suggest kissing can help us find Mr. or Mrs. Right and stay committed to that person. When engaged in a lip lock, serotonin and oxytocin hormone levels spike, making us think more about that partner and creating feelings of bonding and attachment. (Not surprisingly, oxytocin is known as the “love hormone.”) Plus, kissing can boost immunity, help you relax, and even burn calories.
- TAKE A PICNIC LUNCH: It’s time to break the habit of eating lunch while at your computer — studies even suggest it may lead to overeating . A non-traditional Valentine’s Day lunch is the perfect way to start. Pack a healthy picnic lunch and a sweet treat (it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without it!), and set up shop on a nearby park bench.
- VOLUNTEER TOGETHER: Aside from giving others some Valentine cheer, volunteering for a nonprofit has some health and happiness benefits, too! One study found those who create valuable relationships through volunteering had a decreased risk of mortality. Another study found it may reduce depression and anxiety. Sign up to volunteer for Boarding for Breast Cancer’s educational outreach booth, or head to a soup kitchen so you can both help others celebrate V-Day with a festive meal.
- TAKE A COOKING CLASS: Every girl wants a great meal on V-Day, but having a professional cook it for you is only one way to get one. Think of it this way. Taking a cooking class is an all around win. You put some real thought into your date and you’ll actually learn a thing or two. Plus, you can’t really screw the food up because you have an expert taking you through it step by step. Get more ideas for sweet healthy recipes from B4BC’s Healthy Valentines Day blog post!
- GO TO A CONCERT: Don’t be afraid to plan something more hip. You might not be able to see your favorite artist, but heading to a jazz club or out to see a local band play will do the trick. Music puts everyone in a good mood, and the best thing about this date is that you can dance!
- TRAVEL BACK TO THE 90s: Sure, you could impress with something trendy, like indoor rock climbing or a trapeze class. But you cannot beat a good 90s throwback date, like laser tag or roller skating. A light-hearted night that takes you both back to the days of grade-school birthday parties is sure to put a smile on your faces.
- GO ICE SKATING: Even though it’s not freezing in California, why not take advantage of the fake-frigid temps. Ice skating is a great low-impact workout (assuming you’re skipping the intense jumps). Just make sure to take the right steps to safely exercise in the cold. Hitting the rink is the perfect excuse to hold her hand for an hour—and of course, get in a solid leg workout.
Sources:
Greatist
Mens Fitness
