There are two kinds of couples when it comes to fitness: Those who work out together — and those who don’t.
Since Valentine’s Day is around the corner, we’re going to focus on the couples that sweat together and stay together.
“The company is a good incentive,” says Susan Lieberman, 80, who works out several times a week with her husband Murray, 81. “It’s motivating, too.”
Murray agrees and says he needs the structure and commitment of working out with his wife of 55 years. “We function like a team. We help each other progress through the program, and it’s more effective, too”
Their motivation? To enjoy life, and their grandkids, for as long as possible.
“I see so many people who can’t even go on a long walk,” Susan says. “We’re lucky to be able to do so much and we don’t want to lose it.”
For Lorrin and Deane Wong, 81, their adult daughter and cardiologist helped provide motivation.
“It has been great fun, very enjoyable,” says Lorrin. “This is a nice activity that we share. This is enjoyable. We just keep on plugging along.”
For Savas Koutsantonis, 63, and George Michaels, 66, fitness has been a constant component of their relationship since they met 26 years ago.
“It’s part of our daily existence, our lives,” says Savas.
“I feel guilty if I don’t go,” George says, who admits his husband’s enthusiasm inspires him to get moving.
“It affects you physically but also mentally,” says Savas, a physical therapist. “It makes you feel better.”
5 Reasons It Works
Research shows there are good reasons for working out with a significant other. Psychology Today reports five ways working out together can help a romantic pairing.
- It increases happiness with the relationship. After physical exertion together, couples say they’re more satisfied in the relationship and in love with each other.
- It improves the efficiency of your workouts. Just having your partner there can boost your energy output.
- It can help you fall in love with each other. Sweaty hands, racing pulse, shortness of breath … are you exercising or falling in love?
- It can help you reach your fitness goals. In one study, some husbands said they worked out more when their wives offered supportive comments.
- It can increase bonds. Exercising creates opportunities for nonverbal matching of physical rhythms and patterns, which deepens the love connection.
Exercising together shows mutual support and concern. It’s more fun, for some people, than going solo all the time. And having mutual interests is good for a relationship, even if that doesn’t mean tandem workouts.
We love welcoming pairs over 50 because we see how they’re not only improving their health, but also strengthening their relationship and setting a positive example.
And if you’re single or choose to work out alone, we still love you!
Holly Kouvo is a personal trainer, functional aging specialist, senior fitness specialist, brain health trainer, writer, and speaker.