Let’s Get Physical

I was sneaky, maybe you thought this blog was going to be about sex, given the title? Well, at the risk of losing you here, it is not exclusively about sex, but the following can certainly assist your relationship in that area as well. I’m talking physical activity (in general), and with your partner. Maybe you all like to work out or simply take leisurely walks, but are you doing these things together? There are so many benefits of physical activity for an individual alone, but there are also countless benefits to being physically active with your partner as well. Let’s take a look!

1. Sweat out those toxins. As mentioned, regular exercise for the individual has so many benefits, especially where your mental health is concerned. When we can improve ourselves individually, this only serves to add to the relationship. Physical activity, specifically working up a good sweat, allows for toxins to be flushed from our system. These toxins often manifest themselves as stress in one’s life, ergo, if we can rid our bodies of stress-causing toxins this will make us better partners in our relationship.

2. Role play personal trainer. A fun “exercise” to try with your partner is to take turns being the “personal trainer” with one another. These personal training sessions will translate into better listening skills, trust building, and accepting influence from each other (a main tenet of a successful relationship, according to Dr. John Gottman). And those are just a few positives that can come from this, the possibilities are endless!

3. Exercise = endorphins. You’ve likely heard that exercise increases endorphins, which in turn, elevate your mood and feelings of well being. Again, the more you can do for yourself individually, the better you will be able to contribute to your relationship in a meaningful and healthy way.

4. A moving brain, is a working brain. Talking comes out more readily when moving. I haven’t researched this thoroughly, but I’m pretty sure it’s a thing. It is for me anyway. Another example, albeit not scientifically backed, is an example from The Office. If you’re a fan of the office like I am (I may or may not have seen the entire series, to completion, roughly 12 times), you may recall the episode wherein Michael Scott educated Erin on his theory of a “spinning brain is a working brain” in explaining his afternoon ritual of spinning in his office chair, just before his snack time, to the get the creative, work juices flowing. If you are not a fan of the office, 1) this probably sounds like complete nonsense, and 2) say what?? However, I buy it, when we get up and get moving, especially if we’re stuck in conflict, I believe the act of movement in our body can translate to movement in our mindset and perspective. It can be an excellent way to get ourselves “unstuck.

5. New and different changes our perspective. Speaking of changes in perspective, seeing your partner in a different way can change your perspective of him or her. If working out together is more novel for your relationship, this can be very exciting. Maybe you try different classes with each other to keep this aspect of the relationship spiced up so, it too, does not become a source of complacency and rut. Novelty, or trying new things and taking new adventures with your partner, is an excellent way to maintain a healthy, strong relationship. Think of your relationship as a toddler. It needs excitement, attention, nurturing and lots of snacks.

6. Physical activity as a stepping stone to sex. Finally, I got to the part you’ve been waiting for, right? If your relationship has seen a decrease, or perhaps complete cessation, in sexual activity and drive, engaging in another physical activity can help to bridge the gap. Being physical in one way can ease your relationship back into healthy sexual habits so you’re not going from zero (NO SEX) to sixty (eh hem, SEX). That can feel a little awkward, right? Working out with your partner could be the stepping stone your sex life has been waiting for!

Ready, set, go!

Take care,

Laura