Rev Up Your Relationship With Fitness

Studies suggest that those who exercise frequently are more likely to have positive self images of their sexual desirability and performance, and exercising in groups increases happy-feeling endorphin hormones naturally released through physical exertion. So why not try meeting prospective dates through fitness activities? Or why not incorporate fitness into your current relationship? I, married with child, gave the latter a try and discovered group fitness activities for my single friends to potentially meet dates.

My husband and I started out with a trial couples training at Fitness Battalion’s Crossfit gym in Midtown. Crossfit may be the strength and conditioning program used by the military, police academies and martial artists, but out-of-shape newbies (a.k.a. me and my husband) are regulars as well.

We arrived at Fitness Battalion with no expectations and got our butts kicked. The experience was so much fun, though. I fell in love with Crossfit’s old-school workout methodology. I really enjoyed working out with my husband, too, and I tried to convince him, and every other couple I know, that working out as a team can prevent the need for couple’s therapy. We totally bonded in our misery together, and, although my husband asked me to take him to the hospital on our way home, I knew the workout experience was exactly what our relationship needed. Endorphins rushing, energy pumping – it felt like old times together when we first started dating. We weren’t the only couple either. Kristin and Luke began dating before joining the gym, but say the Fitness Battalion’s group workout vibe benefits their relationship. They love cheering one another on each day in the gym.

Don’t get me wrong, Fitness Battalion is not a “couples” gym - I got the impression most members are single. If I was single, Fitness Battalion would be a top place for me to meet Mr. Right. Crossfit workouts are intense; therefore, the gym attracts good-looking men and women who are already in shape. There is also an infectious camaraderie that you recognize as soon as you walk in the door. Don’t worry if you aren’t in tip-top shape, though. There truly are members of all different abilities and groups work together in teams rather than as competitors.

The group setting allows you to get to know someone before asking him or her out on a date. Jon, our training coach, met his girlfriend at the gym. “We were friends when we joined the gym and over many months got closer and ended up dating.” He says. “We just found ourselves talking about different parts of the workout, the people, and it was fun.”

Bootcamps are another great group fitness activity for singles. Rashad McDale, owner of S.W.A.T. Bootcamp says, “the team atmosphere allows people to organically get to know each other, unlike in a bar or club setting.” Rashad says in a recent class of 10 men and 10 women, three new couples emerged. Pretty good statistics if you ask me. Also, bootcamps tend to attract participants in a wider ability range, which allows those who are not in perfect shape to join without feeling insecure. Bootcamp is not band camp, however. You better be prepared to sweat.

For those of us without the funds for gyms and bootcamp memberships, we can still participate in good, old-fashioned, free fitness. Join a running or cycling club for a nominal fee and you will surely meet great friends, if nothing more. For couples, try to encourage one another to stay in shape by making it a date activity. Dinner-and-a-movie gets old after a while. A run in the park or a tennis match might just be what you need to liven up your relationship.

Fitness Battalion, www.fitnessbattalion.com
Crossfit Group Classes
$160 for single, one month unlimited autopay package**
$60 discount for couples, $130 each person or $260 a couple**
**can also attend the bootcamp as a member of the gym

Bootcamp
$100 for single, one month unlimited autopay bootcamp package; discount for three people - sign-up for $85 per person for one month unlimited autopay bootcamp package

S.W.A.T., www.swatfitatl.com
$100 for a monthly session with attendance 4 x per week, includes a 4-week meal plan, exercise routine and a SWAT fitness packet.

$30 per session for couple training

Photo courtesy of Fitness Battalion