Make your heart beat faster this Valentine’s Day

Courtesy ParticipACTION

February is the time to celebrate the ones we love. Having a partner on Valentine’s Day might be good for your date book, but it could also be good for your health.
Research shows that married individuals participate in exercise more often than their single counterparts. In a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise that looked at 3,075 people, married couples were more likely to be active than non-married individuals. And if one spouse was active, the other spouse was also more likely to be active. In fact, spouses of highly active men were three times more likely to be active than partners of inactive husbands.
If you’re not planning to tie the knot anytime soon, make plans with a friend or love interest and take on the task of getting active together.

Getting more physical activity into your day does not require a huge investment of time or money. According to Canada’s Physical Activity Guide to Healthy Active Living, you need 60 minutes of activity a day-and that doesn’t have to be done all at once. There are plenty of fun things you can do, 10 minutes at a time, to get to that daily total. And there are plenty of opportunities to move more together.
In addition to trying new things, there are many ways to get more movement into the activities you already enjoy. With some creativity and commitment, you can ease yourselves into a healthier lifestyle and make more of your time together.

Here are some suggestions for getting your heart beating a little faster on Valentine’s Day:

A Romantic Stroll
Walk to and from your favourite restaurant together-or to the theatre after dinner. Enjoy some fresh air and the time to unwind and share a conversation.

An Active Getaway
If you’re thinking of whisking him or her away for the weekend, try planning a ski vacation or adding a hike in the woods to your romantic itinerary.

Valentine’s Day Hunt
If chocolates are your traditional Valentine’s treat, take a cue from the Easter Bunny and hide them around your house or apartment.

Feeling the Music
Dancing in your living room, stretching or doing yoga together will help you unwind and set the mood for a romantic evening.