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With Valentine’s day tomorrow (that’s right fellas – VALENTINE’S DAY IS TOMORROW!) I bet I have a pretty good idea of what you’ve got planned. Probably dinner somewhere, maybe a movie afterwards, and then home for chocolates and something to drink. Overall – lots of sitting, lots of eating, and maybe not as much excitement as there could be. Well not anymore! I’m here to save you from your uncreative and routine Valentine’s day with ??? healthy and active date ideas that you can do as a couple! Don’t make it all about dinner, get up off the couch or out of the movie theater, and try some of these ideas!
1. Dancing: One of my all-time favorite ways to let loose! I absolutely have zero rhythm and it’s incredible my wife even lets me on the dance floor (she looks AMAZING!), but dancing is a great way to get up and burn some calories.
2. Bowling: Maybe not the most romantic or cardiovascular of activities, but lifting heavy things and hurtling them at other objects can be a great way to enjoy activity with your sweetheart.
3. Rock climbing: Chances are there’s an indoor climbing gym somewhere near you and chances are you haven’t had the chance to visit yet. Put it on your to-do list because it is a BLAST! Great upper-body workout!
4. Go to the museum: Maybe fine art and exhibits are more your style? Head down to the local museum or art show and spend an hour or so walking around and taking in all there is to see. Bonus points for hand-holding while you’re doing it!
5. The arcade: Channel your inner 8-year-old and head down to the local arcade! Basketball, skee-ball, and air hockey are just a few of the games to keep your body and relationship active and strong!
6. Laser tag: Another one of my favorites (probably because of all the laser tag I used to play as a kid!). Team up with aspirations of world domination – or get on opposite teams with a friendly wager to see who can hit the other person the most times (must include some kind of reward for the winner afterwards!).
7. Active game night: If you’re like us and have young kids, you’re kind of limited in how late you can stay out at night. Game night is perfect for overcoming the “kid leash”; but before you reach for Monopoly try something a little more active! “Dance Revolution” on the Wii is one of my favorites; Twister and Charades are two more that will get you out of a chair and active. Use your imagination and make it fun!
8. Cook a healthy meal together: Another one of my favorite things to do with my wife! Let’s face it – restaurants are crowded on Valentine’s and I usually eat too much, anyway. Try staying in this year and cooking up some skinny Fettuccine Alfredo, Fiesta Lime Chicken, or Grilled Lemon Pepper Pork Chops! Cooking is a great way to be nearby and work with each other – and the result is delicious! (Click here for more of my favorite healthy dinner recipes!)
9. Take a workout class: Full disclosure – my wife and I have totally done date night at the gym! It’s so fun to go with each other and get a good sweat on; I also totally use heavier weights when my wife’s around with hopes of impressing her! #injury Head out to the gym for date night!
10. Skating: Ice if you’re into the cold; roller if you’d prefer to avoid it! Skating is such a fun way to create some memories – laughing, slipping, falling, and laughing some more!
11. Go window shopping: You don’t even have to buy anything! Finding a fun mall or market is a great way to walk around with each other with plenty to see and experience. But be careful, fellas… you may end up like me last year…
12. Biking: Jump on the ol’ bicycles and head nowhere in particular! Getting lost with each other is a pretty dang good place to be!
13. Hiking: There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of creation than with your best friend! Need to find the closest trail to you? Check out this website: AllTrails.com!
14. Mini golf: Another one of mine and my wife’s favorites! Okay okay… really it’s a lot more mine than hers! Mini golf is a great way to get in some steps and have a lot of fun doing it! Friendly wagers are a must!
15. Skiing/Snowboarding: Just make an entire day out of it! Head up to the mountain for some serious shredding! Bonus – you get to cuddle on the lift!
16. Build a snowman: Pushing, pulling, lifting, slipping, sliding, laughing, and ultimately loving being with each other. If it’s been a while since you built your last snowman, it’s time to re-hone your skills!
17. Racquetball: Head down to the local rec center and rent a court! Great cardio and great fun!
18. Go carting: We actually had some friends talk us into this one a couple of months ago; it was a blast! Nothing like the smell of rubber and small engine fumes to say “I love you”! But seriously though – you’ve got to try this one!
19. Play tennis: The worse you are at tennis the better! It’s great way to run around a little bit and have some fun laughs with each other!
20 Swimming: The local pool is always open! Swim laps, splash around, and wind it up snuggling in the hot tub!
21. Couples Yoga: Channel each others’ inner Yogi and find a local class you can head to together! Namaste.
22. Batting cages: Maybe you need to take out a little more aggression? Head to the local batting cages and see who out-slugs whom!
23. Find Nemo: Head down to the local aquarium for some enchantment under the sea! It’s a great way to get in a bunch of steps and see things you normally don’t!
24. Tour your own city: When was the last time you got out and saw some of the local sites and attractions in your own city? Here’s what you do – pretend you’ve got a friend coming in to town who you haven’t seen for years. This will be this person’s first time to the city you live in. What would you take him/her to go do? Now go do it with you special someone!
25. Go for a run: The absolute very easiest, cheapest way to spend active time with each other. Lace up your running shoes, head outside, and get lost in chasing after each other!
Did I miss your favorite active date night activity? Let me know about it in a comment below!
Looking for more ways to be active? How about 50 of them??
Make it happen,
Jared
By Jared Beckstrand