While Valentine’s Day has past, it’s never too late to gift yourself time with a friend or loved one! And while you’re at it, why not consider adding a healthy element to your time together? Kate Campbell, DPT, RVNAhealth Rehabilitation & Wellness Outpatient Practice Manager and Physical Therapist, recently shared a special “Valentine’s Day-edition” sample exercise program than can be done with a partner.
Why partner exercise? Partner exercise can be a great way to improve your physical and mental health, while also having fun and building a stronger bond with your partner. It drives benefits such as improved motivation and accountability, better results with partner help and encouragement, a boost in mood and mental health, and exercising with a partner can be more fun and enjoyable than exercising alone!
Campbell emphasizes the physical connection aspect of partner exercise. “Any kind of touch — skin to skin, hugging — anything like that does great things for our body. It lowers negative stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine. And it increases your oxytocin levels, which is that bonding hormone that makes moms and babies feel really close together. This in turn stimulates other feel good hormones like dopamine and serotonin and endorphins. Everyone wants those endorphins. It makes you feel good and happy, and it can even reduce pain. All of this can happen in your brain – just by simple touch!”
Checkout Campbell’s partner exercise video sampling here! (Spoiler alert, Kate still looks amazing in her wedding dress!)
In the end, it’s all about getting your body moving and enjoying the enhanced physical and mental health benefits of spending time with another person. And as the spring season and nice weather approach, don’t forget the benefits of a simple walk, hand in hand, of course!
P.S. – Kate would love to see your partner exercise posts on social media (Facebook or Instagram) or via email (kcampbell@rvnahealth.org)!
P.P.S – If you would enjoy receiving weekly communications on fitness topics, such as this, and other nutrition topics, you may subscribe HERE.
