How to Keep Your Valentine’s Day Hot, Sultry, and Healthy!

Every year, millions flock to the corner store bodega for last-minute flowers and chocolates to help keep the passion going on Valentine’s Day. That may work in a pinch, but a much better strategy is to keep your physical well-being in the best possible condition when date night rolls around.

You don’t need to be some Olympic athlete with washboard abs and a waistline that matches. However, boosting February 14th with some healthy-looking skin, plenty of energy to make it through the day, and a bit of strength or flexibility to fit into your best come hither outfit certainly goes a long way to keeping the night going.

The good news is you can invite your “my valentine” along for your healthy journey. Be a little spontaneous and think outside the box. Infusing a little fitness into your annual celebration of love helps couples create new memories they can share for years.

In this article, let’s review some easy-to-follow tips for making your Valentine’s Day fitness-friendly!

Before the lights get low, ramp up your endorphins naturally with some quality outdoor activities. Take your partner on a scene straight from any Valentine movie or rom-com.

Try a local hike with a packed picnic lunch. Go for a bike ride to your favorite “spot” where you first kissed or had a magical afternoon. Even better, sign up for a yoga class, dance session, or some other physical activity that gets you moving.

As you sweat together, you are actively sharing a moment of exhaustion that doesn’t involve the bedroom. This builds up anticipation and allows you to have fun at the same time. Over 94% of couples that exercise together stick to their fitness plans.

Working out together increases happiness in your relationships. You are putting out more energy because of the presence of your partner. Seeing them look back at you while you lift heavy weights, stretch in new ways, or physically change how you act around the house is intoxicating.

Don't forget a gym session as you plan your date night for Valentine’s Day. If this isn't your regular routine, it might be a little strange at first, so make an event out of it instead. Go with a workout session that involves your partner.

Structure your couple’s workout so every exercise has some physical touch. For example:

• Facing jumping jacks: begin with feet together and arms at sides as you stand facing one another. Jump and spread your legs shoulder-width apart while simultaneously lifting your arms overhead as if to clap them together. As you jump again, return your body to the starting position. The goal is maintaining eye contact and synchronization with your partner as you face one another. 
• Back-back-squat holds with medicine balls: each of you squat with your backs holding the other up. As you hold your squat, twist your torso to pass a medicine ball to the other person. The same is repeated on both sides until a great rhythm engages your core, legs, and glutes. Some couples will sing a short song while completing the exercise to build that rhythm. 
• Push-up high fives: face one another in the “push-up” position so you are close enough to touch hands but far enough away to complete the technique. You want your hands shoulder-width apart and your body straight from heels to head. At the top of the push-up, lift your opposite hands (one partner on the right, the other on the left) and reach across to give a high five. Not only do you need to coordinate your movement, but you develop fantastic balance and control. 

There are also ideas like medicine ball crunch passes, side-by-side mountain climbers, and burpee bonding, but you get the idea. The point is to build more anticipation by physically including your partner in a valentine movie moment in the gym.

Healthy Valentine’s Day treats don’t have to come in prepackaged groceries. Plenty of healthy alternatives to the stereotypical box of chocolates show you are going the extra mile. Innovative treats show you want to create a fun atmosphere for playing in the kitchen. Try:

• Prepare Yogurt Mixture: Mix the Greek yogurt in a bowl with a bit of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it slightly. Add some red or pink natural food coloring for extra spice.
• Dip Pretzels: Dip each pretzel into the yogurt mixture, covering half or the entire pretzel, depending on your preference. Be sure to get an Insta-worthy picture of the two of you during this process.
• Decorate: While the yogurt is still wet, decorate with sprinkles or crushed nuts if desired. For a healthier option, consider using chia seeds, flaxseeds, or dried fruit bits for decoration.
• Enjoy: You can eat the pretzels directly or freeze them for later on in the evening.

For this treat, you’ll need the following:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• ¼ cup chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• Optional: extra raspberries for topping, mint leaves, or shredded coconut

Mix the pudding by combining the almond milk, chia seeds, honey (maple syrup), and vanilla. Stir and let sit for around 5 minutes. Add the raspberries with a fork so the juices are released. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours, then serve it with your favorite toppings.

There are many other ideas, like Black Bean Lava Cakes or Gluten Free Pop Tarts. The goal is to create an inviting space where writing “my valentine” on your freshly made pop tart is a sense of accomplishment together. You are sharing a moment. It allows you to enjoy one another’s company and, maybe, start Valentine’s Day flirting a little earlier!

Your goal is to give something health and fitness-related so it empowers your partner, not shame them. For example, if they have been talking about how they need to increase the weight of their kettlebells – perfect! You can grab a pair.

If they mention how they wish to get in their daily steps or stand more than sit at their desk, go for our Redliro Walking Pad features. This demonstrates that you are thinking about them, care about their health, and support their fitness journey.

Other great fitness gifts include:

• Yoga Mat with Alignment Lines
• Smart Water Bottle
• Resistance Band Set
• Fitness Tracker or Smartwatch
• Subscription to a Meditation or Yoga App
• Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
• Wireless Earbuds for Workouts
• Personal Training Sessions Voucher

The point is that you are giving empathy and care to your partner. Ask them to make it a “couple’s gift.” This takes the pressure off them by showing you want to participate actively in getting healthy together.

Swimming for at least 30 minutes three times a week helps boost your energy for other activities. Not only that, but it wakes up your body. This is a fun, highly physical activity to do together. It gets you out of your comfort zone a little, so you feel more bonded when date night rolls around.

Couple this activity with a private spa night at home. Writing my valentine on a gluten-free cookie will be just the beginning. Set up an evening of fun with:

• Aromatic candles or essential oil diffusers
• Bath bombs or Epsom salts
• Soft, plush towels or bathrobes
• Face masks or natural facial treatments
• Moisturizing lotions or body oils
• Relaxing music playlist
• Herbal teas or infused water
• Exfoliating body scrub
• Comfortable slippers
• Mood lighting or dimmable lights

Do not forget the valentine movie! Enjoying a romantic comedy or any other film that celebrates love (or your unique couple’s personality) is a great way to relax after your workout, enjoy your spa evening, and get to know one another a little better.