In need of Active Date Ideas?
Staying active is important at any age. Whether you’re 15, 25, 45, or 85, we can all benefit from a little physical activity in our lives. But staying motivated to keep yourself physically active can be challenging at times – especially with everything that we already have going on in our lives.
That’s why so many people like to workout with a partner. And who better to stay active with than someone you fancy – on a date maybe?
Why Staying Active is so important?
Regular physical activity is essential for so many reasons – we could write a book on it (but that’s already been done!). But to keep things simple, staying physically active is important for your brain health, your body health, and your overall well-being.
Not only can staying active help to manage your weight, but it can also help strengthen your bones and muscles, improve your heart health, reduce your risk of disease, and increase your chances of living longer. It’s also great for your brain, reducing stress, and promoting feelings of happiness and well-being.
On top of all of that, staying active is important for a relationship. Physical activity helps to improve your overall health and makes you feel better about yourself. When you feel better about yourself, you can feel better in your relationship. Physical activity can increase your confidence and happiness, both of which affect your relationship positively.
Why Workout with Your Partner?
There’s so many reasons that working out with your partner is beneficial. Not only are active dates fun, but they also boost your dopamine production, reducing stress and leading to heightened happiness.
If it’s your first date, you may begin to associate these positive feelings you have with your date. That’s why an active date is such a great first date idea. But even if you’ve been together for years, physical activity can help to generate even more positive feelings towards one another and can help to establish a deeper bond than ever before.
Not only that but physical activity with your partner holds you both accountable. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we can often de-prioritize working out. Holding each other accountable will ensure that you stay fit and active, all the while enjoying some quality time together. It’s killing two birds with one stone.
Active Date Ideas
So what do we have planned for you? The good news is, there are active dates for every preference and fitness level. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced athlete, enjoy sports or hate them, there’s lots of ways that you can your date can be active together:
Walking
No one said that you have to run a marathon or be an athlete to be active. Walking for just 30 minutes a day can have health benefits too. Walk around the block, walk through town, or take a walk through a local park.
Running
If you want to pump up the heart rate a little more than walking, go for a run. If you’re not a runner, start slow. Run for 30 seconds and then break. Run a little bit longer each day. Eventually you’ll build up the stamina to run farther than you ever dreamed.
Go to the Gym
If you want to build some muscle, head to the gym with your date. The gym is a great place for couples who have different physical abilities because they can both take their workout at their own pace.
Squash
Squash is a two player racquet sport that is offered at many gyms. If you’re looking for a little bit of friendly competition, squash can be a great way to have fun and be active too.
Join a Class
Fitness classes are not only fun, but they motivate you to workout regularly. If you and your partner are having a difficult time staying motivated, try attending a class where other people can hold you accountable too.
Zumba
Looking for a fun, upbeat workout that you can do together? Join a Zumba class! Zumba is a fitness class that teaches dance moves to salsa and international moves. If hilarious fun is what you’re looking for, Zumba is where it’s at.
Pilates
Pilates is a low impact form of exercise that focuses on toning and strengthening muscles and flexibility. Many gyms offer pilates classes, or you can enjoy it at home within online workout videos.
Yoga
If you and your partner need to destress and relax the mind, yoga is a great way to do that while at the same time getting in a good workout. It’s more relaxed than traditional workouts and is great for couples of all ability levels.
Biking
If you enjoy nature, biking can be a great way to get the benefits of mother nature while at the same time getting in a great workout. Check out some of your local trails, pack a picnic, and stop on route for a healthy snack!
Rollerblading
As an alternative to biking, a lot of people enjoy rollerblading. Again, you can rollerblade through local trails, taking in the scenery as you go.
Dance Party
No one said you had to leave the house to get in a good workout. Toss on some music and dance around the house – it’s a workout you won’t even know is a workout!
Swimming
Head to the beach and jump in the water for some flirty, fun playtime as a couple. Alternatively, you could join an aquafit class together.
Trampoline Park
Ready to feel like a kid again? Plan your date at your local trampoline park to get in a great childhood workout.
Night on the Town
If you don’t feel like hosting your own dance party, head out for an exciting night on the town to dance your cares away.
Sports
Just because it’s a date night doesn’t mean it has to be just the two of you. Get a group together and host a sport! Hockey, soccer, baseball – whatever your heart desires. Sports are great for teamwork between you and your partner (or competition) and are excellent for some active fun.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing is a great active date option as it provides both a physical challenge and a fun opportunity to support and encourage each other. The adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment after reaching the top can also create a bond between partners.
Hiking
Go on a hike together. It’s great way to spend time together, get some exercise, and explore nature. A scenic hike provides a peaceful atmosphere for conversation together.
Ice Skating
A classic date idea that provides both a physical challenge and a fun opportunity for partners to enjoy each other’s company. Holding hands and gliding across the ice can create a romantic and memorable experience.
Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a fun and active way to spend a day at the beach with your partner. A friendly game of beach volleyball can be a great way to bond and have fun together.
Mini Golf
Mini golf is a playful date that allows partners to have a lighthearted competition while enjoying each other’s company.
Yoga
Practicing yoga together is a great way to bond, get some exercise, and enjoy each other’s company. It provides a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere for partners to connect and stretch.
Ziplining
Ziplining is an adventurous date that provides an adrenaline rush and a fun physical challenge. Soaring through the air together can create a sense of excitement and will be a very memorable experience.
Trampoline Park
Jumping and playing together at a trampoline park is a fun and active way to spend time together. It provides a playful atmosphere for partners to bond and have fun.
Pool or Billiards
Playing a game of pool together can be a fun and flirty activity to do together. It allows partners to engage in friendly competition and have fun trying something new.
Horseback Riding
Find a beautiful horse trail and book a trip. A leisurely horseback ride can be a relaxing and intimate experience for partners.
Paintball
Paintball is an active date that can be a fun idea to do together. It provides a fun and exciting challenge for partners to bond over.
Kayaking
Get out on the water and exercise with your partner while kayaking. Paddling down a river or lake together can be a great workout that’s out of the normal routine.
Archery
Test your aim and have a friendly competition while doing some archery.
Surfing
Spending a day at the beach? Why not try hitting the waves with your partner. Learning to surf and catching waves together can be a really fun way to spend some time in the water. See why surfers wax their boards before you head out!
Skateboarding
Another fun and active date idea is to go skateboarding.Show off your skills and learn from each other.
Snowboarding or Skiing
Active dates aren’t just for the summer. Hit the slopes this winter together and shred down the mountain your favorite way.
Park Games
Head to the park and play a fun game of frisbee, kickball, or dodgeball together.
Obstacle Course
Have you ever seen those crazy obstacle courses that show up in your town throughout the year? Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, etc. Sign up for one coming near you, and train together to get ready.
Stand-Up Paddle-boarding (SUP)
One of my new favorite water sports is stand-up paddle-boarding…aka SUP. It’s relaxing, tests your balance and your strength.
Swimming
Take a dip and go for a swim together. If you live near a lake or the ocean, you can swim there. Or head to the local pool for laps, or a leisurely swim.
Kickboxing/Martial Arts/Etc.
Get active together at your gym with a fun kickboxing class or similar. It could be a cool experience to do a new type of workout or sport together.
Who says dates have to be boring? Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply looking for a new way to spend time with your partner, there’s an active date out there for everyone.
So get out there, break a sweat, and have fun!
Not only will you both feel great afterwards, but you’ll also be strengthening your relationship in the process.
And who knows, you might just discover a new favorite hobby for couples that you can enjoy together for years to come.
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.