Healthy Fun for Valentine’s Day

It’s so easy to use holidays as an excuse to indulge. And while a heart-shaped box of chocolates is a perfectly appropriate indulgence (provided you don’t eat the whole box in one sitting!), why not take the opportunity to make this holiday of love special by getting active? It’s always way more fun to get active with a friend, husband, wife, boyfriend, girlfriend or even one of your kiddos, so give one of these ideas (courtesy of Jazzercise) a shot in honor of Valentine’s Day!

6 Tips for Valentine’s Day Fitness

1. Dance the night away.Judi Sheppard Missett, Jazzercise founder and CEO, suggests dancing with your partner. Learn the salsa, West Coast swing or tango. You’ll burn calories and be a hit at parties! Even just dancing around your living room will be good for the family.

2. Walkin’ the talk. People of all fitness levels can take walks together. In pleasant weather, take a stroll outdoors or a brisk walk if you’re able. If it’s raining or snowing, visit an indoor mall and walk from one end to another, then back again. If you’d rather stay home, try marching in place while talking to each other. You’ll get your heart rate up in no time.

3. Two wheelin’. When the roads are clear, ride bicycles together. It’s a wonderful way to see your neighborhood and take in your surroundings. If you’re adventurous, try a bicycle-built-for-two, but be sure to share pedaling duties.

4. Snow shoeing. In snowy locales, snowshoe together. It’s great exercise and on a full-moon night, it’s quite romantic.

5. Couple up. Invite another couple or two to join you and your beloved for exercise. The more the merrier—and the more games you can play! Think basketball, kick ball or dodge ball. The possibilities are endless!

6. Clean it up. There’s always something to be done around your home, and when you partner up, the task is completed quickly and more enjoyably. You both may work up a sweat, and your house will be spic and span!

Sharing your fitness goals with your loved ones promotes togetherness and may lead to a healthier life for the whole family. And you’ll be able to indulge in those chocolates without guilt on Valentine’s Day! If you want even more ideas, click here for more active dating ideas!—Erin