As it is starting to get warmer here in the valley of Arizona, it is getting harder and harder to be active outside.  Hikes around the city are going to become limited to early mornings and just before dusk.  Walks around the neighborhood will start to happen after the sun goes down.  Around this time of year, my husband and I spend more and more time in the gym together.  It is actually one of his favorite date nights with me.  So here are some tips for a great date night at the gym.

Find A Gym

If you don’t already have a gym membership, this is a great time of year to scout out local gyms.  There are gyms that range anywhere from $10.00 – $40.00 a month, and some that even allow per week or per visit payments.  In addition to big name gyms, you can also try out city rec centers, Cross Fit gyms, and Boxing gyms.  Most gyms will allow you a few visits to make sure the gym is a good fit before you sign a contract.  Just finding the right gym for the two of you can be a series of date nights in itself!  My husband and I tried about 3 gyms before we found the one we both felt at home at.

 

Work Out Together

A lot of couples I see at the gym will come in together, work out separately, and then leave together.  Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with working out separately.  My husband and I have been known to do this when he is training for something specific or if I haven’t been to the gym in a while and need to ease back into it.  But, the purpose of date night is to spend time together, so work out together!  If you two like different styles of working out try meeting in the middle or splitting the workout in half.  For example, if one of you loves weights and the other loves the treadmill, do 20 minutes of weight lifting then 20 minutes on the treadmill.  Or, you guys could try a completely new style of working out or hit a new class at your gym.

 

Post Workout Food

Date night doesn’t have to end at the gym.  An important part of recovery is fueling your body after a workout.  You can go to one of the healthier restaurant options like Chipotle or Salad And Go or even run by your favorite smoothie spot and get those extra protein boosts.  If you don’t feel like sitting in a restaurant smelly after you workout, a lot of places offer a pick up option.  You can order before you cool down/stretch and it will be ready to grab on your way home.

 

Stretch It Out

After workouts, our body tends to get achy as they heal.  Especially if you haven’t been active in a while or if you have been particularly killing it at the gym.  Over the next few days, help stretch each other out and work out any knots they may have.  My husband do this for each other regularly, and it not only gives us more time to spend with each other, but helps with our recovery.

 

Have fun out there finding ways to remain active in this Arizona heat!  Want more date night ideas?  Check out my #DateYourSpouse series.