
Having a workout buddy can help establish and maintain a good exercise routine. A new study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found people are even more successful in reaching their health goals if they exercise with their romantic partner. Northern Virginia cardiologist Ameya Kulkarni, MD, spoke with WJLA about the findings.
Researchers looked at how joint exercise influenced the workout and relationship satisfaction. Couples in the study reported better workouts, better overall days and were more satisfied with their relationship after they exercised with their partner compared to days when they exercised alone, researchers said.
“It’s not just the partnership and the accountability, I think it’s actually being with somebody that you care about when you’re doing this activity that makes it more fun,” Dr. Kulkarni said.
Exercising doesn’t necessarily mean a trip to the gym, Dr. Kulkarni explained.
“It can be any activity that gets your heart rate 30 percent above its baseline,” he said. “So, if you’re doing a brisk walk, that works. Walking the dog for half an hour, as long as its brisk…that’s a great activity to do with your partner.”
Learn more heart health tips from Dr. Kulkarni and other award-winning cardiologists at Kaiser Permanente.