(Scott Lear/ The Conversation) — Want to spice up your relationship for Valentine’s Day? Or maybe even start a new one off on the right foot? Go on an exercise date.
Exercise has a lot of health benefits and can also result in better connection and attraction among people. Those who exercise report higher satisfaction in their relationships. And this is even stronger for people who exercise with their partners.
Compared to non-exercisers, married people who exercise reported more positive marital events and fewer negative ones.
It’s all about the hormones
When you exercise, your body releases hormones such as endocannabinoids and endorphins. Endocannabinoids work on the reward areas of the brain — the same system affected by marijuana — and improve mood. Endorphins are your body’s natural opioids: the feel-good hormones that block out pain. (…)