We all know that exercise is good for us. But, did you know that it was also good for your relationship? Science shows us that when we exercise our bodies release hormones and brain chemicals that increase our energy levels, our self-confidence and our libidos.

If you or your partners exercise regularly, the benefits will include better self-image and more confidence in all relationships (friends, work, family as well as marriage).

The benefits include having more stamina, being able to ward off illness and living longer. When you start to see positive physical changes, you begin feel more attractive, which is a confidence booster as well as a catalyst to increased libido.

So, let’s say both you and your partner exercise regularly. That’s going to really help your relationship… that is, if you can scratch out time together to enjoy the new-found benefits.  Couples that workout show that they respect their relationship by taking care of themselves.

Now, if you take it one step further and exercise together as a couple, the above benefits remain, and a whole new slew of them also crop up. Couples tell me all the time, “We want to stay healthy and we want to spend time together, but we’re just too busy. We have trouble finding time to do both.” My response: exercise together. When you share physical activity with your partner, you are spending quality time together, as well as sharing an experience.

Exercising with your partner doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hit the gym or do a Jeanette Jenkins dvd together. The thing is, though, you need to make it fun and not such a competition that you lose the benefits you get as a couple. So, that may mean finding a middle ground.

Many men like contact sports and lifting weights, whereas many women find Pilates, yoga and running more their speed. I say, find something you either can enjoy, or flip flop. Show him the beauty of Downward Dog. Then, show her how to shoot a free-throw.

Other benefits of exercising with your partner include the encouragement factor. Studies show that individuals that exercise with their partners stick to their work-out regime better than those who exercise alone. And, who better to be in your corner on those days when you just want to stay in bed than the person you share that bed with?

Another benefit is that couples that “play” together outside of the bedroom have better sexual relations in the bedroom. The exercise releases endorphins and chemicals that reduce stress and tension, and that allow us to more easily transition to physical intimacy. Exercise can make you feel more confident in your own body which correlates to self-confidence. And when you notice your partner’s changing body that can trigger a sexual response within you. On that same note, strength training has been shown to enhance arousal for at least two hours AFTER the work-out.

Just be sure to schedule your activity time together. Don’t assume your partner can fit in exercise that fits your schedule without planning it out first. Planning will reduce stress, unnecessary arguments and will make the experience that much more pleasurable. Now, go sweat!

Find out more great things about doing things together in my latest book “Learning to Protect Your Marriage”