Get moving to nourish your relationship AND your body!

Let me tell you what never works in my house: “dinner and a movie” date nights.

I first wrote this blog post during the pandemic, when we definitely weren’t hitting up the movie theater. But even before COVID (and now post-pandemic) “dinner and a movie” wasn’t my ideal date. Here’s why:

• I’m not at my best in the evening. I’m typically exhausted and ready to wind down.

• Movies are way more expensive than they were when we were kids. Most of the time, my husband and I prefer to spend our dollars on other things.

• I also really enjoy talking with my husband and that’s kind of frowned upon at the movies.

• Sitting isn’t my ideal way of connecting. And besides, my husband sits most of the day for work and prefers to be more active during his non-working hours.

Instead, I love a date that…

• Happens while the sun is up.

• Involves food AND movement.

• Creates opportunities for conversation (and maybe a little competition at times 😉).

Here’s some of my favorite date ideas from over the years. Hopefully they’ll help you and your partner connect and get moving this Valentine’s Day, and beyond!

01: Hike + Picnic

With a little research and planning, you can probably find a hiking trail or a walking trail nearby. Depending on the length of your walk, plan to stop part way through or at the end for a picnic—that might be a picnic brunch, lunch, or even just an afternoon snack. If you plan to stop and eat part way through your walk, you’ll get the extra benefit of carrying a pack full of food!

02: Play Tourist in Your Hometown

What are the things travelers do when they visit your city? Chances are, you haven’t visited these local landmarks in quite some time! Gear up in your favorite hometown swag (really channel your inner tourist) and head out on a walking tour of the must-see attractions that have been right under your nose.

03: Have a Game Night

Drag out the board games you always pass over in favor of streaming your comfort show. Gather some fun snacks and play on the floor. Floor sitting has loads of benefits and will get you moving in ways chair-sitting won’t. Bonus points if you’re playing Twister.

04: Build a Campfire

Gather wood and kindling from around your yard (lots of bending and squatting!) and build a fire in your fire pit. You can cook over the fire or simply enjoy s’mores and a warm beverage. Just make sure Smoky the Bear would approve of your set up.

05: Play Hide and Seek

Channel your inner child. Chances are, you haven’t put your body in “hiding shapes” in quite some time!

06: Partner Massage

What a better way to connect with your partner and get all kinds of lovely endorphins at the same time! You don’t have to be a professional massage therapist to give compassionate touch to your partner.

There’s plenty of tutorials and demos out there on the web, including on my YouTube channel. Set up a cozy space, maybe light some candles, and then press play. Don’t forget to Be Kind, Rewind at the end of the demo to switch roles!

07: Take a Dance Class

Whether you’re into ballroom, swing, or tango, learning a new dance routine can help you connect, get moving, and have some fun. Plus, you’ll be more confident the next time you cut a rug at a wedding or party.

08: Cooking + Floor Picnic

Spend time with your partner choosing a recipe or two you’d like to try—bonus points if the recipe requires chopping, peeling, grating, or kneading. As much as you can, challenge yourself to do these prep steps manually—without the use of a food processor, bread maker, or some other kitchen gadget.

Food prep can actually require a lot of physical activity and, in that way, cooking the meal will nourish you in more ways than one.

Set up a romantic place on the floor and enjoy a floor picnic. Sitting on the floor will allow you move your parts in different ways than sitting in a chair and adds a bit of novelty and fun. Oh, and don’t forget dessert!

09: Volunteer Together

Sign up to serve at a soup kitchen together, sort cans at the food bank, or help build a house with Habitat for Humanity—because helping others is hot.

10: Try Rock Climbing

Head to your local rock climbing gym and get on the wall. Most gyms have gear available for rent and the staff can even give you a lesson on belaying if you’d like to work together. The act of climbing high will boost your adrenaline and help you connect with your partner. This date will rock. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)

Conclusion

To save money and get moving, think outside the dinner and movie date night box. Venture out together in the morning or afternoon and find ways to be active together. These low-cost, movement-rich date ideas that will nourish your relationship AND your body.

What does your ideal date look like? Do you have a favorite movement-rich date from the past that stands out in your mind? I’d love to hear about it so please share in the comments below!

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