When I first met Kate we immediately hit it off.
We met at a local restaurant to grab a bite to eat. We chatted idly, swapped stories and all of a sudden, three hours had passed. I hadn’t experienced anything like this on a first date before. I was smitten.
I was also wary. Given my rather limited (read: non-existent) dating experience, I wasn’t sure what to think. The little experience I did have wasn’t exactly stellar. Was this simply a good first date? Or was it the start of something more?
For our third date the following weekend, we met at a nearby forest preserve for a run. I’m not sure who made the suggestion, so I’ll just take half the credit. We met, exchanged pleasantries, and hit the trail.
5.7 miles later, our connection was sealed. The initial chemistry we felt was real.
Almost a year later, we’re still running together. It’s even expanded to hiking, biking, swimming, and paddle boarding.
Here’s why a workout is an excellent date* idea.
*One quick suggestion: don’t plan a fitness date as a first date. Try for date three or four. By then, you see the potential with this person. You’ve had a few opportunities to qualify them, and the possibility of a relationship excites you.
1. Attraction is high
We find others more attractive during a workout.
When we exercise, the brain releases endorphins, chemicals known to trigger the release of sex hormones like norepinephrine, which act as mood enhancers.
Working out literally puts you in the mood.
Combined with some flattering attire and proper personal hygiene (it is a date after all) you’ve got all the makings to start a fire.
And rest assured, if you feel this way, so do they.
2. You learn a lot about each other
Life moves at 1.25x speed during physical activity. You think, act and especially talk more quickly.
As we ran through the soggy mud, Kate and I talked about everything under the sun, from news, sports and food to our shared interests in music and movies. The chatter was fast and furious.
It’s easy to learn about someone when you talk to them. Especially early on. You haven’t developed a sixth sense for that person yet, slight nuances and mannerisms are easily missed.
So talk then. The environment is well-suited for conversation, especially weighted against a crowded restaurant or bar. Catch up on discussions left unfinished. Ask new questions. Engage in friendly banter.
See what’s underneath.
3. You’re more engaging
Back to living at 1.25x speed.
You’re confident. Deliberate. Firing on all cylinders.
Your energy is higher. It’s been proven that exercise increases energy levels, categorically. Your jokes are funnier. You tell them better, stumbling less over the setup. Your wit is sharper. Your comebacks and retorts are clever and playful, not ill-intentioned or mean-spirited.
Your smile is broader. Your posture is better. You use your whole body to communicate, to flirt, to convey emotion, not just what’s visible above the table.
You’re an enhanced version of yourself.
4. You’re smarter
Exercise makes you smarter. Really.
It comes down to increased oxygen levels in the brain leading to faster, stronger, more accurate input and output.
You’ve experienced this anecdotally plenty of times — recall your mental state during and after a recent workout. The energy you had, the clarity you felt. It’s like you were awake and alert for the first time all day.
I’m fairly certain you don’t need a list of reasons why being smarter is an advantage in this situation, given that being smarter is an advantage in every situation.
The one reason worth pointing out — comprehension skyrockets. I retain and have access to stored information at a much greater level during exercise.
People love when you remember subtle details about them, especially when you can seamlessly weave them into conversation.
5. Workout motivation goes up
Planning a date around exercise will work wonders for boosting workout motivation. Both in terms of you making it to the workout and your motivation throughout.
You want to put your best foot forward. You want to show them what you’ve got. You want to demonstrate commitment, dedication and heart.
And so you’ll work hard.
I was looking forward to my run with Kate for three straight days. There was no way in hell I was going to miss it. I’d have run with a broken leg.
Or at least hobble.
Scott Mayer is a runner, thinker, curious observer and certified personal trainer. Learn more at scottjmayer.com.