8 Ways to Get Your Blood Pumping This Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems like everyone is gearing up for a day full of heart-shaped chocolates, a glass (or bottle) of red wine, and indulgent dinners with the people they love most. No matter whether you are planning on spending some quality time with a significant other or your very best gal pals, or if you’re flying solo, try to find a moment during the day to nourish your heart.
Taking care of your heart, both emotionally and physically, is essential year-round. Regularly getting your blood pumping helps keep your heart healthy by strengthening the muscle and improving circulation. This Valentine’s Day, show your heart some love and try one of our seven date-night approved activities to get your blood pumping.X
1. Go Hiking
Spending time in the great outdoors does wonders for your health. Before you cozy up with a movie or dinner, squeeze a little adventure into your day and get your body moving on a hike. Exploring a new path offers a break from your day-to-day life and lets you escape somewhere new for a while.
Hiking is an excellent form of exercise because people of all fitness levels can do it. Whether you plan for a quick hour or a whole day excursion, don’t forget to bring plenty of water! Speed up for an extra challenge or take it slow and enjoy the view.
2. Try Ice Skating
If you live in a colder climate, but hiking through the snow doesn’t sound like the perfect afternoon to you, maybe it’s time to channel your inner ice princess at your local skating rink. Not only is it romantic—making your way across the ice, hand-in-hand, holding on to each other for support—but it’s also a great challenge for your muscles and endurance.
Ice skating activates your leg muscles as well as your core for balance. If you’re a natural on the ice, you can even challenge your date to a race around the rink to get in a round of cardio!X
3. Join a Group Exercise Class
Sometimes, finding the time and energy to work out can be difficult when you’re doing it alone. To help get you motivated, try signing up for a group exercise class.
There are so many different types of classes available. You’re sure to find something you enjoy to get your heart working and your endorphins rushing.
If you don’t want to go alone, text your best friends and make a whole afternoon of it! Try a spin, kickboxing, Zumba, pilates, or HIIT class, then make plans for a casual lunch or an afternoon visit to the spa.
To support your body during cardiovascular exercise, try Oligonol® to help promote healthy circulation, reduce fatigue, and support a healthy inflammatory response.*
4. Try Indoor Rock Climbing
If you’re looking for something a bit more challenging this Valentine’s Day, take your relationship to new heights at an indoor rock climbing gym.
Doing an activity together is a great way to reconnect as a couple. Spend time belaying with your partner and exercising your trust, communication, and heart—all at the same time!
Rock climbing isn’t just for committed couples. If your Valentine’s date is also the first date, take the pressure off an overly romantic dinner and break the ice with an afternoon of rock climbing. You’ll make some fun memories together and bond over the shared experience.
5. Take a Long Walk
If getting sweaty on Valentine’s Day doesn’t sound all that lovely, try to find time to go on a walk during your day. Walking is one of the easiest, most straightforward forms of aerobic exercise, and just a 30-minute brisk walk can help improve your health.
A walk can be an excellent time to catch up with friends or take some time for yourself. If you find yourself with some alone-time this Valentine’s Day, consider using a walk to clear your head and think about all of the things and people in your life you are grateful for. You’ll not only get your heart pumping, but you’ll also likely feel more relaxed and less stressed for the rest of the day.
6. Carve Out Some Time for Pleasure!
Maintaining a healthy sex life is not only good for your relationship but good for your health! It can help boost your immune system, ease stress, and improve your quality of sleep. Don’t forget about or overlook this particularly popular blood-pumping activity on the holiday of love.
Sexual activity is considered to be a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise that helps strengthen your heart and lower your risk of some heart-related issues. If you can’t go on a hike or try a new exercise class with your partner, you can count lovemaking as your exercise for the day (but plan to get back to your regular exercise program tomorrow).
If you or your partner are looking for some natural support in the bedroom, Satisfide® can help enhance sexual performance, satisfaction, and desire.*
7. Dance the Night Away
Dancing is one of the most fun and freeing ways you can move your body and get your heart pumping. If you’re looking for an activity that will help boost your mood and get rid of stress, then make dancing part of your Valentine’s Day plans.
Besides improving your cardiovascular endurance, dancing increases muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. Whether you are looking forward to a night on the town with your friends or a party with one, don’t hesitate to put on your favorite song and get moving!
8. Find What Works for You
Improving your cardiovascular health doesn’t have to be complicated, and there isn’t one right way to get your blood pumping. The important thing is to find something you can consistently stick with and even look forward to!
If you haven’t found something you love yet, maybe take a chance and try something new this upcoming holiday. No matter what Valentine’s Day has in store for you, set aside some time to give your heart the love it deserves.
