By Enitan Sawyerr
What would you do if your Valentine gave you a gym membership or suggested you went out for a run? Most of us would see red! But, once we set our pride aside, we may see that they were only trying to win over our (actual) heart. After all, the heart is just a muscle. Taking an interest in our health and encouraging us to exercise is just as loving and endearing as a card, flowers or perfume. Also, it can’t be co-incidence that February is Healthy Heart month can it? If I take all this into consideration, being given a skipping rope isn’t that out of place.
We all know that exercising has many health benefits. If done with a significant other, it also has a number of relationship benefits! It’s a good way of spending time together. So, in the spirit of love, here are a few couple-friendly exercises tried out by yours truly. If you are solo, there is still a good reason to get moving. Exercise releases endorphins, nature’s very own feel-good molecules and who can say no to that?
Swimming: If it is a full body work-out you are after, then look no further. It tackles everything from toning your arms to burning calories — all without having to pick up a weight or invest in expensive equipment. What’s more, jumping in the pool is always fun and enjoyable. You don’t need to be Michael Phelps to reap the benefits.
Running: I love running. It is a brilliant way to stay in shape. It gets the heart pumping and gives your muscles a good workout. I particularly like the time and space it gives me to clear my mind and think through a problem. When running with a partner or friend, it’s also provides a great opportunity to catch up.
Zumba: Now if running is my first love, Zumba sets my heart alight. It’s so much fun! It’s an upbeat way to dance away the calories and you will be surprised how tired you feel at the end. It can be a bit daunting at first but once you know the dance moves, you are hooked.
Football: Considering my only direct experience with the beautiful game is being a goalie, I’m certainly no expert nor do I find it that interesting. No, my lack of interest has little to do with the fact that I wasn’t very good but more that I didn’t think that standing in goal for 60 minutes with my hands up was much of a work out. However, I must be fair to the ten other players who zip along the field. So, I will rely on what FIFA who says ‘Football, the one passion that unites people of all ages, gender, languages, colour, cultures and religions, may prove a uniquely effective and low-cost tool in the world’s fight for health’. I couldn’t have said it better myself.
This year, I won’t be asking my Valentine for flowers, chocolates or dinner. I’ll be happy with a romantic jog alongside my sweetheart on the Lekki-Ikoyi bridge. Let’s just hope I don’t treat myself to some ice-cream on my way home.
Happy Heart Day!
