Forget couples therapy or grand romantic gestures; scientists suggest that working out together could be a key to a successful marriage. A recent study indicates that couples who exercise with their spouses experience improved communication, stronger conflict resolution skills, and reduced marital stress.
The research, which analyzed survey data from nearly 1,700 young married couples, compared the relationship effects of individual workouts versus physical activity performed jointly. While both types of exercise were associated with healthier marriages, those who exercised together reported more positive partnerships.
Hiking emerged as an activity with a particularly positive effect on relationships, as it offers ample opportunities for conversation, according to researchers. Professor Jeremy Yorgason from Brigham Young University noted that conjoint exercise facilitates conflict resolution peacefully and leads to more positive outcomes in communication.
The study, published in the journal Family Relations, also revealed that a relatively small proportion of couples engage in exercise as a team. Approximately 60 percent of husbands and wives in the sample reported exercising, but only about a third did so together. This means nearly half of individuals who exercise are not doing so with their spouse.
While the impact may not be overwhelmingly large, it is consistent, suggesting a meaningful influence on relationships. Previous research has also shown benefits for couples who spend leisure time together, but exercising jointly provides dedicated time for conversation.
Co-author Ashlyn Hiatt Mildenhall highlighted that exercise had the most significant impact on communication among the outcomes studied. Walking was identified as the most frequently reported shared exercise, indicating that couples do not need costly gym memberships or elaborate home equipment to gain potential relationship benefits.
Beyond communication, couples who exercised together reported better listening skills and a greater sense of being heard and supported by their partners. These interactions may contribute to the observed association between shared exercise and healthier communication and conflict resolution.
However, the research team cautions that shared exercise is not a panacea for relationship challenges. For many young couples, particularly those with children, finding time for joint workouts may require intentional planning. Nevertheless, conjoint exercise is presented as one of many healthy habits that families can adopt to create regular opportunities for connection amidst the demands of daily life, school, and parenting.