Sweat Together, Stay Together: 10 Sports to Do As a Couple

Playing a sport is fun, but it’s more enjoyable when you have your significant other on your side. Sports let you turn physical activities into bonding sessions, strengthening your relationship and body. Explore 10 couple sports to try together so you stay happy and healthy together.

1. Running

Running is all the rage today, and for good reason. It’s accessible and fun and can help strengthen relationships while keeping you fit. You may have different endurance levels and speeds, but the good thing about running is that you can easily find a middle ground. You can alternate between slower and faster days and join fun runs together. 

Take advantage of the weekend to explore new routes outside your area. It’s an excellent excuse to travel somewhere new and stay fit.

2. Tennis

Consider tennis if you and your partner already play pickleball and want something more challenging. It’s a fun sport that can turn into a fun date activity. To keep things interesting, try playing singles, doubles or mixed doubles. Gear is essential in tennis, so expect to shell out money for a racket, a good pair of tennis shoes and a chic outfit.

Take classes together, beat each other and practice until you brush up on your skills. Many beginners fail to learn a basic forehand and how to grip the racket correctly, so ensure to take classes tackling those.

3. Pickleball

Pickleball is one of the most popular sports of this generation. To play this exciting sport, you need only a paddle, a ball and a partner. While it can be played indoors, we recommend heading outside to enjoy the sun’s and nature’s benefits. Once you master the basics, you can play as a duo, against your family or friends.

Remember you’re on the same team. Play to each other’s strengths and avoid the blame game. For instance, if your partner has quicker reflexes, let them take more volleys at the net. If you perform serves better, set up points around it. Embrace and celebrate your strengths, and maybe find time to hone each other’s weaknesses.

4. HYROX

HYROX is one of the most competitive couple sports. It’s a fitness race that combines functional workout stations and running. It consists of four main categories — running, rowing, functional strength training and obstacle challenges. Unlike conventional gym training, this provides a customizable environment where you and your partner can adjust your routines to meet your goals.

A caveat — only consider this activity if you and your significant other have the resources and dedication to train. According to HYROX Doubles world champion Jake Dearden, the entry level is low because it doesn’t require lots of skills compared to other sports. 

6. Rock Climbing

Rock climbing is an extreme sport for adventurous couples to try. It’s ideal for any fitness level, but unless you or your significant other has bad knees, you may want to consult your doctor before engaging in this activity. It’s a unique sport — talk about automatic bragging rights! Plus, it’ll help you be more mindful of your partner’s abilities and mental limits.

You and your partner can join a climbing group to learn tips and make new friends. Try it indoors first before you brave the great outdoors. This can help build the confidence you’ll need once you’re out in the open.

5. Badminton

Badminton is another racket sport ideal for a friendly competitive spirit. It’s one of the most enjoyable sports to play as a couple because the rules are easy to grasp. You can play singles or doubles if you want to flex your teamwork. 

Aside from the basics, learn simple strategies to help boost your performance. For instance, when you’re side by side in a court, a defensive position will ensure you play more shots, increasing your chances of winning. There’s more to badminton than passing the shuttlecock to the other side of the net — make time for learning fun strategies together.

7. Cycling

Whether you love leg days or want more toned legs, cycling is the ideal couple sport for you and your partner. It’s a low-impact exercise that provides massive health benefits. Try it if you love the outdoors but think running isn’t for you. A good gear is key, but there’s no need to invest in expensive equipment.

Find common ground in your goals, whether fitness or purely recreational. Scour the area for safe routes and ask your cycling friends for recommendations. For added fun, consider a tandem bike.

8. Dancing

Contrary to popular belief, dancing is a well-loved sport, perfect for couples wanting to merge fun and fitness. Imagine grooving to your favorite tunes or learning a specific dance style together, then practicing what you learned at home. It’s the perfect way to strengthen your bond and find what you love together.

You can attend online or in-person dance classes. Research various genres, such as ballet, hip-hop, contemporary or something more classic, like salsa. The best part? You can take videos and upload them online to inspire other couples!

9. Martial Arts

Combat sports can be intimidating, especially to women. It’s usually a male-dominated sport, but practicing it with a partner makes the experience more comfortable. Martial arts will help you and your partner unleash your inner warriors. It’s not just a sport, but a space to learn self-defense skills.

One unique example is the Krav Maga — one of the most recently established martial arts that teaches you how to survive real-life threats. There are also the classics like Muay Thai, Taekwondo and boxing.

10. Slacklining

We’re ending this roundup with something unexpected. If you and your partner are the type of couple always game for any adventure, add slacklining to your bucket list. It’s a good core workout and highly challenging, so many think it’s only for the cool kids. Plus, it offers promising health results, such as better posture and balance.  

Get a two-inch line and practice it with your partner. It’s the most approachable line for beginners. You can also join a slacklining group to get tips and tricks.

Stay Active and Happy Together With These Couple Sports

Limit the usual movie and dinner dates and start getting more exercise together. These 10 sports are great for couples who want to challenge themselves, unleash their competitive spirit and practice collaboration. Which sport are you most excited to try with your partner?