Last updated : Monday, May 11, 2009

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The Exercise Date

Young couple at the Beach.

With the exception of minor things like a two-front war, out-of-control healthcare costs, crumbling infrastructure, a nasty addiction to dwindling fossil fuels and a somewhat less sanguine global outlook, the biggest problems most Americans face are obesity and a cash crunch.

Here is a fun relationship suggestion that's easy on the wallet and your waist: exercise.

First of all, exercise is a virtual panacea. Per research that I have no way of substantiating, sedentary lifestyles cause more deaths than smoking. A little exercise (say, sweating 3 times per week for 20 to 30 minutes per session) can have immediate results. Old wisdom says you feel the results (in terms of increased energy, decreased lethargy) in weeks and see results (if you're looking at my gut, I'm working on it) in a month.

Now you may be wondering, "How does this make dating more awesome?" Many therapists (of all specialties) refuse to see clients unless they agree to begin a regular exercise regimen. The chemo-emotional aspect is well documented (endorphins and whatnot) and the effects of even a small physical transformation are impossible to miss. Looking good and feeling good go a long way towards making stuff work, relationships-wise.

Now you may be thinking, "OK, but how do I do this as a date?" Well, while going to the gym as an early date (or, heaven forbid, meeting there) is a little uncomfortable; there are other ways to exercise. A walk-jog through a scenic area is pretty good, especially if you can keep a pace that allows you to talk. It gets a little trickier if you're not into jogging but you can substitute swimming, ice-skating or ball sports (weather-permitting), if you want to keep it free.

But what if I don't like outdoor stuff? Good question. Options multiply like mogwai in a downpour if you're willing to spend a little money. Almost every city has a subsidized gym or community center (or a YMCA). Memberships there are free or incredibly cheap.

Instead of going for a picnic (do people still do that?), try elevating that heart rate on your next date. And if things work out, you may get a chance to wrestle and/ or conserve shower water as part of your cool down.

Written by Tom Miller, yourtango.com

For more from YourTango:

If We Stop Kissing, Then Swine Flu Wins

Do Yoga, Improve Your Sex Life

Head Over Meals: How Love Makes You Fat

For more dating advice click on iMag's Love Section.

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