Give Your Valentine the Gift of Health this Year!

This year, Americans will spend approximately $2 billion on candy gifts for the special Valentines in their lives. That’s good news for the chocolate industry, but not so much for the country’s collective waistline.  If you’re looking for a non-traditional gift for your special someone, we recommend giving the gift of health this Valentine's!

Staying fit and healthy with your Valentine is one of the most loving gifts you can give, as it maximizes your time spent together for years to come.  With that in mind, here are five great ways you can not only spend quality time with those you love, but also improve your health at the same time:

1. A Bike Ride for Two
Whether you have a bicycle built for two or two bicycles built for one, there really isn’t much that can compare with the feel of an early morning ride outdoors with the wind in your faces. If the weather permits, you can even bike to a scenic picnic spot and enjoy even more time outdoors together.  

2. Hit the Trails
It might seem simple, but taking your loved one on a nice hike is a great way to spend the day together! Depending on your preference, you can make this as strenuous or mild as you like. If you can, identify a trail that leads to scenic overlook or waterfall for an added dose of romance.  If weather is an issue, however, a trip to one of the various rock climbing facilities could also be just what Cupid ordered!  

3. Massage or spa treatment
A good way to help your significant other relax and achieve overall wellness is by treating him or her to a luxurious day at the spa. In fact, studies show that massages work to relieve stress and lower blood pressure! So, why not book a couple's spa treatment for you and your Valentine both to relax and reduce stress together!  

4. Personal trainer sessions
If your Valentine isn’t a serious athlete but still takes workouts seriously, a few personal training sessions can be the perfect thoughtful gift.  You don’t even need to register for a long-term commitment here. Just three to five sessions with a professional can be enough to learn some new moves and tips about how to make the most of workouts.  Now, that’s the gift that keeps on giving!

5. Cooking classes
Rather than heading to a fancy restaurant for a Valentine’s Day dinner date, why not sign up for a healthy cooking class instead? Not only will you be able to indulge in a healthier option that you don't have to regret, but it’s also something that you can continue to do after the holiday ends.  Plus, learning something new as a couple can help strengthen your relationship, and new experiences help solidify your bond as a couple!

Hopefully one of these ideas will help you celebrate a healthful Valentine’s Day. If you have more ideas on how you can celebrate a healthy Valentine’s Day, we'd love to hear your thoughts by leaving a comment below!  

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