With winter right around the corner, you may have already established a cozy — but repetitive — couch and Netflix routine with your significant other. While binge-watching Gilmore Girls is definitely my idea of a great Saturday night, it can get old pretty fast. This year, as the temperatures outside continue to drop, why not heat up your love life with some fun and active dates instead?

Physical activity has all kinds of benefits, ranging from increased flexibility to lower levels of anxiety. Studies have even shown that couples who exercise together report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships!

Although the cold weather can make it harder to be active, there are still plenty of fitness options that can be done during a Saskatoon winter. Here’s a list of my favourite fun and active dates for the snowy season.

1. Break the cycle: if you’ve already put your bikes away for the winter, why not take an indoor cycle class for a spin? A couple of new indoor cycling studios have opened up in Saskatoon this year, including Ryde YXE Cycle Studio and lifeCYCLE Spin Studio. The PAC also offers regular spin classes, the price of which is included in U of S student fees, which is a nice option for the budget-conscious couple.

2. Have a ball: a good old-fashioned snowball fight is a great way to indulge your inner child while also working up a sweat! Plus, you and your partner can determine who the snowball champion is, once and for all — loser buys hot chocolate.

3. Netflix-and-not-chill: if you really insist on staying in and watching TV, mix it up by doing a workout while you watch! Do a burpee every time someone is killed on Game of Thrones, or see who can do the most push-ups during the commercial breaks.

4. Acroyoga: while regular yoga classes are great, Acroyoga adds a fun twist to a workout staple. Acroyoga combines yoga foundations with acrobatics, including many partnered exercises. Workshops are offered at various yoga studios around Saskatoon, so don’t try this at home without some training first!

5. Winter wonderland: even though winter is a pain in the ass sometimes, you’ve got to admit that Saskatoon looks pretty beautiful covered in snow. With Christmas right around the corner, many houses will soon be covered in super pretty lights and decorations. Grab a hot beverage, your partner’s hand and take a stroll around your neighbourhood to look at the lights.

6. Go the extra mile: if you’re in it for the long haul, try training for a charity race or fun run! Although definitely more of an option for those in long-term relationships, training for a five kilometre race or other event is a great way to bond with your partner over shared experiences while also raising money for a great cause.

Charity races in Saskatoon include the Heart Beat Run in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan and the annual U of S Kinspin, which raises money for children’s special needs programs through Recreation Services and the College of Kinesiology.

7. Ride the wave: don’t be afraid to get a little wet sometimes — in the pool, that is. The Lawson Civic Centre in Lawson Heights is home to Saskatoon’s only wave pool. Pretend like you’re on vacation and go for a dip, while ignoring the fact that you’re too broke to afford an actual vacation.

Staying healthy and happy through the winter doesn’t need to be a lot of work. By trying out some of these active dates, you can keep your body and your relationship strong enough to last until spring!

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Emily Klatt

Graphic: Gloria Sun