Shared Exercise Strengthens Couples' Relationships
Walking together improves communication and reduces marital stress, study finds
1Exercise benefits beyond health
While walking's physical health benefits like reduced heart disease risk (from just 2,337 daily steps) and better sleep are well-documented, Brigham Young University researchers found it also strengthens relationships. Their study of 1,700 newlyweds revealed couples who exercised together reported better communication and lower marital stress than those who didn't. Walking emerged as the most common shared activity.
2Key study findings
The research published in Family Relations compared solo versus couple workouts across three relationship metrics. While individual exercise helped marriages, joint physical activity showed consistently stronger positive associations. Only about one-third of exercising couples worked out together, despite 60% of participants being active. Professor Jeremy Yorgason notes even small consistent effects can meaningfully influence relationships.
3Communication boost
Co-author Ashlyn Hiatt Mildenhall found exercise impacted communication most significantly among the studied outcomes. Walking's natural conversational opportunities likely contribute to this effect. Couples reported better listening skills and feeling more heard when exercising together. These quality interactions may explain improved conflict resolution observed in the study.
4Walking's unique advantages
Unlike gym workouts requiring equipment or classes, walking provides accessible, distraction-free time for meaningful conversation. Researchers suggest this low-barrier activity creates regular connection opportunities amid busy lives. The study didn't prescribe specific walking durations but emphasized consistency in shared activity rather than intensity.
5Not a cure but a tool
Researchers caution that shared exercise isn't a relationship panacea but a practical strategy to foster connection. Professor Yorgason hopes couples will prioritize regular joint activity, noting dual benefits for physical/mental health and relationship quality. The study adds to evidence that simple, shared habits can significantly impact relational wellbeing over time.