Heart rates are increasing at running clubs with 18% of Brits are looking for love there

Relationship Experts Reveals Why You Should Go On That Date With Your Run Club Crush

·       Data reveals that couples who exercise together have a dramatically lower drop out rate of only 6.3% in 12 months, compared to 43% of couples who train separately.[1]

·    18% of Brits are looking for love at sports and running clubs [2]

·       Fitness professionals and relationships experts have lifted the lid on how working out together can lead to a healthier and happier relationship.

Whether you are more of a Pilates and yoga fanatic, followed by a nice coffee, or are instead working on your fifth Hyrox competition– fitness on the whole is rising across the UK. In terms, of numbers, the fitness industry is expected to grow with estimations of nearly 7.5% annually between now and 2030![3]

As well as improving both physical and mental wellbeing, many people might not realise that working out can improve your relationship! Luckily the team at greetings card marketplace, thortful, has spoken with a range of fitness and relationship experts to get their insight into how fitness improves relationships, especially with 18% of Brits seeking to find a partner at sports clubs.

Why are people looking to form relationships outside of the apps?

According to a Pew Research Centre survey, one in five partnered adults under 30 met on a dating app[3] and more traditional ways of dating such as at work and in the office are falling out of popularity.

Nataly Komova, a certified fitness expert and personal trainer from Its Me and You Clinic offered insight into how she has observed more people looking for fitness focused dating.

“The rise of fitness-focused dating is no surprise to me. I see it as a reaction against the superficiality of online dating. In a gym or running club, you’re witnessing someone’s dedication, resilience, and how they handle challenges. Running clubs, in particular, have become hotspots for romance. I think it’s because running, more than other forms of exercise, strips away pretenses. It’s raw, demanding, and reveals character. Plus, the post-run endorphin rush creates a natural high, making people more open and receptive to connection. It’s a potent mix for sparking romance.”

How staying fit as a couple improves relationships?

There are numerous ways that staying fit as a couple contributes to relationship health, according to experts.

Shared Goals and Achievements

One of the benefits of exploring fitness with your partner is the uncanny ability to weave deeper connections between couples, as engaging in fitness activity showcases our commitment to health, a value many of us hold closely. Annabelle Ndinda, a certified personal trainer at Glowbar LDN commented the following;

“When we work out together, we create shared goals and build trust through mutual support. The dedication and perseverance we exhibit in fitness translate to our relationship, fostering a sense of teamwork and resilience. The moments of triumph, whether it’s hitting a new personal record or finishing a challenging workout, become collective memories that strengthen our bond.”

Deeper Levels of Intimacy

One of the best parts of regular exercise is the transformation it has on our bodies, from toned muscles to flat stomachs, there are plenty of advantages to hitting the gym. Barbara Santini, a sex and relationships expert at Peaches and Screams commented in detail on this increased level of attraction.

“When two people push past limits together, whether through endurance training, weightlifting, or even adventurous activities like rock climbing, they develop a deep, unspoken bond. The brain releases oxytocin, the same chemical that fuels emotional closeness, reinforcing trust and intimacy beyond words.”

“But fitness does more than just create connection. I personally understand that it eliminates the silent killers of relationships such as stress, complacency, and disconnection. Many couples drift apart not because they stop loving each other, but because life’s daily stressors dull the excitement they once shared. Exercise counteracts this. It forces couples into a mindset of growth, resilience, and energy, which translates directly into how they engage with each other emotionally and physically.”

Getting Out and Trying New Things

Fitness can also be an excellent opportunity for couples to get out and try new things, as Eloise Skinner, a registered author and psychotherapist explains;

“Fitness can definitely provide a new shared experience for couples to try together. Research suggests that new experiences can provide an opportunity for bonding, or for bringing us closer together, so a new type of fitness class or activity could provide a great opportunity for connection. We also know that trying innovative or creative activities can extend our perception of time, making our experiences more memorable – so this could be another reason to try it in the context of an intimate relationship, helping us to build strong memories.”