New research has found that married couples who exercise together communicate better. Researchers Brigham Young University the USA looked the exercise habits and relationships 1,693 young married couples. In particular, the research team focused conflict resolution, the ability to listen to a partner, and the seriousness and frequency marital issues. Study co-author Professor Jeremy Yorgason suggested that exercising together helped couples sort problems "peacefully". He added that the effect was small but significant. He said couples reported better communication and fewer problems when they exercised together.
The researchers compared couples exercising separately couples exercising together. Both individual and shared exercise were associated healthier marriages. However, couples who exercised together were found to be more successful resolving marital problems. Professor Yorgason said: "About 60 per cent husbands and wives the sample said they exercised, but only a third exercised together. That means half the people who exercise are not exercising their spouse." He added that while the impact was not necessarily large, it was very consistent couples. The difference gave him the confidence to say that it was affecting relationships " some meaningful way".
