Anyone can pick up a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers, but finding a sweet, heart-healthy activity to share with the one you love is much more impressive, if you ask us.
Here are eight fun and fit ways to spend your Pacific Northwest Valentine’s Day.
Take a Yoga Class
Whether you decide to visit a hot Bikram studio, tackle a higher intensity Vinyasa flow series, or settle into a more relaxing restorative yoga session, you’ll both feel calmer, fitter and sexier by the time you’re finished.
Go for a Flash Run
Slip on something a little more reflective and go on a short moonlit run through your neighborhood (or somewhere else that’s well-lit and safe) with your sweetheart. Finish with a beverage at your favorite juice spot, or sample somewhere new, such as Kure Juice Bar in Portland or JuiceBox in Seattle.
Ride Your Bikes to Dinner
Nothing says I love you in the Northwest more than tipping your hat to exercise and saving the earth all at the same time. Pick a restaurant that’s within a mile or so of where you live (you don’t want to be totally worn out before you eat), without too many hills, and be sure to put lights on the front and back of your bike. You’ll find a good selection at River City Bicycles in Portland and Velo Bike Shop in Seattle.
Walk to Dessert
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying something sweet on Valentine’s Day, but you’ll feel much better about that deliciousness if you exercise a little bit as well. Take a stroll to one of your favorite neighborhood bakeries or ice cream shops (try Salt & Straw in Portland or Molly Moon’s in Seattle, both which source their ingredients locally), after you eat a romantic dinner — holding hands optional.
Sit in a Soaking Pool
If it’s chilly out, head to a nearby soaking pool, such as The Kennedy School in Portland or Ladywell’s Vitality Spa & Sauna in Seattle. Not only will you feel super relaxed, but your skin will feel nice and smooth afterwards.
Hit the Ice
The beautiful thing about ice skating is that nothing seems more romantic, and yet you’re getting an amazing total body workout at the same time. No need to do any triple axels to see those benefits — simply holding hands and skating around in a circle will be just fine.
Get a Spa Treatment
Treat your special someone (and yourself) to a facial, massage or body polish. You can pair up for a couple’s experience, or do individual treatments and meet back up for a glass of bubbly when you’re both all Zen’d out. Opt for a luxurious experience at The Spa at Mt. Hood or the Salish Lodge & Spa in Snoqualmie.
Cook a Healthy Dinner
If you’re both following a healthy eating regimen, maybe try a new Paleo recipe, or perhaps whip up something vegan and delicious. You also can’t go wrong with a tasty, all-natural dish.
Tags: workouts
