Fun Date Ideas to Work Out That Valentine's Day Romance

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Valentine's Day falls on a Sunday this year, which makes it the perfect opportunity to shake up your relationship with a date that doesn't involve appetizers and "the same old." Doing an activity together is a really fun way to bond; you'll share some giggles when you see his golf skills aren't actually up to par, some intimate moments when you find a quite desolate spot on your bike trail. Plus there's nothing more rewarding than cuddling with bae after suffering through 14,000 square feet of rock climbing walls, so here are ten active date ideas that are sure to bring you two together in ways that are healthy and fun.

Kayaking

Sculpt a sexy upper body while exploring the waterways of Miami's own tropical Venice, Coral Gables. Rowing works out your biceps, triceps, shoulders and upper back while the rotation of every paddle stroke activates your core. Although there's no better place for a romantic heart to heart than through the canals of The City Beautiful, South Florida also offers tons of kayaking options through Key Biscayne, Oleta, and even the Everglades. Oh, and make sure to pack the bug spray; it's easy to make your own. Adventure Sports Miami, Matheson Hammock, 9610 Old Cutler Road, Coral Gables, FL; (305) 733-1519

Running

Because a couple who marathons together stays together. Buy some new running gear, grab your mate, and hit the road for the ultimate fit date. Explore some of South Florida's best running trails while working on your balance, agility, and endurance. Research from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology shows that couples who train together commit to both a healthy habit and to each other through the shared, dynamic interest.

Rock Climbing

Photo: Shutterstock/bikeriderlondon

Take your romance to new heights, literally. X-Treme Rock Climbing Center of Miami boasts over 14,000 square feet of walls to climb with routes that are as challenging for pros as they are for newbies. A day pass will run you about $16.50, which means there are plenty of funds left over for a post-climb craft beer. It's the ultimate trust-building date, because nothing says "I trust you with my life" like letting someone hold your belay line (also known as the safety rope). X-Treme Rock Climbing Center of Miami, 13972 SW 139 Ct., Miami, FL; (305) 233-6623

CrossFit

Ever heard of CrossFit Cupid? There's a reason so many people tend to couple up at their local CrossFit box. Maybe it's something in the air, or maybe it's the extreme amount of camaraderie. CrossFit workouts will build serious cardio fitness and strength, so up your workout and relationship intensity at a box near you. IMT CrossFit Miami, 12309 SW 131 Ave, Miami, FL; (786) 350-2052

Golf

Forget what you think you know about golf; this is not just an old guy's sport. Get
out and enjoy a gorgeous South Florida day while honing your focus, a valuable trait that will help you get through long conversations about his hobbies. Even if you're not of the 
Country Club variety, Florida is home to more golf courses than any other state in the country and plenty of our local courses are open to the public. Miami Beach Golf Club, 2301 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL; (305) 532-3350

Stand-Up Paddleboard

Photo: Shutterstock/EpicStockMedia

Disconnect from the constant noise of city life and find peace with your date paddling out on sparkling Biscayne Bay. Work those quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core while maintaining stability as you SUP. There are bonus calories burned if you're brave enough to take on the waves of Miami Beach, however Paddle Board 2 Go Miami delivers you a paddle board no matter where you are in town so you can stay calm and paddle on. Paddle Board 2 Go Miami, 485 Brickell Ave., Miami, FL; (800) 518-9072

Cycling

Whether you're a city-slickers or a nature lover, you'll appreciate a pedal date with your better half. Cruise the Miami Beach boardwalk on a CitiBike or explore the Everglades on your own two wheels at the Shark Valley. In addition to burning serious calories and sculpting shapely stems, cycling can actually elevate your mood, relieve anxiety, increase stress resistance, and banish the blues according to Bicycling magazine. On the off chance you're not into nature– a ride at SoulCycle, FlyWheel, or Redbike is always an option. Shark Valley Visitor Center, 36000 SW 8th Street. Miami, FL; (305) 242-7700

Tennis

Photo: Shutterstock/RossHelen

Build teamwork skills as a doubles pair or square off for some healthy competition (and bragging rights) in the game of love. Breaking a sweat with your partner takes the "awkward small talk" out of the date and is totally your chance to a) impress the heck out of him or her with your skills and b) get hella close to each other while you help each other on your serves. Crandon Tennis Center, 7300 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne, FL; (305) 365-2300

Snorkeling

Explore the depths of your relationship with a snorkeling date to John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo. Just an hour's drive from Miami, you and your boo can snorkel right from the shore (it's less than $10 for a rental mask and fins) or set sail on the two and a half hour snorkel boat trip ($29.95) to explore the reefs. There are plenty of great dining options around Key Largo, not to mention tons of shopping ops to treat yourself to when you're done. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, 102601 Overseas Highway (MM 102.5), Key Largo, FL; (305) 451-6300

Yoga

Yoga helps you find your center and your connection, so imagine how intimate it must be when you do it with your boo. Within the world of yoga there are tons of options– hot yoga, yoga with music, aerial yoga, etc.– so you can find a class that's right for you. Plus, all that Downward Dog and Pigeon posing definitely increases flexibility. Need we say more? Green Monkey Yoga, 1430 South Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL; (786) 953-7709