Local things to do to celebrate Valentine’s Day - while getting a workout

Indigo Yoga is one of several local yoga studios offering partner yoga classes to celebrate Valentine's Day - CONTRIBUTED

Indigo Yoga is one of several local yoga studios offering partner yoga classes to celebrate Valentine's Day - CONTRIBUTED

Chocolates and flowers are traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, but working out with someone special can be good for the heart — literally and figuratively.

Research has shown that exercising with a romantic partner can improve mood and increase relationship satisfaction. And exercising with a friend or partner can increase motivation and accountability.

Practicing yoga can be an ideal way to improve closeness. Partner yoga is about more than perfecting poses, it’s a practice that encourages collaboration, mindfulness, and shared experience.

“In couple’s yoga, you and your partner can enjoy interactive poses together, making it a fun and engaging way to connect,” said Devon Schmidt of Day Yoga. “It’s suitable for beginners, requiring no prior experience, making it the perfect way to introduce your loved ones to yoga.”

If yoga isn’t the way to your heart, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate your sweetheart and burn calories.

The MetroParks Ice Rink has expanded their Valentine’s and Galentine’s Day offerings in recent years.

“The MetroParks Ice Rink is a place you not only can come to recreate, but also a place you can come to celebrate,” said MyKaelah Mercer, RiverScape manager. “Most people think of us around the typical holidays — such as Christmas and New Year’s — for their winter outings. However, since the MetroParks Ice Rink is open daily through the end of February, we love to encourage everyone to continue spending time outdoors and, on the ice, well beyond that, including with their loved ones to celebrate Valentine’s Day.”

And if you would rather spend time with your four-legged sweetheart, there is even a Valentine’s themed Centerville-Washington Park District hike designed for people and their pups.

THINGS TO DO - VALENTINE’S EDITION

Indigo Yoga

What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a friend or loved one with partner yoga. The practices in this workshop will help you become connected to your breath and movement with accessible and fun partner yoga poses.

When: 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Indigo Yoga, 3979 Indian Ripple Road, Beavercreek

Info: Visit https://indigoyogadayton.com.

Day Yoga

What: Whether you’re with a friend, family member, or significant other, this session will guide you through strengthening, stretching, and healing your body together. Learn how mutual support can deepen your practice and enhance your connection in every pose.

When: 7:15-8:30 p.m. Feb. 14

Where: Day Yoga, 1100 Brown St., Dayton

Info: Visit https://dayyogastudio.com

Ignite Yoga

What: A heart-opening partner yoga workshop designed to deepen connection, cultivate trust, and enhance communication – whether you’re coming with a loved one, friend, or a family member.

When:3:30-5 p.m. Feb. 15

Where: Ignite Yoga, 669 Miamisburg Centerville Road, Centerville

Info: https://igniteyogadayton.com

Galentine’s Day Skate

What: Rock out to a little girl power while you skate with your bestie at the MetroParks Ice Rink. The Galentine’s Day Special includes half off admission and skate rental. The RiverScape Cafe will be open, and skaters can also relax in the heated comfort tent.

When: 4-7 p.m. Feb. 13

Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton

Info: Visit www.metroparks.org

Five Rivers MetroParks is offering the Sweetheart Skate special throughout Valentine's Day weekend - CONTRIBUTED

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

Sweetheart Skate

What: Listen to some classic love songs while you skate with your sweetie at the MetroParks Ice Rink. The Sweetheart Skate Special includes two rink admissions with skate rental, two cups of hot cocoa, and a box of Winans Chocolates for $20.

When: The Sweetheart Skate special is offered 4-10 p.m. Feb. 14, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 15 and 1-5 p.m. Feb. 16.

Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton

Info: Visit metroparks.org

I Wuff You Valentine Hike

What: Centerville-Washington Park District is offering a self-guided hike through Bill Yeck Park’s trails. You and your pup will be pampered with special treats along the way as you visit stations meant to show your dog how much they mean to you. Pets must be leashed at all times.

When: Participants are welcome between 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The final time to start the hike is 1:30 p.m. Feb. 15.

Where: Bill Yeck Park, Smith House Entrance 2230 E. Centerville Station Road

Info: Visit https://cwpd.recdesk.com

The Centerville-Washington Park District is celebrating the season with the "I Wuff You Valentine Hike." - CONTRIBUTED

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