Fitness date ideas that are actually fun

Why a fitness date works

Good fitness date ideas have one thing in common: you're doing something side by side instead of staring at each other across a table. It's easier to talk, there's less pressure, and you learn a lot about someone by watching them try a burpee. And afterward you've earned the food.

These ideas work for a first date, a tenth date or a married couple who just wants a better Saturday.

1. Play doubles pickleball

Pickleball is easy to learn and you can talk while you play. Better yet, sign up for a tournament as a team of two. Our breast cancer pickleball tournament, Pickle in Pink, is played in doubles, raises money for a good cause and has a social around it. Wear pink.

2. Take a class together, then eat

Pick a class neither of you has tried. Boxing, dance, Pilates. Being a little bad at something together is a great icebreaker. Then go get brunch. A lot of our fitness pop-up events do this for you, with a class followed by a social part like brunch.

3. Go outdoors at sunset

An outdoor mat class by the water at sunset is about as nice as a date gets. In Chicago we've run Sunset Sculpt at Theater on the Lake and Pilates by Buckingham Fountain. See our outdoor Pilates events.

4. Spend a day at a wellness festival

A festival is basically a theme park for people who like to move. Take a few classes, walk the vendor village, do the run, share a snack on the grass. It's a full day, so it works best once you're past the awkward stage.

5. Try a sauna or recovery night

Low effort, high reward. Heat, breathwork, a bit of stretching. Quieter than a bar and you'll both sleep well.

6. Cheer at a competition

You don't both have to compete. Go watch a team fitness competition together, pick a team to root for and get loud.

7. Dress up for a fight night

Want something fancier? A black-tie charity fight night is a story you'll tell for years. In Chicago, Rebels for a Cause puts people from the city's hospitality scene in the ring after three months of training, in front of a black-tie crowd.

8. Do a free class first

Not sure yet? Keep it simple and cheap. A free outdoor class in the morning, coffee after. If it goes well, you have a second date idea ready.

Tips for a good fitness date

• Pick something neither of you is great at. It keeps it fun.
• Keep it short the first time. A one hour class beats a full day.
• Plan the after. Food, coffee, a walk. That's where the talking happens.
• Don't coach. Nobody wants a date who corrects their form.

Find a date for your date

Everything above shows up on our events calendar when it's on. Pick one, send the link, and see if they say yes.

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