The Pefect Date? Yoga & Dinner

Lets jump right in because the title gives it all away...my opinion of the best date ever? Surprise, surprise, it's a yoga class (followed by dinner, of course). But seriously, it is. What did I ask Ben to do with me last Valentine's Day? Come to my favorite yoga class with me. What's our favorite way to spend a Friday night? Yoga & then dinner out (or in, doesn't really matter). It's so simple, yet it's the perfect recipe for relaxation, happiness, and closeness.

As someone who practices on my own all the time (and really likes to do so!), it can be a fun treat to practice next to Ben--or a friend--who I don't usually practice with. It makes the class feel special in a way, and creates this connection with the person next to you. You're moving your bodies in the same way, breathing deeply together, and going through this complete mind, body, and mood-changing practice in unison. For couples who have been together a long time, yoga is great way to do something healthy and different together, and can often create a sense of connection and something new to talk about (how your body felt in a particular pose, what you thought of the reading at the end, etc). For new couples, it's a great way to break the ice--once you've gone through a yoga practice together, sweating, struggling, and breathing deeply--you'll feel a bit closer AND you'll both be extra-relaxed and centered for dinner afterward. I think there's no better way to get in touch with some of the deeper parts of your spirit than through yoga, so why not dig deep before a dinner with someone you're interested in getting to know better? Plus, it tends to make everything feel a little more low-key and less-pressure--and you don't have to worry as much about how you look for the date!

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Photo via powerhouseperformancecoaching.com

Not to be ignored, yoga & dinner is also my favorite "friend date." Again, you get to do something healthy together, and then still have the fun, bonding part of gabbing over delicious food. Plus, after yoga you've really earned the food, but usually crave something healthy and a bit lighter, which is just *slightly* better for the body than gorging on mexican & margaritas (not to say that there isn't a time and a place for this!!!). In my mind, introducing friends to yoga or meeting up with your yoga friends for your favorite class and dinner can't be beat.

Similarly, going off on a bit of a tangent here, I think that for a single, heterosexual guy, going to a yoga class is hands-down the best way to meet women. Forget going out to bars and meeting people while drunk--you're going to meet dozens of gorgeous, healthy, single, smart, got-it-together & got-it-going-on girls at a yoga class.  These are the people you want to be meeting if you're looking for a meaningful relationship, as they're taking the time to take care of their minds, bodies, and spirits while learning to relax and get in touch with who they really are. Sounds great, right? Plus, there are so few guys in yoga classes that the odds are totally stacked. Am I encouraging that random guys go to yoga just for the sake of meeting and ogling girls? No, I'm not (please don't come just to check people out--it will be creepy and people will be turned off!). But, if you're interested in trying yoga, you're a good guy, and you're looking to meet someone to settle down with eventually, starting to frequent a yoga class or studio regularly is a great place to put yourself out there. To dedicated yoginis there's nothing more attractive than a guy who does (or even tries!) to do yoga! Plus, you'll probably find that you truly enjoy the benefits of yoga :)

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Photo via yoga-stretch-and-tell-group.fitsugar.com

In closing, yoga is the best. activity. ever. Do it on your own, do it on date night, do it with a friend, or, to quote Nike, just do it. Your mind and body will thank you.

Agree or disagree? Do you and your significant other do yoga together? What's your experience? I'd love to hear!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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