When thinking of romantic venues, global hotspots like Bali, Paris, Bermuda or Fiji are often found at the top of the list. Well, as it turns out, an even quicker trip, down the road to the gym, may just be your portal to improved physical and emotional intimacy. In fact, recent studies have shown that working out together side-by-side builds not only bigger muscles, but a much stronger emotional bond.

"In any type of physical activity, endorphins and adrenaline are released, so you'll feel happier," says Stacy Kaiser, a Los Angeles based psychotherapist and the resident advisor on VH1's Celebrity Fit Club, Tyra Banks and Greg Behrendt show. Plus there is an added benefit! Train together, and you'll associate this insta-mood boost (think: runner's high) with your significant other. This, consequently, creates positive associations in your relationship.

Tagging along with- or bringing your partner to the gym also increases the odds that you'll stick with the routine of going to gym for a much longer period of time then training alone. "Everyone who joins the gym has great motivation in the beginning, then they lose it, explains the GM of one of Sandton's most exclusive gyms, "but working out with somebody boosts your attendance and your ability to reach your goals." The gym has actually instituted a two-for-one policy for couples to encourage the trend.

Additionally, a fitness duo doesn't have to mean a high-impact sport or monumental physical goals, like training for a marathon (though it's a double bonus if it does). "Bowling, yoga or even horseback riding are great...anything that allows time for interaction," says Kaiser. The most important point is making the commitment together, and then sticking with it. Below, three couples who are healthy, fit and happy share their intimate workout secrets:

Couple #1: The Knockouts
Glynis and Adam
Age: early 30s
Location: Bryanston, Johannesburg
Glynis and Adam began their training routine in the ring long before they exchanged rings: Every week the couple, who are now excitedly approaching their third wedding anniversary, dons boxing gloves to spar against each other at their training facility. "It definitely relieves the week's stresses," says Glynis, a PR executive. "But it has also brought this whole other dimension into our relationship. If you learn to trust your partner in the ring, you know that that solidarity in trust moves throughout your whole life." Plus another unexpected bonus: Trading blows in the ring bettered their sex life. "The training has brought more passion into our relationship," explains Glynis. "We always have more energy afterwards."

Couple #2: The Charity Cases
Katie and Frank
Age: Late 20s
Location: Green Point, Cape Town
If a better body or a stronger relationship does not motivation you enough to get off that couch, how about sweating for a cause that's much bigger than the two of you? Last summer, Katie and her boyfriend Frank took part in a two-day, 150km charity bike marathon for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where they teamed up in honour of a child. "It's such an exhilarating reward," says Katie. "We raised R3,000 between the two of us!" And the best part, altogether, their team of 30 bikers raised over R200,000. The charity case couple, who have been dating for just over three years now, have started to volunteer at other charity houses and manage new charity bike races as a result. Kaiser applauds this twosomes who take on this "triple hit," as she puts it. "It's companionship, charity, and a workout all in one," she says. Brilliant.

Couple #3: The Committed
Margaret and Dan Zwiren
Age: Mid 60s and 70s respectively
Location: Bloemfontein
This endearing couple, Margaret and Dan have found inspiration to live a healthier lifestyle because of each other. In fact, they're so dedicated to their gym routine, they endure a 40-minute routine three times a week, both admitting that they probably wouldn't do it without the other. "Training together really brings you closer together as a couple," says Dan, who convinced his wife to join the club years ago as a Mother's Day gift. "I really admire her progress; she's really motivated to go, and sometimes it is difficult to keep up with her" he adds.

Training and working out together as a couple is definitely one routine that can actually make a relationship sexier and healthier, and all you have to lose are those love handles!