With Valentines Day just around the corner, now would be the perfect time to start planning what you want to buy for your loved one so that by the time Valentines Day comes, you’re not in trouble! ????

But the question always is – what do you get?

Another cheesy heart-shaped box of chocolates?

A traditional bouquet of red roses?

A cliche teddy bear?

Even though everyone likes a little bit (or a lot) of chocolate on Valentines day, wouldn’t it be nice to give something unexpected this year as a surprise?  If you like the sound of that but you’re stuck for ideas – we’ve done the thinking for you, just don’t ask us to write the card too 😉

So here you go, take a break from the ‘cliche’ this Valentine’s day and try one of these 5 Healthy ideas:

1. Take a hike

What about going for a hike around this beautiful area? Getting some fresh air with a nice daytime hike is a great way to spend quality time with your significant other while getting in some good exercise. Especially in Western North Carolina!

Getting outdoors is known to boost your mood as well as energy.

If you’re looking for a weekend-long way to celebrate, turn your hike into a camping trip!

2. Take a Swing At Golf Or Tennis

Whether you and your other half are already pro’s, or if it’s completely new to one or both of you – taking a golf or tennis lesson is a great way to do something active, fun and learn something new together!

Not only is it a fun activity, tennis and golf come with a number of health benefits including improved aerobic fitness and better bone health.

3. Make Your Own Dark Chocolate Fondue

If you are a big fan of chocolate – and I can bet you’d be lying if you said you didn’t look forward to enjoying some on Valentines Day. Who doesn’t? What about when you start dipping fresh fruit in chocolate? Even better. Why not melt some dark chocolate (which is great for you) and cuddle up on the sofa.

This is also completely acceptable to do any other night, alone, or with friends.

4. Go Skiing

Skiing is one of the most fun activities to do during winter – it’s cold outside anyway, so why not?

It’s a great low-impact workout (assuming you skip the moguls and jumps), and is a lot of fun.

Just make sure to warm up before hand as it’s exercise in the cold, and hold onto each other for dear life to prevent any falls – which let’s face it, are likely to happen!

5. A Luxury Massage

Perfect for family women and men, office workers and housewives who deserve a break and some “me” time.

If that sounds like something you’d love to surprise your partner with, our top notch Massage Therapists can help you and you’re loved one de-stress, effortlessly unwind and have all of your tension finally taken care of. Plus, our therapists perform therapeutic massage, not just feel good massage.

You can give us a call at (828) 348-1780 and we’ll get you booked. ????

Enjoy treating your loved one to something different this year!

Christopher Taylor, PT

Chris Taylor is the Founding Physical Therapist at PHYSIO Physical Therapy and Wellness Asheville. He has been voted Best Physical Therapist in Western North Carolina every year by the Mountain XPress Reader Poll. His experience includes being a patient himself which deepens his understanding of each aspect of the rehab process. He has lived and worked in 11 states which contributes to the treatment style he has developed which breaks the mold. Become a better You today! #KeepAshevilleActive