10 tips to add romance to your marriage



Keep the spark alive

Keep the spark alive

Recognized fitness and nutrition expert James Villepigue, author of "The Body Sculpting Bible for Men" and "The Body Sculpting Bible for Women", offers some wonderful ways to heat up your love life!

1. START THE DAY WITH STRAWBERRIES
Colorful and oh-so-romantic, strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, which bolsters the immune system. Serve them with low-fat fruit yogurt and a cup of green tea instead of coffee. Green tea contains powerful blood-thinning agents called flavonoids, which can reduce the risk of dangerous blood clots by 60 percent.


2. TAKE A YOGA CLASS TOGETHER
Yoga refreshes, relaxes and restores. It increases strength and flexibility. Enthusiasts even claim yoga positively affects your sexual drive! So what are you waiting for?

3. GIVE (AND GET) A MASSAGE
Splurge on a bottle of fragrant massage oil infused with jasmine. Jasmine is a relaxing, sensuous, and alluring scent. Rub those achy shoulders and backs. You'll be steaming up the room in no time!

4. GET AWAY FOR A HEALTHY WEEKEND
Rather than stay at home, venture to a quiet and cozy bed and breakfast or spa where you can spend the weekend hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking.


5. SPICE IT UP IN THE KITCHEN
Cook a delicious low-fat, low-calorie meal together. Experiment with healthy cuisine from around the world. Add some real spice, too! Onions, garlic, and ginger are rich in compounds that destroy viruses and bacteria.

READ MORE: Feeling a little itchy?

6. INDULGE IN A GLASS OF RED WINE
Rather than beer or other alcoholic beverages, opt for a glass of red wine. Red wine is rich with anti-oxidants called phenolics, and red wine drinkers have a 50 percent lower risk of diabetes.

7. SINGLE? TAKE A GROUP EXERCISE CLASS
Exercise classes are not only very motivating, they are a great way to meet new friends who share a common interest in exercise and health. Treat yourself to new workout attire while you are at it!

8. BUY YOUR SOULMATE A NEW PAIR OF RUNNING SHOES
Over time, running shoes wear out. The soles no longer act as shock absorbers and the shock gets passed along to your bones and joints. A brand new pair of running shoes is a welcome fitness gift and will help prevent injuries.


9. GO DANCING!
That's right, dancing is a great way to burn calories together. Try the twist, the foxtrot, or ? if you are daring ? the tango, the most romantic of all dances. Want another reason to put on your dancing shoes? Dancing can burn over 300 calories per hour!

10. WRITE A SPECIAL LOVE NOTE

Love can be a tonic for all of life's challenges, so don't take it for granted!

James Villepigue is an ISSA Certified Personal Trainer and nationally recognized authority on health and exercise.