BYU Study Links Shared Exercise in 1,700 Couples to Better Communication and Less Marital Stress
Updated
Updated · SciTechDaily · Aug 13
BYU Study Links Shared Exercise in 1,700 Couples to Better Communication and Less Marital Stress
3 articles · Updated · SciTechDaily · Aug 13
Summary
Nearly 1,700 young married couples in a BYU-led study reported better communication, stronger conflict resolution and lower marital stress when they exercised together.
The association was consistently stronger for shared activity than for working out alone, suggesting conjoint exercise may modestly but meaningfully support relationship health.
Walking emerged as the most common shared exercise and showed the biggest link to communication, likely because it leaves room for conversation and feeling heard by a spouse.
About 60% of husbands and wives said they exercised, but only about one-third did so together, pointing to a simple, accessible opportunity for couples to spend time jointly.
The Family Relations paper extends BYU's earlier work on older spouses, adding evidence that shared activities can strengthen closeness and everyday conflict management across marriage stages.