Perfect Valentine's Date Ideas

The “Lets get to know each other better” date

You’ve seen each other around, you fancy them and you would like to get to know them a little better. Golf is the perfect choice for a slow paced date with an element of competition.

Playing golf is a great way to get to know someone better. There is an activity to focus on which reduces the pressure, but you also get time to talk. As an added bonus you can discover how supportive they are and how they handle frustration. If they are a sore loser it’s definitely good to know early on in a relationship (and maybe make it your last date).

Not sure you have the skills for a full round of golf? Head to a driving range instead. You get to stay in one place making it easier for conversation, but the focus on perfecting your golf swing makes conversation flow more easily. You can often order drinks and food delivered to your bay making it feel more ‘date’ like too.

If that still sounds a little serious for your liking there is always crazy golf. You might need to save your favourite golf clothing for another day, but with plenty of indoor courses you can have fun, be active and avoid the rain.

The “Let’s heat things up” date

You’ve been out a few times, definitely fancy them and now’s the right time to raise the temperature and get sweaty. So what type of date should you go for?

Generally cardio sports get you warm quickly and normally running is a good option for making the heart race, but it’s February so you are more likely to lose feeling in your fingers from running in the cold than feel hot. Plus if you are shorter than your date (and as a woman you probably are) you will need to work harder just to keep up with your date’s longer legs. Panting and begging them to slow down might not be quite the date you were hoping for!

A better option could be to check out their flexibility with a bikram yoga session. This sweaty version of yoga is challenging, but it'll definitely leave you both feeling hot.

For a more relaxing option consider going swimming? At this time of year the warmth of the pool is a welcome contrast to the chill outside, and yes you get the chance to check out their body too. Swimming is one sport where you can’t really hide anything, and that means for both of you. No make up and wet hair means they get to see you “au naturel”, if that doesn’t scare them off then they are definitely a keeper. Is the water too cold for you? Head to the jacuzzi, sauna or steam room and you will definitely feel the heat.

The “Let’s get serious” date

If things are going well and you have a great relationship, it might be time to take it to the next stage: asking them to be your partner... for racket sports of course. Whether you choose to be double partners for tennis or padel, this is a great way to see how well you really work together.

A good doubles partnership is all about teamwork. You need to learn to listen to each other, understand each other's weaknesses and take turns. You get to share in the joy when you are winning (that post game high is unbeatable), but also show compassion and forgiveness when games aren’t going so well.

A tough game can make or break fragile relationships, but even if your doubles pairing turns out to be a disaster, stronger relationships will pull through and recognise that, much like building flat pack furniture, couples don’t need to be good at doing everything together. To make sure the date ends well bring a card and present with you, adidas has some great Valentine’s gifts that are sure to appeal to your sporty date.

The “In it for the long run” date

When you have been with your partner for a while, things shift. You know their favourite food, how they like their coffee and you even forgive them for constantly leaving their socks on the floor. But relationships need regular care and attention if they are going to last, so a date showing endurance and commitment is ideal.

Running with your partner is a great date option for established couples because you need to listen to your own body as well as pay attention to their needs to go the distance. There will be times you need to motivate each other when you are struggling and you might need to put your couple goals ahead of your own. Some days you need to take it slower so you can both finish, but other days you might want to encourage them to run ahead... Yes of course finishing together is lovely, but don’t underestimate the value of having them on the finishing line, cheering you on and rewarding you with a cold drink.

 
If your fitness levels aren’t high enough for distance running and you don’t fancy tackling a ‘couch to 5k’ together then a hike is a good alternative. At this time of year the weather can throw anything at you so make sure you have the right outdoor shoes and clothes to keep you safe and comfortable. During a hike you are likely to encounter challenges, like arguments over map reading, and you will need to support each other over the trickier sections, but you also get plenty of time to talk, embrace nature and enjoy your partner's company.