Five Ways to Get Your Heart Pumping on Valentine's Day

This year, drop the sweets and get physical with your sweetie. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) lists the following five ways to get hot and healthy this Valentine's Day.

1. Walk off into the sunset.
Enjoy a romantic stroll with that special someone just as the sun is setting. Experts recommend walking at a pace where you and your partner can converse without feeling out of breath.

2. Bike-ride tandem-style.
Whether along the coast or through the park, tandem bike-riding is a fun and effective aerobic activity. It not only allows you to get a great cardiovascular workout, but enables you to spend uninterrupted time with your companion.

3. Go dancing.
From line to square, salsa to ballroom, dancing is sure to get your heart racing. Whatever the case, be creative and dress for the occasion.

4. Bundle up and go ice-skating.
This activity, ideal for couples, is an efficient exercise for all fitness levels. In fact, one hour on skates can burn almost as many calories as jogging.

5. Take a hike.
Be sure to select a location with pleasant scenery that also offers an appropriate physical challenge. Following the hike, treat your partner to a healthy and well-deserved meal. Load a picnic basket with food, wine and a blanket. When selecting the food, think "well-balanced."

NOTE: You should always check with your own healthcare professionals in all matters concerning health, exercise and diet.

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), America's Authority on Fitness, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction.

For more information on ACE and its programs, call (800) 825-3636 or log onto the ACE Web site