Skulking off for a romantic weekend or a simple date night are so 2018. If you want to keep the spark alive in your relationship, you and your significant other should be getting out there and playing sport. At least, that’s the opinion of Dr Jane Greer, a relationship counsellor and author from New York. Given Australia’s reputation as a nation of sports fanatics, that has to be worthy of further investigation. But before you don the lycra, here are some tips for choosing the right activity.

Be pragmatic

Some sports are more appropriate for men and women to play on more or less equal terms than others. You might have a shared love of watching the footie or rugby on the TV and visiting the Unibet apps to have a little wager, and that sofa time is certainly something to treasure, but it doesn’t mean you should venture out into the field of play together.

Be open minded

As you look at the sports that you can realistically take up in partnership, the chances are you might not initially go into them with the same level of enthusiasm. Try to keep an open mind about trying new things, and even if your partner is better than you at first, it just makes it all the more rewarding when you pull off a victory against the odds.

Be patient

It will probably take a few false starts to find a sport that you both enjoy and really find rewarding. Try not to commit too much too soon. For example, avoid spending more than you absolutely have to on equipment until you are absolutely certain that you are both in for the long haul.

Be sporting

The idea here is to bond over a new physical activity, not find a new topic to get into a fight over, so play nicely. Of course there’s nothing wrong with some light hearted competition, but remember why you are doing this, and always look out for your significant other to make sure he or she is getting as much enjoyment out of it as possible.

Be cooperative

If one or both of you has a competitive streak a yard wide, you might already be thinking that last tip is going to be easier said than done. In that case, sports like tennis or squash are probably best avoided. Try something where you work as a team, such as ballroom dancing, or even something non-competitive that you can do together like Pilates.

Be strategic

Whatever activity you decide to pursue, set about it with some clear goals in mind. If you start running together, check the local press for a charity run you can enter, and if you start cycling, you could work up to a week long tour. When you have a goal to work towards, it acts as a motivator and reduces the risk of the whole thing becoming stale. Now get out there and have fun!