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Popping the question has to be one of the most nerve-wracking experiences of a guy’s life. One way to quell those nerves and pull off a memorable proposal? Work it in after a workout, when you’ve got those feel-good endorphins running through your body and have practiced enough single leg squats to know you’ll be able to make it down onto one knee.
That’s exactly what these three grooms-to-be did when they proposed to their future wives, and their stories are as inventive as they are inspiring. Read on for the sweetest fitness proposal stories that’ll incite some serious fit couple #goals.
George & Jamie
“My husband, George, and I built our relationship around fitness. Both fitness enthusiasts, within weeks of dating we started hitting the gym, participating in outdoor road races (5ks, 10ks, half marathons, etc.), and taking classes (treadmill classes at Barry’s Boot Camp, where we would playfully compete with each other in our sprints!). It’s been a cornerstone of our relationship ever since.
When the time came to propose, George approached my ‘temple,’ Barry’s Bootcamp, for help. He arranged a proposal I’ll never forget!
After our usual 7:10 a.m. class, when the treadmills stopped whirling and with sweat dripping, the instructor said over the loudspeaker, ‘Okay, everyone back to their mats — and George, get down on one knee!’ The instructor had the ring in his pocket through the whole class and gave it to George to slip on my finger. The whole class was cheering and taking pictures. I saw them show up all over Instagram later, as all these wonderful strangers had become part of our special moment.
George had set it up so my mom and sisters would be there to surprise me, and they burst into the studio. I was stunned! Afterwards, the Barry’s staff brought us all protein shakes emblazoned with the words ‘She Said YES!’ on the side of the cup!
In the ensuing years, this proposal set the tone for running and fitness to play a central role in every moment of our relationship. We’ve continued to make fitness our shared passion, and even run a joint Instagram handle together, @NYCFitFam. We now have a seven-month-old son and can’t wait to imbue him with the same love of running that we share.”
Tricia & Rafael
“I love skiing, but it’s something my now husband and I hadn’t gotten to do a lot of. So when he had coordinated a skiing trip with a big group of our friends over Christmas, I was so excited, especially since I hadn’t seen him in months (we were long distance at the time, as he was living in Brazil). When we all arrived at the ski lodge, I was inconspicuously whisked away by some of my friends, who sat me down under a gazebo at the base of the mountain. A DJ immediately started playing music and, lo and behold, the whole group (and even some crazy strangers) started a flash mob dance to Bruno Mars’ song ‘Marry You.’
Then, my fiancé came out and proposed to me at the finale. We celebrated with Champagne and skied the day away, receiving well wishes from fellow skiers on the slopes. It was truly an unforgettable experience, and we even got the entire thing on video!”
Emily & Alex
“My family’s annual week vacation at Squam Lake in New Hampshire started like any other. Hikes, boating, grilling, bonfires, loon calls and bike rides were in full swing. My then boyfriend, Alex, arrived later in the week, and a hike up Mount Cardigan was planned. My family and friends joined on the hike as well as my now bridesmaid, Melissa. Alex bolted to the top of the mountain in an hour (it usually takes two hours). Meanwhile, I was completely unaware of what was planned and continued chatting casually all the way up the mountain.
When we all arrived at the top of the mountain, I offered Alex some snacks but he was too nervous to eat. Then he took my hand and asked if I wanted to go on a walk to check out the view. I was exhausted, and I almost said no because I was so beat from the hike, but for some strange reason, I felt compelled to go. When I stood up I saw a box in Alex’s pocket and was overcome with surprise, happiness and excitement, for what I could not believe was happening!”
This post was originally published on ClassPass’s blog, The Warm Up by Danielle Page. ClassPass is a monthly membership that connects you to more than 8,500 of the best fitness studios worldwide. Learn more here.
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