Illustration by Justin Renninger

I love Valentine’s Day. I know a lot of people hate it—loathe it, even—but I’ve loved it ever since I was little and there wasn’t a prospect of a date in site. I’ll never forget how my mom taped a Valentine’s Day card to my bedroom door every year on the morning of February 14th, and doled out a box of those chalky, pastel-colored candy hearts with breakfast. No, not the healthiest way to start the morning, but it sure did teach me to think of the fabricated little holiday as a day to celebrate all of the different types of love in one’s life.

So this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re part of a pair or not, I propose you ditch the cheesy chocolates and overpriced roses and try one of the fun activities and events happening in and around the city. Whether it’s a cooking class or partners’ yoga, experiencing a new activity with your sweetie will bring you a whole lot closer than another dinner out probably ever could. And if you’re celebrating solo, why not book yourself one of the V-day massage packages and show yourself some much-need TLC? Or, grab a friend or two and hit the dance floor. Happy V-Day! — Research by Kelsey Stone

Eight Fun (And Healthy!) Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

You want: To de-stress
Try: The Valentine’s Day Packages at Lux Spa and Fitness
Why: Because all three of Lux’s V-Day packages include access to the spa’s pool, whirlpool, sauna, and complimentary champagne and desserts. From February 10-15, opt for either the Valentine’s Day Special package (a 50-minute arnica and rosemary muscle-melt massage and a 30-minute Aveda custom facial, $150 per person), the Romantic Valentine package (a 50-minute hot-stone massage and  a 50-minute Aveda custom facial with eye-zone treatment, $210 per person), or the Lovers’ Getaway package (an 80-minute arnica and rosemary muscle-melt massage and a 50-minute Aveda custom facial, $235 per person). Lux Spa and Fitness, Omni Hotel at Independence Park, 401 Chestnut Street, 215-931-4248, luxspaandfitness.com.

You want: To get closer
Try: A partners’ yoga workshop at Studio 34
Why: All too often, Valentine’s Day ends up being more about roses and chocolates rather than what really matters: your relationship! To help you out, Studio 34 is bringing the love back with its partners’ yoga workshop. You’ll reconnect with your loved one through the use of meditation and poses that play with the balance of giving and receiving. Saturday, February 12, 12:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m.; $50 per couple; Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore Avenue, 215 387-3434, studio34yoga.com.

You want: To get closer … but your partner is a yoga virgin
Try: The beginner couples’ yoga class at Synergy by Jasmine
Why: Even new kids to the mat can learn to deepen their connection with yoga at this no-experience-required couples’ yoga class. You’ll also learn how to connect authentically and encourage and support each other. Finally, time to set aside all distractions and just focus on each other! February 14, 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; $25 per person, Synergy by Jasmine, 3901 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Manayunk, 610-352-1177, synergybyjasmine.com.

You want: To get active
Try: The Sweetheart Skate at the Blue Cross River Rink
Why: Holding his or her mittened hand as you skate along to your favorite love song—there will be a DJ on site—might be cheesy, but who cares? It’ll be fun, and you and your date will have a good time. Bonus: Red flowers will be handed out to the ladies, just in case you forgot to BYO rose, and all guests will receive a free sweetheart photo keepsake that you can toss in that stuffed-to-the-brim memory box. Monday, February 14, 6 p.m -9 p.m.; $20 per person (includes admission and skate rentals); Blue Cross River Rink, Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Market Street, 215-923-6533, riverrink.com.

You want: To cut a rug
Try: The Valentine’s Day Swing Dance Social at the Valley Forge Service Center
Why: Swing is fun, sexy—and this event is totally free. You’ll start the evening with an hour of swing lessons, and then have the rest of the evening to hone your skills on the open dance floor. Grab your honey or a few friends, some dance shoes and get on out there. Friday, February 18, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Free, 100 Juliette Low Way, Phoenixville, 610-935-7960, gvfonline.org.

You want: To learn to cook something new together
Try: A couples’ cooking class at the Kitchen Workshop
Why: You’ll learn to make a delicious Thai meal together, and have fun doing it—which will hopefully inspire to cook more healthy dishes at home! Thai food may sound complicated, but this class will show you how easy and tasty it really can be. Enjoy what you’ve both created over dinner with complimentary wine following the class. Monday, February 14, 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., $108 per couple, 21 Plank Avenue, Paoli, 610-993-2665, kitchen-workshop.com.

You want: To escape the city with your sweetheart
Try: The partner yoga retreat at the Temenos Conference and Retreat Center
Why: Located on 56 wooded acres in the peaceful Brandywine River Valley, Temenos is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and focus on one another. The four-hour session includes a gentle couples yoga class and guided Thai massage. You’ll also have time to hike the surrounding grounds, snuggle by the fire, and enjoy coffee, tea and snacks upon your arrival. Saturday, February 12, 9 a.m.- 1 p.m or 1 p.m.-5 p.m.; $60 per person; Temenos Spiritual Retreat Center, 685 Broad Run Road, West Chester, temenosretreat.org.

You want: To introduce your sweetie to Pilates
Try: The Pilates of Love Event at Shapely Girl Fitness
Why: You can finally show the one you love why you heart Pilates in the fun surroundings of wine and appetizers. In addition to learning new exercises you can do at home together, he or she will also get a taste of how hard those “teasers” and “hundreds” really are.  Only 15 couples will be admitted, so reserve your spot soon. Friday, February 11, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., $25 per couple, Shapely Girl Fitness, 2439 South Broad Street, 2nd floor, 267-773-7346, debramazda.com.