Happy Valentine’s Day!
How are you planning to celebrate it?
Are you going to open that box of chocolates and finish it before the night is over? (Some people may think I am a buzz kill-sorry for that :))
Or, are you going to a restaurant to indulge in all kinds of fat producing foods that are usually offered on the Valentine’s Day menu?
Here’s a great idea: how about a fitness date instead?
While this kind of date may not be as popular as a traditional dinner out, it is much healthier in the long run. In fact, a recent Indiana University study found that 92 percent of married couples who worked out together stuck to their exercise program, compared to 50 percent of people who do it alone.
The reason for it is simple, partners will support, encourage and motivate each other to keep going. This is one of those times that too much togetherness is a good thing!
Another advantage of couples fitness training is spending quality time together. This is a great opportunity to carve out 30 min or more in your busy schedule and do something that will benefit you both, physically, mentally and emotionally.
Very often just the opposite happens – research shows that people become sedentary, rather than active when they get married. A British study released last year reported that married people exercise much less than their single counterparts. And earlier findings, including research from University of North Carolina, have shown that married couples are twice as likely to become obese due to their inactivity.
Unfortunately, many people tend to neglect their health and appearance once they get married. It may just be that they are overwhelmed by work and family obligations and just don’t have time or energy for physical activity. However, generally, the underlying reason for neglect is one’s lack of value on their health & appearance.
Here’s the deal, scheduling a couple’s workout is not difficult – it’s all a matter of good planning and values.
- Rather than sitting in front of a TV or a computer focus on healthy activities (take a walk after dinner, do a P90x workout on TV, come to a boot camp).
- Set fitness goals together: weight loss or maintenance, cardio workout, strength training, stress relief, arthritis prevention – whatever your most immediate needs are.
- Discuss which physical activities both of you enjoy the most – having fun while you exercise with ensure you are not tempted to throw in the towel.
- Agree that if one of you feels like giving up, the other will offer encouragement.
- From time to time, review your progress. The better your results are, the more motivated you’ll be to keep going. You can even get an inexpensive device ($69 on amazon) that measures body fat – test weekly or monthly.
- If you don’t have a spouse or a significant other in your life, you can still benefit from “couples” workouts. Just find a workout buddy, someone who shares your goals that will keep you on track. Here is a good article about finding a buddy: Don’t Try To Do It Alone. And that’s a terrific advice for any day of the year, not just Valentine’s!
Lots of Love on Valentine’s Day!
Your friend & coach,
Brien
P.S. Please share my educational content with your friends and family and help me reach my goal of 10,000 subscribers.
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Brien Shamp BS CSCS CMT CHEK NLC II
Personal Trainer, Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach
www.BrienShamp.com
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650-654-4604
