Health Buff Couple

I found this article on yahoo news about staying fit and healthy as a couple and  was compelled to share it with you. Labsie would be hitting the gym soon (or is planning to), with me in tow. Our idea of exercise was to have a toner body and a healthy lifestyle. So far, we've tried running, biking and badminton (and we still do). We we're trying to get ourselves in gym since they have professional trainer there. Exercising strengthens our relationship.

It takes two to keep fit and healthy.  If you’re a health buff, imagine being married to a junk food-eating, non-exercising, potbelly-scratching couch potato.  Not pretty!

It is important for couples to work together, like they do in other aspects of their relationship, to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Here are simple and easy tips.

1. Watch each other’s diet.

It’s really not that easy to go on any kind of diet if the person you’re constantly with is munching on the very same food you’re trying to avoid.  This sometimes leads to tension in the relationship.

Couples should mutually agree on the terms of the diet—whether it’s to cut down on carbs or sodium, use organic ingredients, or go vegetarian.

Agreement is key to commitment.  That means that you have to manage your food intake together as a couple and check on one another.

The best way to get this started is to consult a nutritionist.  You and your partner might have different dietary needs and goals, but the reality is you share the same pantry and kitchen.

 

2. Go to bed earlier.

This is a great excuse to get a head start on snuggling up. That might mean turning off the laptop, the TV, getting the kids out of the room and adjusting your evening routines so you hit the sack earlier.

When you improve your sleeping habits, you are allowing your body to recover and priming it to take on the demands of the day.

Plus, studies have shown that people who sleep less than six hours a night undergo hormone changes that lead to an increase in hunger.

3. Make gym dates a regular thing.

Using cardio machines side by side can help motivate and encourage the other to reach his or her individual goals.

On weights, you or your partner can praise each other as you flex in front of the mirror.  Ladies, squeeze his biceps and show some admiration.  A regular pat on the back (or the lower extremities) can put your partner in a giddy mood.

Use opportunities like wiping the sweat beads off the side of your partner’s face to keep the flames of romance alive.  At least you’ll be burning more than just calories!

Go on gym dates two to three times a week.

 

4. Enjoy the outdoors.

Look for activities you and your partner would enjoy.  A brisk walk or a run around the neighborhood, a bike ride on a trail both of you can conquer, or a weekend fun run.

Or, try a little basketball, volleyball and even football at the local park. You don’t need to be great, but you need to be determined.

There are so many activities you and your partner can take up to make your bond strong...and your bones and muscles even stronger.

5. Dance like no one’s looking.

It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet. What matters is that you’re willing to spice up your workout with a partner who won’t laugh (that much) at you for your not being blessed with rhythm and grace.

Dancing is a sure-fire way to add sizzle to your relationship while allowing those unwanted fats to fizzle.

There are many dance classes and dance workouts being offered in malls, hotels and neighborhood studios. You can also hit the many dance clubs in the city.

Staying fit and healthy not only allows you to enjoy life more fully, it also puts more excitement in your relationship.

Remember, it takes two to tango.  So drop the chips, get off the couch and vow to get through the challenge together, in fitness and in health.