Two weeks ago today a fitness challenge began at T.J.'s work. They are in teams and have to walk, bike, run, whatever so many minutes that equate to miles and they have a certain amount of miles that they have to reach. Each team is trying to hit that mile mark first. Long story short, I have become part of T.J.'s motivation to get in as many hours in a week as possible.
I won't lie, some days we don't feel like doing anything and it is hard to motivate ourselves to go, some days we have been busy doing other things and we don't get the time in. But, we try to make up the time if we don't get to it every night. I have noticed that on the days that T.J. and I have worked out together we have been happier with each other the rest of the day and the following days even if we don't get to work out - which is an awesome benefit!! Plus I love the fact that my "workout buddy" is my best friend!
Our main form of working out is walking. It is easy to do and we don't have to pay for a gym membership, so we like to walk. Some days we will change it up a little and try to jog (which I usually am not very good at) or we will ride our bikes. When we walk we have the opportunity to not only get our bodies into better shape, increase our heart rate a little, but it is an awesome opportunity to communicate with one another. This is definitely a chance to have intentional time together with no technology!! I have read that working out also lowers your stress level, which is an added bonus! If you would like to read more about the benefits of working out together this article describes all the top benefits I was able to find when I did a web search - Why Couples Who Sweat Together Stay Together.
Long story short, I recommend working out - and if possible, work out with your spouse. Go outside for a walk, this is the perfect time of the year because the weather is so beautiful right now, go for an evening walk with your spouse. It is a great time for you to strengthen your relationship and you will notice that once you start walking and talking you will be able to walk farther and have higher stamina while you are together.
Some things to keep in mind.
1. Try to be consistent when it comes to working out. I know that things will come up, like a dinner with your friends or your family visiting, but try your hardest to be consistent. A great way to do this is to put your workout time onto a calendar so that you workout at the same time every day or every other day.
2. Use this time as a way to support each other and to communicate with each other. Talk about encouraging things and talk positively about the progress you both are making. Also encourage each other to push a little harder, but don't make it stressful, always keep it positive!
3. Have fun. The most important part about it is that you believe in one another, support one another and make it an enjoyable experience.
Whether your job has a challenge like T.J.'s job or not, is not what is important. The important thing for any person striving to be healthy is to exercise. Do whatever method meshes best with your body, your environment, etc. Because honestly it doesn't really matter how you choose to exercise, but that you do it with your spouse. So let the love between you grow as your bodies become fit together!
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