Couples Exercise—3 Ways to Transform Your Relationship and Your Health
Congratulations to our Superhero of the month, Erin White!
Finding quality time with your partner can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, it’s easy for the connection with your significant other to take a backseat.
But what if I told you there’s a way to strengthen your relationship and boost your overall health? The answer lies in couples exercise.
Here at Impact-X Performance in Huntington Beach, we know it’s hard to find time to work on your relationship with your significant other and improve your health. That’s why we’re so excited to announce Erin White as our Superhero of the Month for September.
Erin and her husband Justin are truly a team. They come to the gym together and then pick the workout that’s best for each of them. They inspire each other to keep working hard. As a result, they’ve both started on a path to aging powerfully.
If you’re over 40 and have been struggling to connect with your partner lately, this blog is for you. We’ll dive deep into how working out as a duo can lead to a healthier, happier life and relationship.
First, let’s take a look at how strength training can improve both your health and your relationship with your partner.
The Power of Strength Training in Couples Exercise
Strength training is a game-changer for couples looking to enhance their health and relationship. Not only does lifting weights help build muscle mass and bone density, but it also fosters teamwork and shared goals.
When you and your partner hit the gym together, you’re not just lifting weights—you’re lifting each other, literally and figuratively.
Being stronger means you have the freedom to continue doing the things you love when you want and with whom. For example, many couples like to travel together. But if you can’t board an airplane or a train without difficulty, your travel options are limited.
It’s easy to put off training until “tomorrow” or “when I get more time.” But as we age, we lose muscle if we aren’t working hard to keep it.
In this next section, we’ll talk about why building muscle mass is so important to include in your couples exercise.
The Benefits of Building Muscle Mass and Bone Density
One key benefit of strength training in your couples exercise is building muscle mass. Strength training also increases bone density and keeps your metabolism running like a younger human.
Muscle mass naturally declines as we age, leading to a slower metabolism and reduced strength. But by incorporating regular strength training into your routine, you can combat this natural decline and even reverse it. This is especially important for couples who want to enjoy quality aging together.
Weightlifting also plays a crucial role in increasing bone density, which is vital for preventing osteoporosis and fractures later in life. Strong bones mean fewer injuries and a more active lifestyle as you age. And what better way to ensure you and your partner stay strong and healthy than by working out together as a couple?
It’s important to understand that how you train now impacts how strong you are as you age. By training to age powerfully, you’ll live better today and in the future.
The earlier you start strength training consistently, the better your chances are for living like the amazing 80, 90, and 100-year-olds that we’re in awe of—the ones still living their lives to the fullest.
Next, we’ll explore another benefit of strength training in your couples exercise.
Improving Joint Health
Strength training is incredibly beneficial for your joint health. By strengthening the muscles around your joints, you reduce the risk of injuries and alleviate joint pain.
This is particularly important for aging couples who want to stay active and mobile. Exercises like …
- squats
- lunges
- deadlifts
… target major muscle groups and help stabilize your joints, keeping them healthy and functional.
You’ll sit, stand, and get on and off the floor for the rest of your life. If squatting and lunging “hurts your knees,” you’ll benefit from joining our small group personal training or one-on-one training programs.
Invest in yourself and learn to squat and lunge better. These are fundamental movements to live your best life as you age.
Working out together as a couple motivates you to stay committed to your fitness goals. Plus, spotting each other during heavy lifts builds trust and deepens your bond.
Okay, so we’ve talked about strength training and why it’s important to include it in your couples workouts. Next, let’s see why you should also include cardiovascular training.
Cardiovascular Training in Your Couples Workouts—Boosting Heart Health and Happiness
Cardiovascular training is as important for your and your partner’s health as strength training is. Cardiovascular training helps …
- maintain your heart health
- boost your metabolism
- enhance your mental health
Whether walking, hiking, cycling, swimming, or even dancing, engaging in cardio together can do wonders for your relationship and overall well-being.
Maintaining Heart Health
Regular cardio also strengthens your heart, reducing the risk of heart disease and improving circulation. When you work out with your partner, you’re investing in your long-term health so you can enjoy many happy, active years together.
Cardiovascular training—along with strength training—sure makes me a friendlier and happier person. And I’m sure my husband will agree!
Boosting Metabolism
Cardiovascular exercises are excellent for boosting your metabolism and helping you burn calories more efficiently. A faster metabolism means your body can process nutrients better, improving energy levels and weight management. And who doesn’t want to feel more energized and confident in their relationship?
Mental Health
Another reason cardiovascular exercise is an important part of couples exercise is because it’s a powerful tool for enhancing mental health. Regular cardio helps release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that reduce …
- stress
- anxiety
- depression
This makes you feel better individually and improves your relationship by reducing tensions and boosting your mood.
Cardio has also been shown to improve brain health by enhancing cognitive function and memory. Staying mentally sharp is important as you age, and regular cardio can help keep your mind as strong as your body.
Imagine going for a jog together and brainstorming your next adventure—working out together can keep your relationship dynamic and exciting!
Strength and cardiovascular training are two non-negotiables to include in your couples workouts. Next, let’s explore how healthy eating can also help strengthen your relationship with your partner.
The Role of Healthy Eating in a Strong Relationship
Unfortunately, it’s common for couples to base their date night on drinking and overeating foods that steal their energy. They might say this is “living it up.”
But consider enjoying a single treat instead of an entire meal or weekend. It can be much more enjoyable because you won’t feel guilty for two days afterward. Isn’t the time together what we celebrate on a date night anyway?
While exercise is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle, it’s only part of the equation. What you and your partner put on your plates plays a significant role in your overall health and relationship. Adopting a cleaner-eating lifestyle together can help you both feel your best and stay committed to your fitness goals.
Let’s go ahead and dive into the benefits of healthy eating.
Fueling Your Workouts
Eating clean means consuming whole, nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and support your workouts. By focusing on lean proteins, healthy fats, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limited starchy carbs, you can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to …
- build muscle
- recover from workouts
- maintain energy levels
When couples eat clean together, they reinforce each other’s healthy habits, making it easier to stick to a nutritious diet. This mutual support can lead to a number of benefits, including …
- More consistent meal planning. When you plan your meals together, you make eating healthy much more accessible. This means you won’t be resorting to unhealthy snacks when you get hungry.
- Fewer temptations to indulge in unhealthy foods. By committing to a healthy diet as a couple, you reduce temptations for junk food. This makes it easier to stay focused on your couples exercise routines and reach your fitness goals.
- Better results in your couples workouts. Healthy eating as a couple provides mutual motivation, making it easier to resist unhealthy foods and see better results in your workouts together.
Next, we’ll explore how healthy eating can impact your and your partner’s mental.
Healthy Eating Improves Mental Health and Mood
Healthy eating isn’t just about physical health. It also impacts your mental health and mood. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants supports brain health, reduces inflammation, and stabilizes mood.
When both partners prioritize healthy eating, you’re more likely to experience …
- balanced emotions
- fewer mood swings
- a happier relationship
A series of scientific studies conducted in a variety of prison settings over several decades found an average 30% decrease in violent incidents when nutrition was improved.1 If it works for the world’s most violent people, imagine how eating healthy can impact emotionally healthy people!
When couples work on improving their lifestyle together, eating healthier becomes more than just about nourishing your bodies. It’s also about sharing a moment of connection and gratitude. These habits can strengthen your bond and make your relationship more resilient.
Now, let’s explore why leaning into a community is an important component to include in your exercise with your partner.
The Importance of Community in Quality Aging
Couples exercise is advantageous, but the power of community can also enhance your fitness journey. Being part of a supportive fitness community can provide …
- motivation
- accountability
- a sense of belonging
… which all contribute to quality aging.
Research shows that healthy networks of social connection can help protect your overall health, increasing quality longevity by 50 percent.
Finding Your Fitness Tribe
Joining a fitness community can help you and your partner stay motivated and committed to your goals—whether it’s …
- a local gym
- an online group
- a social media fitness challenge
When you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who share your passion for health and fitness, it’s easier to stay on track and push through challenges.
A strong community can also introduce you to new workouts, recipes, and wellness tips, keeping your fitness journey fresh and exciting. Plus, sharing your successes and challenges with others can make your experience more rewarding and fulfilling.
One of the biggest reasons our members love coming to class at Impact-X Performance is that they love being part of a supportive community.
By engaging in fitness activities together and being part of a community, you and your partner can strengthen your social bonds, positively impacting your mental and physical health.
Couples who work out together in a group setting also have opportunities to meet new people and expand their social circle. These connections lead to lasting friendships, more opportunities for socializing, and a richer, more fulfilling life.
Let Impact-X Performance Help You Embrace the Journey Together
We chose Erin White as our September Superhero of the Month because she is a bright light. It’s been inspiring to watch her hit her goals. Erin is unstoppable. If she’s out of town, she joins our classes via Zoom or gets out on a walk. She doesn’t slack on her exercise. She’s made her health a priority, and it shows.
Creating and maintaining your health is one of the best gifts you can give your loved ones. And Erin and her husband are on that journey together.
Couples who work out together—like Erin and her husband, Justin—have the potential to transform their relationship and overall health. The journey to a healthier, happier life is best traveled together.
Erin, thank you for your inspiration. We are so grateful you are part of Team Mo-Impact!
Xoxoxo
If you’re ready to see what couples exercise can do for you and your relationship with your partner, stop by or call Impact-X Performance in Huntington Beach today. Our caring, world-class trainers will help you create an exercise plan to benefit both you and your partner!
Congratulations to Erin White our superhero of the month. We chose Erin as our superhero for September because her dedication to her health, wellness and transformation is inspirational.
Erin is a quiet warrior! She’s always smiling, even when she’s working HARD, and Erin is most often working hard! Erin, you’re a power house and a bright light at Mo-Mentum/IMPACT-X! We’re so grateful you are a part of our Mo-Impact Tribe!
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Erin’s Answers
- Describe what your life (and your health) was like before fitness.
Before I started my health and fitness journey, I was busy raising a family and working the night shift. I always felt exhausted and knew I wasn’t living a healthy lifestyle.
- Was there ever a low point or an experience that made your priorities change?
I wouldn’t say there was a low point just one day I decided I wanted to get in shape. I would take care of unhealthy patients as well and realized I didn’t want that for myself. I see so many people on so many medications with health problems that may have been prevented if exercise and nutrition were part of their lifestyle. After seeing this trend, I decided I wanted to get myself healthy.
- How did fitness come into your life (or back into your life)?
I started doing workouts at home and keeping a food journal. I noticed a change quickly. I felt more energy, and my clothes fit better. I felt more confident and motivated to keep pushing myself more and more.
- What kind of results have you seen since starting a regular fitness program?
It wasn’t until recently that I started working out at a gym. I did home workouts before because it’s what worked best. But working out at Mo-Mentum has really made my workouts more enjoyable. I look forward to showing up each day, knowing that I will be motivated by being surrounded by people doing the same thing.
- Please talk more about the actual changes in your life (weight loss, confidence, more endurance, less medications, increased energy, better relationships etc.).
I have lost 25 pounds since the beginning of this year. My endurance and strength have improved, and I have tried workouts I never could have imagined doing. I’m more focused during the day and sleep better at night.
- Let’s focus in on the blood work. What kind of changes have you seen there? What do these changes mean for your lifestyle, longevity, finances, etc?
I have improved my endurance and have noticed I am getting stronger. I am more disciplined in going to the gym 6 days a week and working it into my schedule. I make it a priority every day. I also meal plan/prep each week so that I stay on track with my healthier lifestyle.
- Why do you make fitness a priority in your life?
I want to live a healthy life and be able to enjoy things as I get older. Working out also helps me mentally as it forces me to focus on myself. And when I complete a workout, I always feel better physically and mentally than when I walk in.
- These days, what makes you truly happy and feel at peace?
I have been told by people that I work with as well as family and friends that I have inspired them to change their lifestyle. All my boys are into fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and that is so rewarding. My husband has always been so supportive in all my workout journeys and trying healthy recipes, and I am so thankful for his encouragement. The best moment was when my husband decided he wanted to change his lifestyle. I remember his first day at Mo-Mentum and how excited he was, and I just felt so proud of him. He loved coming, and he is the reason why I now am a member.
- How do you feel compared to 1 year ago?
In the last year, I have noticed that I have more energy. I am stronger physically and mentally.
- What is your favorite thing about Mo-Mentum Fitness?
Everybody at Mo-Mentum is so supportive and encouraging. They are all so motivating and help one another. From my first day here, I have felt welcome!
- What would you say to the person who knows they need to start exercising but is afraid to start?
I would tell them that they must start somewhere and when you see the positive change in your health physically and mentally you feel like you can conquer anything.
- Specifics: your age? job title? children? spouse?
I am married to Justin who has always been my backbone through life. We have 5 boys and 3 grandbabies, with one on the way. I have been a RN for 17 years. Both my family and career have encouraged me to live a healthier lifestyle.
- What is your favorite quote? (We will be including this on the graphic we post
in the Mo-Mentum newsletter and social media posts.)
“Exercise Not Only Changes Your Body. It Changes Your Mind, Your Attitude and Your Mood.”
