Can Exercise Strengthen Relationships? |

Well, today is my and Jade?s 3 year marriage anniversary, so it got me to thinking about our relationship and how far we have come in the years we have been together. It seems like in many ways our relationship has been built on health & fitness. We met at the gym (obviously ), I started working with Metabolic Effect before it had any certified instructors and when it was only an outdoor workout for about 10 people in Winston-Salem, NC. Jade trained me for my first figure competition (3 mornings a week at 5am for free!), I was the first ME-certified professional and we worked together to build the curriculums over the years. Jade encouraged my choice to go back to school for my masters in nutrition, and has supported me every step of the way in the JillFit journey. He literally gave me wings to fly and follow my dreams?told me I could do anything and is still my most important mentor.

Ok! Enough of the gushy stuff!! The reason for this post is to discuss the power of health and fitness as it relates to our partnerships or friendships. It can be a huge enhancer of relationships because using exercise as a way to de-stress and empower is only exponentiated with done together. The power of group fitness classes is its accountability and the feelings of camaraderie it elicits. Same with small group personal training. The coolest thing about using opportunities to exercise with others is that not only does it strengthen your relationship or friendship, but it strengthens YOU, physically AND mentally!

Here are some ideas for including others in your exercise regimen:

• Grab a group of moms with small children, like you, to organize a weekly stroller run/walk
• Join a friend or two for a personal training workout and split the cost. Less money per session means you get to train more often!
• Join a group fitness class at your gym or an outdoor bootcamp
• Meet up at a neighbor?s house every morning to do a DVD together
• Go hiking with your significant other?it gives you time to connect, have quality discussion and be in nature. All of which has been shown to elicit calming brain chemicals
• Go on a leisure walk with a friend?this should be relaxing and fun. It lowers cortisol & elicits good feelings. Set up a standing appointment, for example every Saturday morning.
• Grab a friend who might be a little more fit than you to show you the ropes on the squat rack. Working out with people who are a little beyond your level helps get you to the next level faster (just don?t hold them up!) Kelley?& I used to do this for years when she was still in North Carolina?we had a standing 6:30am weight lifting appointment together. We still laugh at some of the funnier moments. Those experiences MATTERED for our friendship and deepened it.

Recently, Tara and I started working with a trainer together. Yes, two trainers hired a trainer But it was a great move for us because we wanted the extra push that we weren?t able to generate when we created our own routines. Plus, we moved to more of a metabolic conditioning split, rather than body part training, so we decided to get someone (ME Trainer Danny Coleman) whose specialty that is. Plus, we now have the accountability of meeting 4 days a week, and not skipping or just ?doing it on our own.? We are more consistent and our friendship is strengthened because we get so much face time each week.

How do you get a sedentary friend or family member more active? Can you help??There are several steps you can take?we have blogged on it before. One hint: don?t use force, guilt or anger Those emotions from you are probably more likely to push them in the opposite direction!

One question: Can exercise hurt a romantic relationship? Maybe. But usually this happens only when one person is not included in the others? process or journey. A good example would be a figure competitor, whose life, by nature and as it should be, revolves around workouts and diet. Any significant other who does not feel included in that might decide it is too intense or hard on them or the relationship. The key is to be grateful for those who support you, and not only that, but TELL THEM how much they mean to you. Often we feel it, but don?t say it. I have blogged on the importance of including others in your journey before. Remember, even if you are at the most elite level, there are always people who have helped you. Be grateful. Be appreciative. Be humble. Recognize others.

Happy Anniversary my Jade! I love you, and I couldn?t be doing any of this without you! THANK YOU!! ox Jill

Related: Lovers & Haters: Transformation into a Fat Loss Lifestyler

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