Couples that train together... Stay TOGETHER!

One of the best parts of WLG is the social aspect and accountability that comes with group training. We see many of the same people every week. If you’re not there, at least one person will undoubtedly ask, “Hey, where is she?!” We support each other, make each other laugh, and keep each other on track. The same sense of connection and responsibility that we feel with our WLG family also happens, perhaps even more so, when our partners (wives, husbands, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc.) share our commitment to living a healthy life.

            When a couple is genuinely committed to leading a life of health and wellness together, great things can happen. An article by Psychology Today (link below) reported that couples who worked out together enjoyed benefits including increased happiness within their relationship, improved efficiency of workouts, and more efficiently reaching fitness goals. The trust, honesty, and communication you strive for in your day to day lives can translate perfectly to the gym. Plus, you get the physical benefits of exercise along with the emotional benefits of spending some quality time together.

            Another article (link below) on a study out of England reported similar effects. Partners making healthy changes together saw improved outcomes. They were more likely to quit smoking, starting exercising, and lose weight. Success was more likely when they took on a challenge together.

Putting research aside, common sense tells us that having similar goals of staying or getting in shape, eating healthy, and generally living a healthy lifestyle can make things much easier. Think of meal times. If both people are excited to try clean, healthy recipes no one will be grumbling when you put out lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for your tacos (or you can grumble together). When your partner stays on track at a restaurant it makes it easier for you to as well. While, traveling or on vacation together you know someone will get up with you no matter what and squeeze in a workout. If both partners value health and taking care of themselves, money for gym memberships and good food can become a priority in how you budget your household income.

Even if you don’t workout together or only workout together occasionally, exercise can create common ground and an area where you can encourage and teach each other. Think of how exciting it is to bring your significant other to WLG for the first time just so they can try it. They’ve been hearing about how fabulous it is (or how sore you are) and you finally get to share something you’re incredibly proud of with the person you love the most.

All of this is not to say that you can’t or won’t make gains without your significant other on the same page. When it comes down to it, each individual needs to be driven and committed to health and wellness in order to make true change. It is an awesome bonus, however, when you and your partner can share a passion for working out, healthy eating, and overall wellness. 

Author, Molly Melvin 
WLG Athlete 

Sources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201401/5-reasons-why-couples-who-sweat-together-stay-together

http://www.businessinsider.com/r-it-takes-two-getting-healthy-may-be-easier-with-a-partner-2015-1

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