Note: This is a guest post from my good friend Tony DiLorenzo at Fit Marriage.
Many years ago, before I got married and had kids, I can remember when I would stroll to the gym, workout for an hour or two, play some basketball, and then hangout with my friends afterwards.
Working out was simple and easy. The biggest factor for me was that I simply needed to get up and get my butt to the gym.
Those were some good times. Looking back, I wish I would have cherished those days more.
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Now, 15 years of marriage and two kids later, it can be darn tough to not only get myself out of bed, but find the time to workout within my family structure.
It’s not just me anymore. Alisa, my lovely wife, enjoys working out too. If we want to get away from the house it means that the two of us have to be on the same page.
Luckily for us, we have worked through these issues, and I’m going to share how we have made fitness work in our busy family.
Workout Together
We resisted working out together for the longest time. It wasn’t that we didn’t enjoy being around each other, but a lack of communicating our goals.
I would push myself hard during workouts. Because I was pushing so hard, I expected Alisa to do the same.
The thing is that we had two different goals. My pushing Alisa during fitness pushed her away. She didn’t want to spend time with me as it made her feel inadequate. Looking back I can’t blame her for not wanting to workout with me.
Since that time, we have learned to express and share our goals when we start a new fitness program . It helps us to encourage one another instead of compete with each other.
Working out and being fit with your spouse isn’t a competition that requires a trip to on of the Chiropractors in Fulham afterwards. It is a time for the two of you to support and lift up one another.
Split Up and Get Outside
Over the years there have been numerous times when we wanted to be outside walking, running, biking, or going to a bootcamp. With two kids both of us can’t pick up and leave, and it is a bit tough to take younger kids along all the time.
During these times in our marriage, we sit down to talk through how both of us can get outside 2-3 times per week. What we do is look at our calendars and write down which days each of us can get outside for our workouts.
On days that Alisa goes out for her walks, I make those my weight lifting or inside cardio days. When I go out on a bike ride, Alisa will do an at-home workout that is in line with her goals.
There are those rare occasions when both kids are gone and we make sure to take advantage of those times. We usually get out for a quick 3-4 mile walk.
The key here is that we serve each other and know that by supporting one another we are building up our marriage.
Enjoy Quick & Effective Workouts
Lastly, when our kids were much smaller and time was of the essence, we were all about quick and effective workouts. These workouts lasted 15-30 minutes max.
What we loved about these and still like about these is that we got something in for the day. Don’t miss out on Thrive90 Fitness. We developed this especially for us and busy couples everywhere.
We realized that what we were doing wasn’t going to transform us 180 degrees in 90 days, but the small amount we did each day was having a profound impact on our lives.
After these quick and effective workouts our minds were clear, our endorphins were high, and it increased our desire to be sexually intimate with one another.
Where Are You Right Now?
Which of these fits your marriage/family situation?
Now is the time to determine what phase of your marriage and fitness you are in. No matter where you are I believe you can find time in your day to make fitness happen for you and your spouse.
Do you want to know the key?
I’m sure you do…START.
That’s it, start with a conversation with your spouse and start doing something that will be a benefit to your overall fitness.
- RELATED: Do You Practice What You Preach
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Solid advice, but I just HATE hitting the gym together. It’s way too distracting and I just can’t focus on the workout for the life of me. Besides, sometimes I just want to be alone and gym is a great place for that.