Healthy Helpings

We asked three couples in the fitness industry: What is your advice for maintaining a healthy relationship? 

Cami + Michael Kirschner

Co-owners, The Barre Code Austin

2017 marks 10 years of marriage for us! Beyond the physical attraction, we came together as a couple because we have so many shared interests. We maintain a healthy relationship by continuing to cultivate those interests as a couple. A love for food; sports—snow skiing (our favorite), water sports, tennis and golf to name a few; cards and games. Make sure to find time to check in with each other and the status of your relationship. It is easy to get bogged down with the day to day—find ways to let your partner know how important they are to you!  

Jessica Kurtz + Brandon Thomas

Instructors, CRUSH Fitness

Never. Stop. Dating. 

After being together for four years, having one beautiful baby boy, and juggling two hectic fitness careers, we’ve learned that it’s so easy to take each other for granted. No matter how old or new a relationship is, it requires hard work and you can’t get lazy. We make it a point to send cute texts throughout the day and build new memories together, whether it’s seeing a concert or taking a trip somewhere we've never been. And pizza. Pizza makes a healthy relationship.

Brittaney + Pat Cook

Co-founders, Athletic Outcomes

First, remember that it's important to actually like this person. It's okay if they’re your best friend! They should at least be on your list of top five favorite people to spend your time with. Second, remember that deep down, they do love surprises and attention. Venturing out of your normal routine to do something simple and special will always keep your partner interested. Lastly, remember to appreciate downtime with each other more than anything. After all, someday you’ll laugh at how much spaghetti you ate while laying on the couch in your matching sweatpants.

Did you know…

You can die of a broken heart. Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy, can strike even if you’re healthy. It’s often triggered by an emotionally stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or romantic betrayal. The primary symptoms are sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, which is why it’s often misdiagnosed as a heart attack. However, rather than the cause being linked to blocked arteries, it’s due to a part of your heart temporarily enlarging, making it difficult to pump well.

Source: American Heart Association

If you’re beginning to slump on that New Year’s resolution to get fit, here’s a reason to stick with it: Exercising regularly will boost your libido. When you exercise, the brain produces endorphins that stimulate the release of sex hormones.

Pick up a barbell: Strength training increases levels of growth hormone, which contributes to spikes in testosterone—the hormone of arousal.

Go for a run: Cardio workouts rev up beta-endorphins, which will cause your heart to race and your blood to flow to all the right places.

Hit the mat: Yoga leads to lower stress levels and increases relaxation, which primes you for intimacy. And the flexibility component only adds to the benefits!

More than 35 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate will be sold for Valentine's Day.

Over $1 billion worth of chocolate is purchased for Valentine's Day in the U.S.

Source: http://bit.ly/2ia36O

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