As I was working with a personal training client of mine who was “sweating for her wedding”, we were talking about the commitment it takes to be FIT. Suddenly, what we were describing sounded like we were actually talking about a relationship. She made the comparison that preparing for her marriage physically has a lot of the same characteristics that she’ll need to have a happy, healthy relationship with her future spouse.

Think of people who have been married for 50+ years, or the 80-year-old lady who still walks 8 miles a day… we are so inspired by these love stories AND these super dedicated fitness people, but we need to be reminded that these people didn’t get there by accident.

They didn’t stay married because it was easy. They got there because they found a way to make it work no matter what. They found a way to push through in the struggles until it was something they LOVED because enduring unconditional love was the most rewarding thing in the world, and they felt purpose in taking care of the one body they get in this life.

I started listing out all the ways the two are VERY similar. Maybe some of these slogans will help you find a bit of encouragement when feeling doubtful in either category…

You can’t cheat and expect it to work.

If it’s broken, put in the hard work to fix it instead of giving up altogether.

Be willing to self-evaluate. When there is a problem, be willing to look within to find if there’s anything YOU can do to change.

You may find your groove for a while, but there will always be valleys to conquer. Don’t ever get “too comfortable” in your same old routine.

Switch it up. If T25 isn’t working for you, maybe CIZE is your thing. You can always make changes that are still GOOD to stay committed, but may involve adjustment or compromise to a different system that works better to maintain happiness for both people. Communicate about what’s working and what’s NOT, and try new things together!

If you’re not fully committed, you won’t get the results you want.

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Your marriage and your fitness are yours alone and don’t have to keep up a particular appearance that society “expects” of you.

It’s a slow, day by day imperfect process, where you learn to extend grace in your weaknesses. You’re always a work in progress!

It may involve getting up early, staying up late, or expending energy when you don’t want to, but it’s always worth it.

It takes a heck of a lot of prayer and focus to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. Say no to temptations.
You have to constantly remind yourself why you started… why you loved in the first place. WHY did you decide to start on this journey?

The more you invest in it, the stronger you get. AND you have to stretch to become more flexible.

You can’t go through it on your own! It takes accountability, support, and communication with other people to keep you on track.

It comes down to respect, and showing love to yourself (and your spouse) day in and day out. Not the gushy kind, but the going out of your way to show you care kind.

It might start out like a leap of faith, but anything is possible if you work for it! There is no quick fix and no lost cause.

It’s not just about YOU and your needs, but how you can help and serve the other.

Intimacy with your spouse is a 3 legged stool: physical, emotional, and spiritual connections. Your health is a balance between nutrition, exercise, and sleep. All 3 must be in sync to have the proper steadiness and peace.

Appreciate your body not just for what it can do but for what it is. Appreciate your spouse not just for what they do, but for WHO they are.