Can exercise save your marriage?
There are hidden (but priceless) benefits of exercise when you add it to your lifestyle.
I am sure you already know and have read many articles and heard many podcasts and doctors’ bits of advice on the benefits of exercising for your body, like strengthening your bones, muscles, heart and lungs, lowering cholesterol, etc. However, in this article, I am not going to talk about what we already know to be true (but yet, we still struggle to stick to our daily routines to keep our bodies strong and healthy). I want to point out some other exercise benefits of which we are not aware because we are so deeply buried in our daily challenges and problems.
Marriage
Whether you are a newlywed or have been married for a longer time, you will likely agree with me that the most important part of bonding in marriage is connection and attraction. Insecurity and negative body image are unfavorable factors when it comes to trying to look “attractive” to the person we love, and they can do great damage to a couple’s relationship. I am not just talking about the image and shape/size of the bodies, but also about the stamina, energy level, and enthusiasm for all different physical activities like traveling, hiking, skiing, and playing golf. When our body is unfit and out of shape, fun physical activities are the last thing we desire to do. Therefore, when you start exercising and getting your body into healthier and stronger shape, I promise you, your body image will improve, and your confidence and charisma will shine again. Whether you’re climbing a mountain, biking, or walking to your favorite coffee shop with your partner or spouse, you are able to create a deeper intimacy and a greater sense of closeness and bonding with each other. It is proven that those who exercise are more satisfied and happier in their relationships.
“If you are physically active, your body produces more endorphins and, as a result, you will just feel happier.” ~ International speaker and marriage author Bill Farrel
Job and career
I have a friend who, after finishing law school, was accepted into every firm to which she applied. Specifically, the firms were fighting each other to get her to work for them. Later, she learned that it was her weekly training for a Triathlon that made her so “attractive” to the top CEOs of the firms. You see, it wasn’t her body that attracted them; it was her discipline, her time management, her dedication, and her never-give-up mindset that distinguished her from all the other applicants for the jobs. When you become serious about taking charge of your body by exercising and eating healthy, it will reflect on your job performance and overall career. You see, it is not as much the body that people would love to have; it is that disciplined and determined mindset, the one that can create the strong and fit body, for which people would pay big money. When you add exercise to your healthy and balanced lifestyle, your procrastination will disappear, your self-esteem will rise, and your productivity and efficiency will improve, which can all lead to promotions and new job offers.
Parenting
As a mom of two teens, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for my “exercise escapes” like hiking, running, lifting weights, Pilates, and my Peloton bike. After my workouts, I become more calm and definitely easier to talk to when it comes to teen issues. Thus, there are two main reasons why it is so beneficial for you to add exercise to your daily routines. First, exercising is the best way to get the frustrations and anger out, so you don’t have to yell at your kids but instead you can use calm words when they drive you crazy. Second, you are giving a great example for your kids to make your health a priority. The children are watching and paying attention to every move we make. When they see you respecting and taking care of your body, they will do so, too, especially when the teen hormones start kicking in, and they will try to test limits with alcohol and drugs. I am not saying that your exercising will stop them from trying those things, but by being able to see and feel the difference between a healthy and unhealthy body, at least they will be strong enough not to take that (substance abuse) direction.
Money
Yes, there is a little investment that needs to be done when you start exercising, like new running shoes, workout clothes, and maybe a new membership to the gym. Still, it is definitely much less expensive than the monthly or weekly doctor visits and daily medications that are necessary when we don’t take care of our bodies. Although it seems that McDonald’s hamburgers or Dominos Pizza are less expensive than healthy food, actually, it is the opposite. If you buy some fruits, veggies, and chicken and make yourself two healthy cooked meals (including two days of leftovers with salads), it will be less expensive than buying a fast-food lunch and dinner every day. You see, losing just five percent of your body weight can result in significant savings on doctor visits and prescription drugs. Just think about the life insurance coverage; taking care of your body will give you a much better rate. The healthier you are, the easier and more affordable your life insurance protection will be. Therefore, I always say that the sofa lifestyle is expensive.
Happiness
And finally, when you add it all up (a happier marriage, a better job, less stressful parenting, and saving money), it will all result in a happier life. Again, I am not saying that suddenly all aspects of your life will magically improve and all the problems will disappear when you start exercising; however, I know for sure that every minute you dedicate to your body and your health will turn only into a good thing. When you add up these small, good things, they will become ONE joyful and happy significant moment. And those are the moments we have come here to experience in this world. If you can’t experience them, what else have you got?
Good things come to those who sweat.
For more tips or personalized coaching please contact me at: heavenlybodyafter40@gmail.com
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