...On Exercising Together.

In a recent ice breaker at our Bible study, we were all asked whether we would consider ourselves a reader, a watcher, or a player. 

Husband and I both labeled ourselves "players."

We like to get in on the action.  We like to be active and we like to do things.  We love hiking and exploring and we rarely say no to a social event.

But I wouldn't say I was a "player" when it comes to certain things.  To be honest, if a group of friends puts together a softball team, I'm not the first to sign up (despite my love of baseball).  And when we go to the beach?  I'd rather lay out and tan than play beach volleyball.  But, I do want to be in on the action.  If everyone is playing volleyball, heck yes, I'll play!  I want to be present with others.

When it came to working out as a married couple, husband really wanted to exercise together.  At first, I was a little hesitant.  He's super athletic, strong and fast, and I'm pretty average.  He could run longer and faster and I would only be holding him back, but he said he didn't care.  We tried running a few times together, and it was fun while it lasted.  I would run with him for a little bit, then he'd drop me off at home and run some more.  I guess it worked that way...

So during our first year of marriage, we decided to do P90X together.  90 days of pure sweat and dedication.  And the best part, was that we could work out together, but push ourselves to what was appropriate for our bodies, you don't have to worry about keeping up with anyone else (just do your best, and forget the rest!  Thanks Tony...).

Through it, we got to learn how to encourage and motivate each other.  We did most of the workouts together, despite husband's crazy schedule.  Some days, we had to do them separate, but for the most part, we waited for each other because we wanted to do this together.  We wanted to finish this goal of ours together.

We were so dedicated, we even packed a pull-up bar with our bands and yoga mats when we flew to Colorado for my brother's graduation.  We were committed.  

And we finished it.  All 90 days.  We didn't miss one workout.   And boy did it feel good to be done.

We learned a lot about each other during those times of exercising together.  You learn a lot about how your spouse operates and what keeps them going.  It was so good.  Do we still work out together?  Not really.  But, we love to do active things together.  And we know more about how to motivate each other to be healthy and active.  And I think that's what was really important to us.

What about you?  Do you and your love exercise together?

This is day 6 of the series "31 Days on becoming a new wife."  I hope you'll journey with me as I reflect on my first year as a Mrs!  Click on the button to see a list of the rest of the posts.

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