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Q: What are some of the biggest benefits you%u2019ve found from training as a coupleThere are so many benefits from working out as a couple, especially since becoming parents and having less alone time. Our love for working out is what brought us together and keeps us together. It sounds clich%u00e9 but it is so true that when you have this common love for self-improvement, health and fitness, there is something so grounding about it. Health and fitness has been a huge part of our lives individually and pretty awesome that we can share this love for the sport, together. No matter what is going on in life, it seems to be the common denominator that keeps us grounded and reminds us of where things all started... There are so many distractions in life but when we take this time to workout together, it is as if all the distractions fade away. We also find that when we workout together we are challenged in different ways than working out solo. When we workout individually we tend to do what we always do but when we workout together, we blend our styles, which adds for variety and breaks monotony.Q: How do you structure your workouts to accommodate each other%u2019s fitness levels and goals?We both have different styles and goals yet similar approaches when it comes to variety. Michael%u2019s workouts tends to be focused on foundational lifts (squat, deadlift, power cleans) coupled with circuit workouts for cardio and conditioning. My workouts tend to be focused less on power and more on conditioning and lighter weight with higher reps. I also add in weekly isolated workouts from time to time to keep my strength. While Michael is more focused on weight and I am more focused on less weight and intentional mind-muscle connection we both have a passion for circuit training so to do those together. I usually let Michael put together the workout since he definitely has a way of challenging my mind and muscles in a different way.Q: Can you share a typical training session that you do together?We always do some type of high-intensity workout. Whether that be heading to the beach to run the stairs and incorporate squats, push-ups and crunches or a more structured circuit, they are always different. Here is an example of one of our workouts we did recently that was a perfect blend of strength and cardio. This one left me feeling sore for days! -20 bodyweight squats-20 KB swings-20 walking lunges-20 4-count flutter kicks-20 side to side banded low squats -20 push ups-100 meter jogQ: How has training together impacted your relationship outside of the gym?Working out has always been just as much a mental push as it has been a physical. Growing your mindset and learning what you are capable of not only helps you individually but as a couple. When you have the same common love for pushing yourself and proving what you are capable of, it rolls into every area of your life. Life can be challenging but when you have this fitness foundation and background, all the lessons you learn in the gym help you to take on life%u2019s challenges. From running multiple businesses together to taking on parenting, our mental strength has helped us to push through obstacles, trust in the process, understand the power of working hard and so much more. Fitness is so much more than looking good, it literally has been the foundation for our mental health and maintaining a positive outlook on life. We both understand the power of being a go-getter and working hard to achieve your greatest dreams. In a world where things are getting %u201ceasier in many ways%u201d having this understanding of what it takes to reach your goals has been something that has been the glue for us. We both have put in the work to reach our goals and try to instill the same work ethic in our kids. Q: What advice would you give to other couples who want to start training together?Just START. It doesn%u2019t matter what level you are at, just the time together will bond you in ways beyond your fitness goals. Even if you have different styles of working out, just being together with a common goal- to be a better version of yourself, which will bring you closer as a couple. All we have is our relationships and our health so when you combine both, you have the winning formula for lasting and healthy relationships. Sometimes we get lost in the day-to-day of life but working out together has a way of reminding you of what is truly important. Couples that train together, stay together so get to training. ;) Gina Aliotti MOST MAGAZINE - ISSUE 49 53