Give The Gift Of Fitness This Valentine's

Based on my past posts- "SuperZero Me" and "Those Who Indulge, Bulge", you would have realised that though I am not fat, I have been trying for a long time now to shed the kilos that I have gained in the last couple of years.

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Now I've finally found the key to getting my health and fitness back on track. That is exercising with that someone special. Tim and I have been dating for over two months now and exercising with him has been a great source of motivation and a lot of fun.

Many couples don't exercise together because usually one partner is much more fit than the other. But what many fail to realise is that fitness is for life. In life, we spend an awful lot of time away at work so it is nice to be able to include our partners into our fitness routines.

YogaUnion is the essence of yoga, and joining in postures with Tim has deepened our understanding of the practice. We benefit from the support and energy of each other. All the movements require deep, controlled breaths as you hold each pose. It's hard to believe something so passive could boost your stamina, but yoga does.

The Gym

You don't have to do the exact same thing at the gym but work towards your individual goals. When we're both doing cardio, we take machines which are side by side to each other and set it to our own intensity and resistence levels.

When we do free weights together, I just work with the lightest dumb bells. Though I find myself looking at him through the mirror while we are working out instead of focusing on myself *blush*...

Running

Tim is a seasoned runner, while I am the sort who feels like dying after the first 100 metres. But when we run together, we compromise.

We do it in intervals. If you are a slow jogger and your significant other is faster, intervals will be perfect for both of you. Work at one partner’s faster pace for a few minutes, and then recover at the other person’s slower pace. It's a great way to improve your fitness level and speed over time.

Tim & I after the cross country run- Tired but very pleased

We did a cross country event run at Bedok reservoir last saturday. We only saw each other the the start of the race and then again at the end. You don't need to run together in a competition, it is just as bonding to be able to give each other support at the start and welcome each other with a sweaty hug at the finish line.

Bedok Reservoir

Bedok Reservoir is a 4.3km circuit. I was amazed at his speed and stamina... he did 2 rounds of the reservoir ( over 8Km in about half an hour)... and I know he's proud of me because I managed to complete the whole circuit. :)

Swimming

For Tim, regular swimming builds endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. It also serves as a cross-training element to his regular workouts.

But for me, being in the water is theraputic. I love to be out in the warm sunshine.

We also have a habit of enjoying a quick cool dip at night just before the pool shuts and before bedtime.

This Valentine's Day, I implore you to consider giving the gift of fitness and the gift of bonding through sports to your significant other.

Instead of the usual over-priced flowers, chocolates and perfume, make a difference in your lives together by getting your partner and yourself a gym membership, promise to set aside one evening a week for one-on-one basketball, sign up for a sport climbing course together or simply start each morning with just 15 minutes of couple yoga.

Let your partner teach you about the areas of sports and fitness you’re unsure of and be open to new experiences. The possibilities are endless and the benefits are truly phenomenal.

*Nike Women -This Is Love / Nuffnang competition*