The research recently came to light in fitness circles: 73% of men are less likely to keep up with their gym routine after getting into a romantic relationship. There has been much debate online about the findings, but the real message is not that relationships decrease fitness– it is that the relationship needs to be balanced with others’ interests.
Men are more likely to spend time with their partner and are not able to hit the gym as much and have to work out more time with that, the study shows. New routines, social activities, travel, and shared activities can make it more difficult to maintain past fitness habits.
However, the study is a sample and should not be taken to mean that it applies to everyone. What we see varies widely from one person to the next, with regards to lifestyle, people’s priorities, work schedules, and relationship dynamics.
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Health and fitness professionals stress that good relationships encourage health and fitness and not hinder it. A supportive partner, for example, encourages good habits (exercise together, healthy meals, or motivating each other to keep going).
Consistency is still the single most important factor to achieve your goals in fitness. Missing a few weeks’ worth of workouts is normal, but long-term growth is dependent on regular exercise, a balanced diet, and recovery. Most of the experts in this field do not see relationships as a hindrance but rather as an opportunity to get fit and be a couple.
But couples who have fitness goals, who work out together, will find that they love to be out there together. Going to the gym, jogging, cycling, hiking, playing sports, makes for good time to enjoy with your loved ones and a healthy life.
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Having open communication is also important. Talks about personal goals and understanding of each other’s workday can help partners work in support of each other without feeling that fitness or the relationship is sacrificed if not the basis of the relationship is given over to what is important.
Psychologists also say that a new relationship often brings about lifestyle changes and so the “honeymoon phase.” When people are in a happy relationship, they naturally spend more time with their partner. As the relationship stabilizes, people gradually return to a more balanced routine of work, hobbies, exercise, and social life.
Fitness is one of a person’s personal decisions. Whether it’s someone who is single or in a relationship, the only way to keep progress is to have sustainable habits that fit one’s lifestyle. A supportive relationship should develop—not replace—healthy routines.
The discourse that this study has brought into light is an important reminder that good health is intermingled with good relationships. And so it is all in good time management, mutual encouragement, and mutual understanding, and a healthy body and healthy relationship can be maintained.
And instead of thinking about whether someone is in the “73%” or “27%,” the real goal, really, is to have a balance on both your fitness journey and relationship.
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