John Is Fit

Posted: 27 Nov 2011 05:18 AM PST

This is a guest post by Jaime Castle.

If you're looking for some ideas that will bring you and your significant other closer, why not try working out together? Hectic work schedules, kids, and many other of life's obligations can make it difficult for couples to spend time together–and tossing in separate workouts several times a week is just one more thing that prevents them from enjoying some quality time with each other. Here are 7 workout ideas for couples that will exercise their hearts in more ways than one.

Play a Sport Together

If you and your partner like to play sports, sign up to play on a local league or team. Check with health clubs and fitness organizations in your area to find out if there are any recreational leagues you can join. Volleyball, basketball, and softball are just a few of the sports that couples can have fun playing together.

Sign Up for a Class

Signing up for a class is another great way to stay active together. Some ideas include dancing, yoga, Pilates, or martial arts. Couples will learn something new while getting in shape together.

Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors

There are plenty of activities for couples to do in the great outdoors–and best of all, most of them are free. Biking, canoeing, hiking, and swimming are some excellent ways to get some exercise and fresh air together. If you live in the city or don't have easy access to these kinds of outdoor activities, try incorporating them into a romantic weekend camping trip.

Train for an Athletic Event

Marathons, triathlons, and bike races are more fun to train for if you have company, so pick one, set a goal, and do it together. In order to prepare for the big event you can set up a training schedule that will work for the both of you–and don't forget to encourage and support each other along the way.

Join a Gym

A really convenient way to work out as a couple is to join a gym or fitness club. You can head there together before work or meet there after–and chances are if you pay the money for memberships you'll be more inclined to make the effort to get there and actually exercise. Don't forget to ask about discounts for couples or families–many gyms and clubs offer them and they're usually cheaper than individual memberships.

Play in the Snow

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you have to be stuck indoors. Don't let the snow slow you down–get out there and play in it. Skiing, snowboarding, skating, and snow-shoeing are fun activities that will get the blood moving in the winter, and they're even more exciting to do with someone you love. If those ideas don't appeal to you, try sledding together. You'll get a great workout trudging to the top of the hill after each run, and you can take turns carrying the sled!

Go for a Walk

One of the best ways to work out together as a couple is to simply go for a nice, long walk. Whether you've both had long days at work or you just want to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, a walk is the perfect way to share some much needed-time with each other–and you can hold hands while you do it.

As you can see, there are many benefits to working out with your other half. Look good, feel great, and have more time to share with the one that you love.

Jamie Castle writes about dating and dating sites for OnlineDating.org.

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Post from: John Is Fit - Personal Weight Loss Blog

7 Workout Ideas for Couples

Fight off those hunger urges

Posted: 27 Nov 2011 04:39 AM PST

This is a guest post by Jonathan Jenkins.

If you have ever dieted then you will surely have suffered at one time or another with hunger urges. These urges are quite common and have led many people to quit their diets.

When these hunger urges appear it is easy to forget all about your diet and binge, however this is not good for you. It is important that you find a way to fight off these hunger urges.

Keep reading and you will find a few tips that can help you to overcome your hunger and help you to finally reach your goal weight.

Try to reduce the amount of carbs you consume

The first tip that can help to reduce your hunger is to eat fewer carbs than you do currently.

This does not mean cutting them out completely, just use a little moderation.

Out of all the different food groups, carbs are the ones that make you feel hungry the most.

If you can keep the consumption of carbs to a minimum and by adding some protein to your diet you will be able to last a longer time between meals and ensure that those hunger urges don't ruin your diet.

Eat smaller meals but more often

The next tip to help control your hunger is to eat smaller meals at regular times through the day. Rather than eating 2-3 large meals, you should instead split them into 6 smaller meals.

Doing this has been shown to boost your metabolism, and will ensure your blood sugar levels do not drop.

Try eating every 3-4 hours as this can help to significantly reduce your appetite.

Eat more soup

When you go out for a meal instead of eating a large main course you should have some soup as a starter and then a smaller main course.

By eating a starter you will not feel as inclined to eat a large main course so you will be taking in fewer calories in total.

Start drinking Green Tea

Drinking 1-2 cups of Green Tea every day has been shown to be able to reduce your appetite. Also there are many other health benefits including the ability to lower your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, while increasing your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.

It has been shown that Green Tea can reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes

These health benefits occur due to the large number of powerful antioxidants including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that are found within Green Tea.

Another bonus of Green Tea is that it can help to increase your metabolism so you will also be burning more calories than you would normally.

Make sure you get plenty of sleep

The last tip that can help fight off hunger is to make sure you get enough sleep.

Sleep is important when you are dieting as you will find that if you have a bad nights sleep you are often more hungry the next day.

This hunger is due to your body craving the energy it gets from food, as it is fatigued.

If you can follow these tips you will be able to reduce your hunger and finally get your diet under control.

Jonathan Jenkins is a stay at home Dad who is interested in helping you all to get in or stay in shape. I hope you enjoy my articles and they help you to reach your goals. http://www.weightlosssupplements.org.uk/

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