5 Valentine's Day Ideas for Couples & Singles!
Celebrating Strong Women: Doni Seipp
Almost 30 pounds and 16.5 inches gone!
True Transformation Doesn't Take Place On The Scale
Everyone wants to change the way the body looks, but it often isn’t until we change the way we think, the way we see ourselves, and our habits until we can truly change on the outside. Tarryn shares with us her “Aha!” moments when it came to creating real, lasting change that began the transition to true “success”.
Exercise & Back Pain: You Can Recover and Get Stronger!
After having back surgery, Kyla was afraid to begin exercising. Here, she shares how she overcame her fear, what she has accomplished (she’s pain-free, has ditched heartburn medication, and can make it up the stairs without losing her breath) and shares her advice for others who suffering from pain or recovering from an injury.
How I learned to overcome my excuses.
Lisa used to be able to come up with every excuse under the sun as to why she couldn’t or shouldn’t start exercising. She realized that the excuses would always be there, but she could give it a try anyways. And, she did! A few months later, she is feeling better than ever, has ditched smoking once and for all, and is noticing changes in her “excuses”.
Linda Jones: Staying Active with Aging
The best valentine's gift you can give someone trying to become healthier
Valentines is about letting the special people in your life know that you care about them.
It’s a day for chocolates, flowers, cards, and appreciation.
Chocolates get eaten and flowers will wilt away... but there is something that you can give your sweetheart to show them how much you care and support them that is surprisingly easier than you think and doesn’t cost a cent.
That thing…
is your support.
We polled a number of our members attempting to adopt healthier exercise and nutrition habits and be their best selves.
The number one thing they wished for?
Support from their other half.
“To have support and encouragement and be told I’m doing a good job”
“I wish my husband participated with me so we could get in shape together”
“I wish they wouldn’t open chips around me when they know I am trying not to eat them lol”
“I wish they would notice the hard work I put in and the changes I’ve made”
Fortunately, it’s not complicated.
To some, support is being there with words of encouragement and cheering them on in their journey.
Let your significant other know that you notice the effort that they are putting in, compliment them on their discipline and dedication, encourage them to get up and hit the gym instead of hitting snooze, notice the changes they’ve made and generally support them using kind and encouraging words (even if words ‘aren’t your thing’…. do your best and remember that it’s not about you - it’s about supporting your partner and they might just be dying for some support and affirmation).
To others, support is most appreciated by small acts of service or helping them to make healthier habits and choices.
Offer to watch the kids, cook a meal, or do other tasks and that help your sweetheart have time to focus on their health or hit the gym. This might also mean offering to pick up groceries, having a coffee or healthy smoothie ready for them when they walk in the door from the gym, or any other task you can think of that lets them know that you support them and want them to be successful with their goals.
For many, quality time and making healthier choices together would trump flowers, cards, and chocolates any day.
Going through a transition to adopting a healthy lifestyle is challenging as it is and even more challenging when you are going it alone or have a partner who isn’t willing to encourage you or get on board themselves. Many of our members at Encompass exercise as couples; strengthening their bodies, improving their health, sharing time together, and most importantly encouraging, supporting, and holding each other accountable. Plus, studies have proven that couples who exercise together have better results - and, it’s no surprise that it’s easier to eat healthier when you’re both on the same page.
Joining your partner on their journey by choosing healthier food choices, or joining them at the gym isn’t just meaningful to them - it’s beneficial for you! Put your excuses and fears aside and support your partner as you help them change their life and improve yours.
For those that really love receiving gifts, they may be most excited by receiving a gift that shows them that you care and support them.
Purchase them a gift card for a gym membership, a massage to relax and relieve sore muscles, or new exercise gear or wearable technology like a whoop, fitbit, or wireless headphones to get them even more motivated to continue their health journey and validate your support of it as well. Plus, they will think of you each time they use their gift!
If you are familiar with love languages and know your partner's Love Language use the above suggestions to show your partner how much you care about them. If you aren’t familiar with Love Languages (a life changer in relationships) take the free quiz here to better understand how your partner best receives love and feels valued.
Though they won’t often ask for it, your support of their healthier lifestyle is greatly appreciated and goes a long way. It can be hard travelling a road alone - it’s much easier when you have someone with you for the journey, or at least know you have someone cheering for you.
Not sure where to begin to support your partner?
Ask!
The simple phrase and question
“Hey good looking, you’ve been working really hard. How can I better support you with your health and fitness?”
will speak volumes and get you much further than cards, chocolates, or flowers.
Even better - follow up with it. Continue to support them. Offer to join them at the gym or “try” out a partner workout - you might be surprised at how strong they are, how great they look when they are sweating, and how much you enjoy it too! For bonus points, don’t complain when they try a new healthy recipe or ask them to cook multiple meals (becoming healthier is hard enough as it is for them - cook your own damn unhealthy meals), don’t eat the chips and ice cream right in front of them, and stop encouraging them to go out for wings or stay home and sit on the couch when they are debating on whether or not they should go to the gym.
A healthy wife (or husband) is one of the greatest gifts you can have - let them know it!
Mel learned to overcome her excuses and get off the yo-yo rollercoaster.
Mel had finally found a fitness routine that she loves and was consistent with, but the pounds were still slowly creeping on. As life got busier she was letting her discipline slide until she finally had enough. Mel’s journey to finding balance, getting results, and feeling amazing is one we can all relate to and aspire for.