5 Tips That Guarantee Marriage Fitness

Fitness. It’s a word that simply means “health” and if you were to read some of the latest articles on the physical condition of people living in America alone, you’d probably discover that 2 out of 3 adults are considered to be either overweight or obese. What’s startling about that is obesity can lead to heart issues, diabetes and a myriad of other health concerns.

 

However, being a healthy individual does not only consist of being in top physical condition. Take your marriage, for example. When’s the last time that you’ve taken out a moment to think about how healthy it is? Since reportedly 40-50 percent of American marriages end in divorce, it’s important that you do all that you can to keep your marriage safe, happy and well.

If you’d like a few marriage fitness tips that can keep you and yours in peak marital condition, here are five proven ones:

 

1) Communicate effectively

Aside from financial and intimacy issues, one of the leading causes of divorce is poor communication. In order for two people to be able to effectively support one another, they’re going to both need to convey their feelings and needs and also listen to what their partner has to say. A wise man once said “People change and forget to tell each other.” This is perhaps one of the main causes behind grey divorces (senior divorces). They are the result of years of people living in the same house but not really connecting. If you want to have a healthy marriage, communication is key.

 

2) Couples counseling

Unfortunately, there continues to be a stigma surrounding marriage counseling. However, it is actually one of the best things that you could ever do for your marriage. There are numerous studies which indicate that couples who see a counselor or therapist, at least a couple of times per year, have a far greater success rate than couples that don’t. Seeing a qualified professional is a proactive investment into your union because they can provide tips and insight on how to make your marriage better.

 

3) Consistent intimacy

Here’s something that you might find to be surprising. Reportedly between 15-20 percent of marriages are considered “sexless”. This means that the couples in them are only having sex approximately 10 times (or less) per year. Aside from the countless number of physical benefits that come with engaging in a consistent sex life (including reduced stress, burned calories and a boost to your immune system), regular intimacy also increases your emotional and spiritual connection too. It helps you to bond even more with your partner which is always beneficial.

 

4) Regular dates (and vacations)

Something else that’s important to keep in mind when it comes to marriage fitness is that quality time is paramount. That said, with all of the demands that are going on when it comes to work, kids and everything else that may be on your schedule, quality time is something that you have to be intentional about. Plan weekly dates. At least once a year, go on a vacation (without other family members or friends). Both of these things will give you an opportunity to not be distracted by what may be going on around you. That way, you can focus solely on one another. Every couple needs it. Every couple deserves it too.

 

5) Future planning

If you ask a couple that’s been married 30 years or more about something that they regret when it comes to their first few years of marriage, they would probably say that the wished they had taken time more seriously when it came to planning for their future. Financial stress can do a real number on any marriage. That’s why it’s important to set goals when it comes to getting out of debt, establishing a savings account and also preparing for your retirement. The more you plan for what’s ahead, the more stable and secure you’ll feel in the present. Future planning is definitely one of the best things that you could ever do to keep your marriage happy, healthy and holistically fit.

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