Married couples show us how to stay healthy together

"You have to influence each other with your own healthy habits," shares Nonoy, a triathlon coach and endurance athlete who is married to Eva, an independent art curator and consultant. "Eva took up several sports as a kid, but wasn't as active as an adult. My (sporty) lifestyle rubbed off on her, and eventually she started to train for aquathlons and long-distance open water swims which I would do with her. I on the other hand, often struggled with bad food choices, like junk food, while Eva is such a healthy eater."

"We always keep each other motivated to stay active and healthy," adds Eva. "We are actually very complimentary because I am much more conscious about healthy eating and having a balanced diet than Nonoy. So, I have been able to improve his diet a lot and now he is more conscious of the importance of food. On the flip side, he keeps me motivated to stay active."

Husband and wife athletes Kerwin and Hazel met each other as part of a Dragon Boat racing team, and besides training together as part of the team, they would have “dating jogs” when they were boyfriend and girlfriend.

“Now that we are married, nothing much has changed,” shares Hazel. “We still do our normal routine—we jog, swim, and go to the gym together. It has become our lifestyle."

It's no surprise that the two always make sure to exercise every day. Adds Kerwin. “I’ve noticed that other people think that just because they’ve gotten married that they no longer have to think about their body or the way they look. They have to realize that exercise is not only for their looks—it gives a positive outlook in life.” This perspective has helped the couple when it comes to facing married life.

“During difficult times—times when we needed to make a difficult decision—we always tell ourselves ‘laban lang.’ Just like in our races, we always keep in mind to finish strong. Quitting isn't an option,” acknowledges Hazel.

If Kerwin and Hazel had Dragon Boat racing, Nonoy and Eva always had a common passion for swimming, and it helped develop their relationship early on.

“We started off in a long-distance relationship because Eva was based in Kuala Lumpur. When she was here in Manila she usually had a tight schedule for work, but because she and her Dad loved to swim for exercise, we would go for swims together whenever we could,” recalls Nonoy.

“So, since Noy was already doing swim coaching at the time, it was a natural fit that Noy would help me improve my swim and occasionally swim with me. But it was only when I moved to the Philippines that I started to train, and take part in a few aquathlons and open water swim races, which Noy would join with me,” says Eva. Together, the couple has done a 10-km Caramoan open water swim last year and a 5-km and 4-km open water swim this year.

While Nonoy and Eva both enjoy swimming together, they recognize that they are still individuals who may have different interests with different levels of fitness.

“Respect what your partner loves to do in terms of fitness, but don't feel pressured to take it up if it’s not for you. On the whole, I let him train on his own since I am not a triathlete,” says Eva.

“While we do occasionally go for swims together, different schedules mean we usually can't work out at the same time, and my work outs are much more rigorous, so we usually just enjoy post work out meals instead,” adds Nonoy, with a laugh.

The best part about living a healthy lifestyle with a spouse or partner is that you automatically have a devoted cheerleader rooting for you.

“We support each other the same way we push ourselves and each other during our training sessions,” shares Kerwin.

Nonoy agrees: “Even though work, our careers, and other things may derail you or your partner from staying fit you always have to make the time to exercise and eat well, so you can have a long and happy life together. Be each other's best cheerleader to achieve your goals.”