See Sense: Kick Obsessive Fitness Habits and Nurture your Relationships

Relationships and fitness do not always go hand in hand. I’m quite certain I’m not the only one whose healthy ways and habits have negatively impacted a relationship at some point in time. Relationships and health are both a part of our lives from the moment we are born. In the hope that this article will stimulate healthy debate and encouraging words, I would like to share my experience of the relationship/health tussle which you have possibly all experienced in some shape or form.

Keep Fitness Close to Your Heart but Real People Closer!

Harmonising my passions for healthy living and my relationships with others, in particular, with my girlfriend has often proved challenging. I have not always been accommodating and willing to bend my fitness goals where any ‘normal’ person would. I used to take an ‘us’ and ‘them’ approach. Either you’re a fitness fanatic, or your not. Inevitably this selfish persona only distanced me further from those nearest to me. I remember my girlfriend reading an article about a couple whose relationship broke down because one half spent more time in the gym than with their partner. That is so foolish I thought but eventually I realised that I wasn’t too far away from making that mistake myself! The urgent appointment that I had with the gym was interfering too much. I was late to social events, I was awkward to feed, and I was wasting money on unnecessary supplements. I was fanatical about fitness and other people just didn’t understand.

Social Stability – We All ‘fit in’

I am glad to say that my passion for health and fitness clearly lives on but thankfully so do my most important relationships. I think that we must all avoid having a selfish attitude towards our health. People are increasingly aware of the importance of healthy living and this is good for those of us who are especially enthusiastic because our goals and ideals become more widely understood. It is undoubtedly positive that more people are health conscious and active! Although we are all moving in the right direction, being honest, I still feel that if I was invited to a meal with strangers and I turned down rice because I don’t like to eat grains too often I may get a lot of funny looks. But the whole point is that if you like it, perhaps you needn’t turn down certain food at all! As with so many things in life, identifying the cause is half of the solution. In my case, a fear of being the overweight kid that I once was created obsessive health habits that were counterproductive to my relationships.

Relationships and Health are Both for Life

I feel that the take home message is to be proud of your passions in life but to be conscious of selfishly obsessing to the detriment of others close to you. No matter what relationship you are considering, whether romantic or platonic, take time to reflect and think about how your behaviour is affecting others. There is no need to stop going to the gym or start eating more junk food to ‘fit in’. Equally, do not use others as an excuse to take the easy way out and throw your healthy lifestyle away. Try to get a sustainable balance. Get the right perspective 80% of the time and I think you will be better for it.

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1. Unstoppable Fitness Goals: Fat Loss, Muscle Gain – What Winter Blues?
2. The Benefits of Group Exercise to Smash Your Fitness Goals With Others
3. How To Simplify Your Fitness Regime
4. Sustainable Fat Loss and Fitness in the New Year