The Joy of Flex

by Rajul Punjabi

Glynis and Adam began their routine in the ring long before they exchanged rings: Each week the couple, now approaching their third wedding anniversary, dons boxing gloves to spar against each other. “It relieves the week’s stresses,” says Glynis, a PR executive. “But it also brought this whole other dimension to the relationship. If you learn to trust your partner in the ring, that moves throughout your whole life.” Another unexpected upshot: Trading blows bettered their sex life. “The training brings more passion to the relationship,” explains Glynis. “We always have more energy afterward.”

Couple #2: The Charity Cases
Katie Sloan and Frank Sweet
Age: Late 20s
Location: Birmingham, MI

If a better bod or a stronger relationship isn’t enough motivation to get off the couch, how about sweating for a cause bigger than the two of you? Last summer, Katie and her boyfriend Frank took part in a three-day, 300-mile charity bike marathon for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Detroit, where they teamed up in honor of a child. “It’s exhilarating and rewarding,” says Katie. “We raised $3,000 between the two of us!” Altogether, their team of 30 bikers raised over $200,000. The couple, who have been dating for three years, have even started to volunteer at other charity marathons as a result. Kaiser applauds twosomes who take on this “triple hit,” as she puts it. “It’s companionship, charity, and a workout all in one,” she says.

Couple #3: The Committed Commuters
Margaret and Dan Zwiren
Age: Mid 60s and 70s respectively
Location: Staten Island, NY

Margaret and Dan found inspiration to live a healthier lifestyle because of each other. In fact, they’re so devoted to gym-going, they endure a 40-minute commute from Staten Island to Manhattan three times a week, both admitting that they probably wouldn’t do it without the other. “[Working out] really brings you closer together,” says Dan, who convinced his wife to join the club years ago as a Mother’s Day gift. “I admire her progress; she’s really motivated to go,” he adds.