It’s been a long winter and for some people in happy relationships, this means an excess of cuddle time. Cuddling sure might be a nice way to stay warm, but it isn’t a way to stay in shape (unfortunately our Fitbits didn’t count it as calorie burning…we checked).
Kelli and Daniel Segars are the attractive married couple behind the popular YouTube channel Fitness Blender. Workouts range from calorie torching HIIT workouts to calm stretches. They take turns demonstrating exercises in their almost daily videos. This couple doesn’t seem to meet a crunch they didn’t like, and they have the abs to prove it. We had to find out their secrets and how we can prevent our loving relationships from becoming love handles.
It’s tempting for people in relationships to put on some weight. Did you ever find this happening to you guys?
We've always heard that people gain weight in relationships but don't think it's inevitable. Yes, you might be in a more comfortable, content place in your life, but that's no reason to stop eating healthily or stop working out. If the two people in the relationship have different activity levels and eating habits, each may trend toward the habits of the other, but if you work on it together, you can be each other's support system and reason for making healthy decisions. We were fortunate enough to not really have this problem because health and fitness were important to both of us.
What motivates you to stay in shape on days when your inspiration may be lagging?
Kelli: The idea that I always feel better after a workout. After even just a short workout I feel accomplished, less stressed, and in a better mood. Other times, it's okay to take a day off, and start back in with renewed motivation the next day.
What are your favourite exercises to do together?
We like doing strength training, as well as high intensity interval training (HIIT) cardio. But we've also been playing around with partner yoga, and we love just a simple walk with our overly energetic lab, Loki.
How did Fitness Blender come to be?
We thought that 100% free, full-length workout videos that you can do in the privacy of your own home were the ultimate excuse buster. We believe that fitness should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. There’s also a lack of reliable health and fitness information on the web, and too many people in the industry are more focused on appearance than they are on good health.
How is it decided which person demonstrates the exercises?
Each of us writes our own workout routines, so whoever comes up with an idea films it. Sometimes we write each other's workout videos, just to torture/challenge each other with some really tough workouts.
What are your favourite/least favourite exercises to do and why?
Kelli's favourite is Burpees and Burpee variations (I think we must have over 100 Burpee variations by now) - she hates Mountain Climbers and High Knees.
Daniel's favourite is a kettlebell clean and press, or Turkish Get Up, his least favourite is Jumping Lunges.
At least their dislikes seem human. But they do have superhuman bodies.
