TOLEDO, Ohio — This year's Super Fitness Weight Loss Challenge includes 13 couples. Does competing together help make Valentine's Day special this year?
Competitors Jeff and Tammy Mentel, who have been married for just over a year, met when they taught a cardio drumming class at Super Fitness.
Dennis and Debi White have been married for eight years, and Dennis said it has been a fun eight years.
“Meal prep is probably the best part of this competition for us, Debi White said. "We spend more time talking and shopping for our meals than we ever have."
Jim and Beth Thornton also said they enjoy meal prep together.
“Meal prep is really important,” Beth Thornton said. “You can’t out exercise a bad diet.”
Jim Thornton added, “And it is also important to support each other, no matter what.”
Nick and Deborah Cisneros not only work out together for the challenge, they have also had their children join Super Fitness to get the whole family on board.
“I think it has brought us closer together because we go to the gym together and we are helping each other with nutrition at home," Deborah Cisneros said. "We are really supporting each other. He really pushes me a lot more.”
Jim and Lisa Roe said they are always looking forward to the monthly challenges, treating it like a date night.
“Saying please and thank you," Jim Roe said of the secret to a happy relationship. "I think that was the best advice we ever got”
Mark Hammond joined the challenge first, then he encouraged his wife Laure to join because he was enjoying it so much.
“I joined after the first of the year," he said. "I can’t believe the things you are getting me to do! This is so fun.”
One reason to stick to the program is to make sure they have a long and happy life together, he said.
“It has motivated me to get healthier," he said. "I always want her at my side.”
Super Fitness Weight Loss champ Darryll Blausey and his wife Kimberly are in the challenge together again this year.
“It is always good to find something new to do together. That keeps our relationship strong,” he said.
His wife said the event is a great way to enjoy their outgoing, competitive sides together.
“We just think this is a great way to really cherish each other and get fit at the same time,” she said.
Laure Hammond said the secret to their successful marriage is communication.
“We talk about everything, good and bad," she said. "And we always start our day out with prayer. That’s really important.”
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