How to Keep Long Distance Relationships Healthy

Both Dodong and I have been quite busy nowadays. I have my hands full with a new job, sidelines, friends and a long distance relationship, while Dodong is juggling his new responsibilities at work, paying the bills and saving up for the future plus keeping healthy through diet and exercise.

Obviously, with my sched, exercise still isn't in the equation. That's why I decided (on impulse!) to join 360 Fitness in Ortigas Center, which is a hop and a skip away from the office. As I was on my 2nd work out yesterday, I realized that keeping my body fit and healthy is the same thing as keeping our long distance relationship healthy too. How? Read more after the jump

For it to work, it must be CONSISTENT.

I signed up for an ANNUAL membership to make sure I go. And so far, I've gone 2x since I signed up last Tuesday. Hehehe. I need to work out at least 3x a week for the next year in order to get back in shape. Since 360 Fitness offers circuit training that you can sweat it out in just 30-solid minutes, I think it would be no problem fitting it into my sched.

And with exercise, consistency is key just as in a long distance relationship. Long distance relationship couples need to consistently communicate. I must say, it has to be consistent QUALITY communication, and not just quantity.

Nowadays, in our situations, I am definitely missing the consistent quality communication We've been so busy…Sad face.

Have some VARIETY to keep things fresh.

What I also liked about 360 Fitness is that they offered other group classes like Yoga, Striptease, Hip Hop, Kickboxing and TRX on top of the uber cool circuit training. I get bored easily so I need the variety in my exercise routine as well. I did circuit training AND power yoga yesterday and it was Kick-ass!

In long distance relationships, keeping things fresh is just as important in order to nurture that love despite the distance. Dodong and I are actually a bit steady in our routine. So I try to look for ways to keep things exciting like have little surprises during special occasions like anniversaries (or monthsaries…yes we do greet each other) and birthdays.

When stressed out, get a breather and RELAX.

This week has been admittedly stressful, bodywise and relationship-wise. Bodywise, well, it has been adjusting to the new schedule and I must admit I have stretched myself. So I took my aching body to TonTon Thai Massage, my current massage place favorite, to soothe ze muscles. I make sure I drop by during promo hours (between 1230PM to 6PM) to enjoy Php 100 off and upgrade the 1-hour massage to a 1.5 to 2 hours massage.

Relationship-wise, I've been so lonely and we've actually been at each other's throats. So I needed some alone-time to cool off and get the hormone levels down. Relax relax lang when on long distance relationship stress. I'm afraid we might say or do things we might regret in the end.

How else can we keep our long distance relationships healthy?

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay

P.S. 360 Fitness Gym is at the 13th Floor of the Strata 100 Building along Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center Pasig City. Visit their website here

Love the distance,

Inday I. Nagintay