Fitness – Couple #FitnessGoals

As the saying goes, “a couple that gyms together, stays together.” Actor, Bohang Moeko, and personal trainer, Shantal Dietrich, talk us through their fitness journey as a couple

As if having the cutest love story is not enough, Bohang Moeko and Shantal Dietrich are fitness die-hards too. Theirs is the quintessential modernday love story — Moeko first laid eyes on Dietrich on social media in 2017, then later had a brief encounter with her at an audition. It was only after a mutual friend posted about Dietrich on Instagram that he plucked up the courage to DM her. There we go, DMs aren’t just for shady banter! The pair started working out together before hitting it off in the romance department.

While you may not be as fortunate to meet your #fitnessgoals with your partner, we can all be inspired by this duo.

HOW THEY STARTED

“We’re both not too big on #BodyGoals, we believe in simply working towards becoming the best versions of ourselves,” Dietrich explains. “We have our own specific individual goals, but the aim is always to get better and stronger at whatever we do — be it exercise or living a healthy lifestyle. In that sense, we have the same goal,” Moeko adds.

Dietrich’s individual fitness journey has been a challenge many women can relate to. She grew up being teased, for most of her life, about how skinny she was. She

struggled to gain weight, which led to her feeling insecure, unworthy and unhappy. “Growing up, I was active, but only decided to take control of my health and fitness while doing my personal trainer course in 2015,” she shares. “The growth I’ve experienced physically, mentally and emotionally, has changed my life in more ways than one.”

Now, she focuses on women’s wellness because as the saying goes, ‘empowering a woman is the equivalent of empowering a nation’. “My goal is to share my knowledge on balanced living, to inspire and motivate women to become the best versions of themselves, and to create the lives they’ve always wanted to live,” Dietrich continues.

Moeko’s personal fitness journey, on the other hand, was inspired by his brother. “I started being serious about my fitness late in high school. I was always into sports, and when my brother started hitting the gym, that sparked my interest,” he recalls.

HOLDING EACH OTHER ACCOUNTABLE

Many people think that exercising with your significant other requires less effort and intensity than when working out alone. There’s an assumption that you can lose your support system — and gain a rival because you’ll be too competitive – which isn’t just bad for your relationship, but also for your mental state. This, however, is not the case with Moeko and Dietrich.

They hold each other accountable by reminding one another of their goals. “We both know each other’s vision and remind ourselves why they’re important to us, and how staying fit will help us attain those goals,” Moeko says. “If that doesn’t work – we bribe each other with cuddles [chuckles],” Dietrich enthuses. Remaining disciplined, constantly encouraging and supporting each other, as well as leading by example helps them stay on track.

They both admit that their favourite, and most underrated form of exercise, is the squat. “We get the most out of squats, and they’re incredible for toning the legs, which is always a plus,” they say.

Obviously there’ll be those days when one feels off. The couple highlight how good it is to observe the other work out, so they can get back to being disciplined and passionate. “When one is feeling out of it, then the other stays strong and keeps going,” Moeko adds.

MAKING IT WORK

Working out with your partner can be a great activity if you’re smart about it. With that said, there could be a few things that could tick others off. Luckily, for Moeko and Dietrich, that’s not the case. “There isn’t much that irks me about training together,” Moeko says. “Except, maybe, making sure our schedules are aligned, to make it happen.”

If anything, the only factors they find annoying about exercising together are external and beyond their control. “The stares we get from other gym users can be distracting,” Dietrich adds. Other than that, they thoroughly relish the experience.

With so many partner workouts to choose from, it’s not surprising that most couples look forward to including each other in their exercise routines. Plus, most solo activities can easily incorporate another person, whether it’s running around the track, or even having someone hold your feet in place while you do your sit-ups.

“The motivation we get from seeing each other push, being able to hear words of encouragement and having someone to help pack my weights, are the top reasons why I enjoy exercising with Bohang,” Dietrich explains.

He agrees. “I like Shantal’s helpful tips on how to do perform certain exercises. Working out together is really special because we’re helping each other to be our best,” Moeko enthuses.

The duo doesn’t just bond over exercising – they indulge in sweet treats, too, as there’s nothing better than sharing a cheat meal after a good sweat session, they say. “We believe in living balanced lifestyles, so we don’t conform to restrictive diets,” Dietrich says. More than anything else, making things fun and exciting allows this couple to enjoy their cheat meals, without regressing on their workout routines, Moeko concludes.