As Christians, we are called to live an integrated life, a life in which our whole selves–body, mind, and spirit–glorify God. 

The saints knew this and lived it well. They also knew the challenges that came with it.

Sometimes it will feel easier to give into idleness and mediocrity. Sometimes scrolling social media or binge-watching television will seem more alluring than daily prayer or working out.  

But before you give into the temptation to accept less than what God made you for, particularly in your fitness journey, look to the words and examples of your heavenly friends. 

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"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body." -St. Paul in his Letter to the Corinthians

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“Man, though made of body and soul, is a unity. Through his very bodily condition he sums up in himself the elements of the material world. Through him they are thus brought to their highest perfection and can raise their voice in praise freely given to the Creator. For this reason man may not despise his bodily life. Rather he is obliged to regard his body as good and to hold it in honor since God has created it and will raise it up on the last day.” 

–Pope Saint Paul VI 

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“The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine. It has been created to transfer into the visible reality of the world, the mystery hidden from eternity in God, and thus to be a sign of it”

 –Pope Saint John Paul the Great 

“Remember that bodily exercise, when it is well ordered, as I have said, is also prayer by means of which you can please God our Lord.”
–St. Ignatius of Loyola 

Do everything for love. That way there are no little things. Everything is big. 

–St. Josemaria Escriva

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“Ad maiorem Dei gloriam—All for the greater glory of God.” 

–St. Ignatius of Loyola

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“Nothing great is ever achieved without much enduring.” 

–St. Catherine of Siena

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"I can do all things in Him who strengthens me." 

–Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians

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“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew.” 

–St. Francis de Sales

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“Let us love God, but let it be with the strength of our arms and with the sweat of our brows…” –St. Vincent de Paul

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When the slow summer months turn to Back-to-School Night and Teacher Conferences, kids’ assignments and extracurriculars, new work deadlines and house projects, it’s easy to feel scattered, overwhelmed, and even burnt out.

Many parents struggle with establishing a rhythm and routine to help their families actually thrive throughout the school year.

Creating a Rule of Life for your family will allow you to live a life of peace and connection, even during the busiest seasons.

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The concept of a Rule of Life originated with the Father of Western Monasticism –St. Benedict. St. Benedict wanted his followers to live a balanced life of prayer and work (“Ora et Labora”) because he believed that was the key to holiness.

For more than 1,000 years, the Rule of St. Benedict has provided structure to those living in monasteries by creating a rhythm of work, prayer, and recreation. It has also served as a model for other religious communities in how they order their day to fully live out their calling.

However, a Rule of Life is more than a schedule. It describes a community’s spirituality and purpose, helps establish priorities, and sets the standards for daily tasks.

Having a Rule of Life isn’t just beneficial for those called to life in a monastery. Lay individuals and families can also benefit from this traditional Christian tool.

Creating a Rule of Life as a Catholic family helps you order your days toward God, and through this order brings freedom and peace to a home.

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Creating Your Family’s Rule of Life 

Pray to the Holy Spirit

Before you create your Rule of Life, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process. Remember, you are creating more than just an efficient schedule for your family, you are responding to God’s call for your life. Ask for the grace to do this wholeheartedly.  

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Establish your Fundamental Principles

Before you dig into the details that make up your day-to-day life, you will first need to understand your family’s core values. Some families may refer to this as their mission or vision statement, and it will help guide you in the next stages of creating your Rule.

Although every Catholic family shares the universal call to holiness, no Catholic family will look exactly the same in their pursuit of this end. Creating a family mission statement will help you clarify your family’s unique call.

What matters most to you and your family? What kind of family do you want to be? What goals do you have as a unit? What makes your family special?

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Reflect on your Vocation

In A Mother’s Rule of Life, author Holly Pierlot reflected on the duties of her vocation as a wife and mother and created a routine based on what she calls the “Five P’s.”

The Five P’s focus on five major priorities of married life (in order of importance): Prayer, Person, Partner, Parent, Provider.

The Five P’s will guide you through the responsibilities and obligations of your vocation. Below you will find questions to consider when creating your rule. Jot down the answers for later reference.

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1. Prayer (Relationship with God): We were made for relationship with our Heavenly Father. However, our relationship to God often suffers when life gets hectic; instead of putting God above everything else, we tend to put everything else before God. Making time for prayer is essential for the Christian life.  What types of prayer should you include in your day/week? (Of course, as a Catholic, you should include weekly mass and regular confession, as well as some form of daily prayer). When is the best time for you to pray as an individual and as a family? Are there any natural lulls in your day that would allow for uninterrupted personal prayer?
2. Person (Relationship with yourself): Have you heard the saying: “You can’t pour from an empty cup?” After our relationship with God, we need to prioritize taking care of our own physical, mental, and emotional needs so we can best love and serve those around us. How much sleep do you need to get each night? When do you plan to exercise? What basic hygiene tasks are needed each day? When can you engage in your hobbies or spend time with friends?
3. Partner (Relationship with your spouse): Next, you need to prioritize your marriage. If you are called to this vocation, you are tasked with a sacred duty–to help your spouse get to heaven. Your marriage also acts as a building block for your family. The stronger your marriage, the stronger your foundation. You need to intentionally work to build it up. When and how can you connect with your spouse each day? Is there a regular time each week for date night? What little things can you do to help your spouse with his/her tasks? What does your marriage need to thrive?
4. Parent (Relationship with your children): If you have children, consider their physical and spiritual needs and how you are called to care for them. If your kids are old enough, invite them to participate in this brainstorming activity alongside you. How much sleep do they need each day? What basic hygiene tasks do they need to accomplish? What do your children need to do for school or extracurriculars, hobbies and exercise? What do they need to grow in their relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments? When and how can you spend intentional time with your kids?
5. Provider (Relationship with your work, both in and out of the home): Whether you work inside or outside the home, you act as a provider for your family. What are your duties to your home? To your employer and job? What can you do better to keep your home organized? What financial goals are you working toward? How can you be good stewards of what God has given you? While this area is probably the most time consuming, it’s important to note that it lands at the bottom of the list of priorities. When scheduling your tasks for each day, keep your priorities in mind and keep first things first.

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Write it Down

Now that you have a full list of your priorities and necessary tasks, you need to set aside time each day to complete them.

Some families thrive on using a block schedule to organize their days, while other families might use their Rule to create a less formal daily to-do list. Do what works best for you.

Be realistic in creating your Rule and setting your schedule. If you plan your prayer time for 6:00am and you have a difficult time getting up until 7:00, you might find yourself failing to maintain this habit.

Don’t create a Rule for your ideal persona, rather create a realistic one that helps you be the best version of yourself.

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Be Flexible

Remember that your Rule is there to serve you. It exists to help guide your days, not dictate them. Leave room for spontaneity and growth.

Your Rule of Life will not be a fixed document, but one that changes with you as your season of life changes. Revisit your Rule often and revise as necessary.

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After Jesus, Mary was the most important person to ever live.

The Catholic Church has always revered Mary and recognized her importance in the lives of its people. It has even elevated four teachings on Mary to the status of dogma, or a divinely inspired teaching. These four dogmas emphasize Mary’s personal relationship to God and her essential role in Salvation History.

But why were these teachings so important that the Church proclaimed them as Dogmas? While these teachings may seem to focus solely on the identity of Mary, they actually help us understand important truths about the identity of Christ Himself. 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “What the Catholic faith believes about Mary is based on what it believes about Christ, and what it teaches about Mary illumines in turn its faith in Christ” (487).

So what are the four Marian Dogmas of the Catholic Church? Let’s take a look. 

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Divine Motherhood

The first Marian Dogma identifies Mary as the Mother of God, or Theotokos, a Greek word meaning “God-bearer.”

This title went uncontested for the first centuries of the Church not only because it has scriptural evidence (Luke 1:43) but also because it follows logically from the acknowledgment of Christ’s divinity. Mothers do not give birth to a “nature,” but rather a person; therefore, if Mary is Jesus’ mother and Jesus is God, then Mary is the Mother of God. 

The Council at Ephesus proclaimed this dogma in 431 primarily as a response to the Nestorian heresy that casted doubt on Jesus’ dual natures as both fully God and fully Man. This teaching plays an integral part in christological dogma as it affirms Jesus’s identity through the recognition of his mother. 

Through her Divine Motherhood, Mary lovingly cooperated in the salivic work of her Son. For this reason, the Catechism writes, “she is a mother to us in the order of grace” (968). Not only did she become the Mother of God, but she also became the Mother of the Church and of each one of us.

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Perpetual Virginity

The second Marian Dogma states that Mary is “Ever-Virgin.”

Mary’s virginity before the birth of Christ is clearly stated in Scripture (see Luke 1:26-27) and helped to clarify Jesus’ role as the long-awaited Messiah, foreshadowed by the prophet Isiah: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and his name shall be called Emmanuel” (7:14). Having a virgin conceive and bear a child, an ordinarily impossible task, magnifies God’s glory in the Incarnation. 

However, the Church also believes that Mary maintained her virginity even after Christ’s birth.

Catholic biblical scholars believe that Mary had taken a vow of virginity before the Annunciation and advocate that she would have kept this vow even after giving birth to Jesus. Her virginity is seen as more than a physical, bodily reality; it also expresses her interior reality–singularly consecrated to God.

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Immaculate Conception

The third dogma recognizes Mary as “without-sin.”

The teaching of the Immaculate Conception often confuses people, including Catholics. While some mistakenly believe this teaching speaks about Jesus’ conception, it actually focuses on Mary’s conception.

The Church believes that Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin even from the moment of her conception in her mother’s womb. The angel Gabriel’s greeting at the Annunciation affirms this belief: “Hail, Full of Grace…” Gabriel calling Mary by this title was not a promise of the future, but a recognition of this unique gift already given. 

It’s not that Mary didn’t need a Savior. In the Magnificat, she clearly states that her “spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” However, unlike the rest of humanity, who received salvation after Christ’s death, Mary received the fruit of redemption by way of anticipation. 

God preemptively gave her the grace merited from Christ’s death and resurrection, in order for Mary to give her fiat–her free and total yes– and take on her role as the Mother of God. 

The dogma of the Immaculate Conception is one of the two times in Church History that the Pope has invoked Papal Infallibility, further emphasizing its importance. 

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The Assumption

‍This month, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption and its status as a Holy Day of Obligation should clue us in to its great importance. In fact, this dogma was the only other instance in which a pope has invoked Papal Infallibility.. 

Unlike our departed brothers and sisters, whose bodies and souls separated at the moment of death, the Church teaches that both Mary’s body and soul were brought to heaven at the end of her earthly life. 

The act of God assuming people into heaven does have Scriptural evidence (see: Enoich in Hebrew 11:5 and Elijah in 2 Kings) and the tradition of Mary’s Assumption dates back to the earliest Christians. 

The Church sees this great act of grace as a consequence of Mary’s Divine Motherhood and her Immaculate Conception. If death as we know it resulted from original sin, it makes sense that God would spare Mary, conceived without sin, from this fate. 

However, this dogma also emphasizes an important teaching for the faithful–the resurrection of the body. We can take comfort and find hope in Mary’s Assumption because it foreshadows what God will do for all of the faithful—Body and Soul rejoined in Heaven.

Like in all things, the Blessed Mother points us to her Son. Through knowing her, we can more deeply know Jesus. 

‍We at Pietra Fitness have a great devotion to Mary and her Immaculate Heart. We invite you to join us in following her example as a temple of the Holy Spirit and in doing so, grow closer to Christ. 

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Now that the warm summertime weather has arrived, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the Smoothie. 

Smoothies are perfect for breakfast, as a post-workout treat, or a healthy snack anytime of day. They are simple to prepare (both on the spot and during your weekly meal preparation time) and always enjoyable. 

With almost endless possibilities, this versatile snack will never get boring. Plus it will help you get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, and keep you cool at the same time. 

Here are seven delicious and nutritious combinations for you to enjoy both from the comfort of your a/c or sitting poolside:

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Blueberry Spinach Smoothie

• 2/3 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 1 ripe banana
• 2/3 cup frozen blueberries
• 2 large frozen strawberries
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup milk of choice (dairy, coconut, soy, almond)
• 2 teaspoons protein powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon of honey, or to taste

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Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

• 1 cup plain yogurt or milk of choice
• -1/2 lb. strawberries fresh
• -1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• -2 kiwis
• -1.5 cups ice
• -1/4 cup honey

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Mixed Berry Smoothie

• 1 ½ cups plain yogurt or milk of choice
• 2 cups mixed berries frozen (your choice of blueberry, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry)
• 1 banana 
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon vanilla protein powder (optional)
• 1 cup spinach optional

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Hint of Mint Smoothie

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1½ cup green grapes
• 4½ cup fresh spinach, loosely packed
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 4 slices pineapple, peeled
• 1½ cup frozen mango chunks

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Peach Blueberry Breakfast Smoothie

• 1 peach, pitted and chopped
• ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ¼ cup quick oats or granola
• 6-8 ice cubes (omit if using frozen fruit)

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Green Pea Citrus Smoothie

• 1 medium-large navel orange, peeled (or another kind of citrus fruit like lemon, lime, or grapefruit)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup frozen green peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3/4 cup frozen mango, pineapple or banana
• Honey or other sweetener to taste (optional)

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Watermelon Smoothie

• 3 cups diced frozen watermelon cubes 
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• ½ cup vanilla Greek yogurt 
• 1/2 tablespoon honey 
• ½ cup water or milk of choice, as needed
• ¼ cup packed fresh mint leaves or basil plus an extra spring for garnish (optional)

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Additional Add-Ins for your Summer Smoothie

Of course you have almost endless possibilities when it comes to smoothie combinations, plus you can always add a little extra nutrition by tossing in one or more of these ingredients: 

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Protein Powder

Cacao nibs

Goji Berries

Nut Butters

Chia seeds

Flax seed

Hemp seeds

Oats

Extra fruits or veggies

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On Independence Day, Americans commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence that signals the birth of our country. 

Parades, firework displays, barbecues, and other Fourth of July celebrations span the United States as extravagant signs of our patriotism.

While enjoying hot dogs by the pool and donning stars and stripes has its appeal, Patriotism in its most true and noble form goes much deeper than outward displays of pride.   

In fact, Patriotism, when correctly understood and practiced, can be considered a virtue.

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‍The Virtue of Justice

The word Patriotism comes from the Latin word “patria,” which means father. Patriotism is a love for one’s Fatherland as well as love for your fellow children of that land. This love of country occurs naturally in humans. 

As a virtue, Patriotism acts as a particular expression of the Cardinal Virtue of Justice. 

Justice, of course, as defined by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1807, emphasis added)  “...consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor.”

It continues: “Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and to establish in human relationships the harmony that promotes equity with regard to persons and to the common good.”

The virtue of Justice spurs people of good will to seek the common good of every person. As Catholics, we know that the common good should always point to Goodness Himself in whose image we were made.  

Piety is one of the sub-virtues of Justice. Piety recognizes God as the giver of life and authority, and that those with rightful authority require our honor and obedience (namely, our parents and our country). 

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “Those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God, who has made them stewards of his gifts” (2238).

However, the Catechism also states: “No one can command or establish what is contrary to the dignity of persons and the natural law…Political authorities are obliged to respect the fundamental rights of the human person” (2235, 2237). 

If the authority of the state infringes upon the natural freedoms and rights of its citizens, we do not need to obey in the name of piety. However, if the state upholds our fundamental, God-given rights, we should give our respect and obedience. 

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Patriotism vs Nationalism

Unfortunately, many people misunderstand and eschew the idea of Patriotism, confusing it with the unvirtuous ideology of Nationalism. 

While often conflated and used interchangeably, the words “Patriotism” and “Nationalism” have distinct meanings. 

Nationalism is an ideology that considers a person’s nation as superior to all others and supports its own interests even at the exclusion and detriment of other nations and peoples. 

The virtue of Patriotism, on the other hand, does not require blindly following and unconditionally praising the State. Rather, it calls us to reasonable love for one’s country and respect for its leaders while also working toward the changes needed to ensure a truly Just society for all who live there. The duty of citizens “...includes the right, and at times the duty, to voice their just criticisms of that which seems harmful to the dignity of persons and to the good of the community” (CCC 2238). 

Our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not in any country on earth. 

We cannot look at America like a god, deserving our unceasing worship and praise. But rather as a gift from God that helps and allows us to pursue our ultimate end: Worship of God. 

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Ways to Grow in the Virtue of Patriotism

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Go to Mass

As citizens of a free country, we have the ability to worship freely, which as Catholics means we can offer ourselves to God at Mass. We should not take this ability for granted, as many people around the world living in true oppression cannot safely and publicly worship. 

So before you indulge in your Independence Day celebrations, take advantage of this gift by attending Mass and thanking God for His generosity. 

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Pray for our Country

Speaking of mass, while you’re there, pray sincerely for our country and its leaders–whether you voted for them or not! Yes, really. 

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Learn about Catholic Social Teaching

The Church’s doctrine of Catholic Social Teaching focuses on matters of human dignity and the common good. It features seven major themes: Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Human Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers, Solidarity, and Care of God’s Creation. 

This doctrine offers Catholics “wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society.” ¹

‍Taking time to learn about these important topics and to read the documents that outline them will help you know how, as an American, you can love others and work to ensure the Common Good in this country. 

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Practice the Works of Mercy

Put Catholic Social Teaching into action by working in the service of your fellow countrymen through Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. For suggestions on ways to practice each of the Corporal Works of Mercy, check out our past blog post here.

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Participate in the political life of your country

The Catechism states: “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom…Submission to legitimate authorities and service of the common good require citizens to fulfill their roles in the life of the political community” (2239).

Start by voting in local and national elections, using Catholic Social Teaching to inform your vote. But you don’t have to stop there!

Contact public officials with your concerns, donate money to a candidate or cause, serve in your local government or on the school board, attend a city council meeting, and/or organize/volunteer with events that benefit those in your community. 

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You probably already know that prioritizing exercise will help with your physical, mental, and emotional health but did you know that exercise can also greatly benefit your relationship health too? 

Working out as a couple offers you and your partner a unique opportunity to not only meet your personal health and wellness goals, but also grow together in your relationship. 

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Benefits For Couples

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Improves your workout 

Having your partner present during your workout could help to boost your energy output and performance. Research has found that even the presence of someone else can positively affect your ability to complete a task or perform an activity. 

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Helps you achieve your fitness goals

Accountability plays a major role in ensuring your success with your health and wellness goals, especially when it comes to fitness. A 2015 study from John Hopkins found that couples who worked out together were more likely to reach their fitness goals. 

When both you and your spouse or significant other value and prioritize exercising and maintaining healthy habits, you will feel more supported and will more likely achieve your goals. 

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Makes you a happier couple

Exercise releases endorphins, or your body’s “feel good” chemicals that relieve stress and pain and increase feelings of happiness. It plays a major role in the mental health of both you and your partner individually but sharing in this experience can also help you feel happier in your relationship. 

‍Studies have also shown that after participating in an exciting physical challenge, couples reported increased feelings of satisfaction in their relationship and love toward their partner. 

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Increases your emotional bond

When you work out together and coordinate your movements, like running at the same pace or following the same moves of a workout routine, you create what psychologists call “nonverbal matching” or “mimicry.” 

‍Research has found that nonverbal matching helps people feel emotionally attuned and increase feelings of  “bonding” with one another. 

Of course, every couple is unique and working out with your husband or wife might not be the right fit for your relationship. 

If your schedules often conflict or your fitness levels differ too much, working out together in a traditional sense, might lead to more frustration than enjoyment. Instead, consider other ways to get active as a couple like hiking, swimming, or biking to take advantage of these relationship benefits. 

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Tips for Working Out as a Couple

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If you want to begin working out with your significant other, remember these helpful tips to maximize your workout and more fully enjoy the experience: 

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Don’t be afraid to try something new

If you and your significant other have been into fitness for awhile, you probably know your preferred workouts. And…it might not be the same for your spouse. 

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Taking on this new challenge of working out together offers you the perfect opportunity to try something new. This also offers your partner an opportunity to share something they really love with you; and who knows? You might really enjoy it too. 

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Encourage, don’t nag.

While offering a suggestion here or there can be appreciated, you are not your spouse’s personal trainer. You don’t need to critique his or her form unless your partner specifically asks for guidance or tips. 

Of course, you also shouldn’t make fun of your partner’s attempts at a new form of exercise or of the challenges he or she faces during your workout time. Speak with empathy and love, and build one another up. 

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Don’t compete

While a little healthy competition is good in a relationship, when it comes to working out with your significant other, trying to keep up could be detrimental to your physical health. Trying to go as hard, fast, or long as your partner in a particular activity could lead to injury.

God made each of our bodies beautiful and unique; respect the gift you’ve been given by going at your own pace and modifying the workout to best suit you and your needs.

Treat it like a date

Don’t just pop in your earbuds and hop on the treadmill; treat this workout session as quality time with your spouse. Laugh, chat a bit, and maybe plan to enjoy a healthy post-workout snack together when you’ve finished. 

A couple’s workout won’t replace your actual date night, but it can still provide you both with another opportunity to spend time with one another and grow in intimacy as a couple. 

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Pietra Fitness offers faith-based exercise classes for every fitness level, and you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Sign up for your 14-day free trial and find the perfect workout for your next at-home, fitness-focused date night. 

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With your already full schedule, figuring out what to eat everyday can feel overwhelming and you might find yourself eating cereal or take out more often than you’d like to admit. But there is an easier way to answer the question: “What’s for dinner?” Meal Planning. 

Meal planning involves creating a weekly menu, or preparing ahead for each meal you plan to make. It particularly benefits people with specific health goals like weight loss, as well as people trying to stick to a budget while feeding a whole family. 

Planning your meals for the week helps you save time and money, takes the stress and guesswork out of mealtime, and ultimately helps keep you on track with your health and nutritional goals.

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Tools for Meal Planning

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Before we get into the how-tos of meal planning, check out this list of helpful tools that you might want to have handy. 

‍Food storage containers: When it comes to meal planning, don’t stress about making a new, home cooked dish for every meal, every day. In fact, meal planning works best when you repeat a few dishes during the week. Having food storage containers will keep your previously prepared food or leftovers ready for you to use, or take on the go. 

Glass containers or jars are a food-safe and family-safe storage solution compared to plastic which can release toxic chemicals into your food. 

‍Lunch box: If you and/or your spouse want to prepare food for work or an afternoon at the park, having something to keep your food at a safe temperature will be important. 

‍Journal/Notebook: Some people find that they like to write down their meal plan to refer back to during the week. You could use a journal, a notebook, a whiteboard, a digital spreadsheet or app, or you might even feel more comfortable just making a mental list. Feel free to experiment and decide which method serves you and your family the best.

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Get Started Meal Planning

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Know your eating habits, determine your health goals

When you begin meal planning, you should start by considering your eating habits, as well as your health and wellness goals. 

‍What do you like to eat? Do you or someone in your family have any dietary restrictions? What do you want to change about your eating habits and where can you start making this change? Answering these questions can help make a menu that best suits you. 

If you want to make specific changes to your diet and your health, a dietician or nutritionist can help you create a personalized meal plan based on your body’s needs. 

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Take inventory

Before you start planning, write down the items you already have in your fridge, freezer, and pantry and use these ingredients as a starting point in this week’s menu.

By doing this, you will save money (and possibly a trip to the grocery store), and ensure that none of your food goes to waste. It also cuts down on the time you’ll spend brainstorming meals. 

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Make your menu

Okay, now to the fun part–choosing the recipes. 

Before you head to Pinterest or Grandma’s old cookbook, be sure to check your calendar to actually know how many meals you need to plan for. Late meeting on Wednesday night? No problem, plan to heat up leftovers that evening. Date night on Saturday? Perfect, leave that spot on your meal plan open. 

When it comes to planning your meals, simplicity is key. While finding new, tasty recipes every week may seem exciting, don’t go overboard. Stick mostly to tried and true recipes, meals you know how to make and can depend on enjoying. 

If you want to add a little adventure to mealtimes, try one new recipe each week. You’ll save yourself potential frustration and disappointment, and might even find a new favorite dish. 

Regularly incorporating a “theme night” like Taco Tuesday or Pizza Night can also help simplify your meal planning, while also leaving room for variety in the dishes. 

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Create a shopping list

After “shopping your pantry,” you may still need to go to the grocery store for additional ingredients or even to stock up on staple foods to get you through the week. However, before you go, make sure you create a list of what you need based on your chosen recipes. 

Having a list can help keep your shopping time intentional and focused, and can help prevent you from filling up your cart with unnecessary (and possibly unhealthy) extras.

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Prepare ahead

Many people who use meal planning also like to incorporate some time into their week for food preparation to simplify their to-do list each day. There are several methods to prepare food ahead of time and you’ll need to decide which method (if any) is right for your schedule and your nutritional goals. 

You might want to cook 1-2 meals at the beginning of the week to simply reheat later. Or maybe you’ll want to make individually portioned meals to easily take with you on the go. 

You could also prepare several ingredients ahead of time (like chopping veggies or making a large pot of rice) so they are already ready when you start cooking. 

Preparing food ahead of your meal time, while an initial, up-front “investment” can really help make your weeks flow more smoothly and is well worth the effort. 

Looking for some inspiration for your meal planning this week? 

Check out these delicious recipes in our blog archives.

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Egg-cellent Recipes for Breakfast
Healthy and Delicious Summer Snack Recipes
Healthy and Hearty Soups to Enjoy the Fall

Easy to Make Snacks that Keep You Full at Work

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The Catholic Church devotes each month of the year to a particular aspect of the faith and the Church dedicates May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

During this month, the faithful should take time to try to emulate Mary’s virtues and recall the important role she plays in Salvation History and in our own lives. 

You can use these suggestions to celebrate the Mother of God this May in your own home and community: 

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May Crowning

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A May Crowning is a traditional Roman Catholic ritual in which the faithful crown Mary with a garland or a wreath of flowers at the close of a solemn procession. 

Many parishes host their own crowning for you to attend, but you can also organize one for your family and friends. Place a small crown on a Mary statue you already own or place flowers by an image of Our Lady in your home or garden. Sing a Marian hymn or offer a prayer to her. 

Return to the Queen of Heaven throughout the month and ask her and her Son to reign in your heart. 

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Plant a Marian Garden

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Place a statue or image of Our Lady in your prepared plot of land and plant flowers to honor her.

Many flowers and herbs–like roses, lilies, and rosemary– also hold a uniquely Marian significance that you might want to consider when planning your garden. 

You can add a small bench to the area for prayer or other meaningful/decorative accents that honor Our Lady. 

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Read a book about Mary or Marian Spirituality

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Many saints and scholars have written on the life and virtues of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Pick up their writings this month to help you grow in your relationship with the Mother of God. Looking for a place to start? Consider one of these titles.

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Make a Marian Pilgrimage

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For centuries, Catholics have undertaken pilgrimages as a sign of faith and devotion. Plan a pilgrimage this month as a sign of love for Mary. 

While an international excursion might not be possible, you could possibly take a trip to one of these domestic destinations dedicated to the Blessed Mother: 

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• The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Washington, D.C.
• Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa, Doylestown, PA.
• Shrine of Our Lady de La Leche, St. Augustine, FL.
• National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL.
• Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wis.
• Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Baltimore, MD. 
• House of Mary Shrine, Yankton, SD.
• Our Lady of the Sierras, Hereford, AZ.
• Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Long Island, NY. 
• National Blue Army Shrine of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Washington, N.J.

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Otherwise, you can create your own pilgrimage experience in your own town. Take a trip to a local parish for Mass (perhaps on the feast of the Visitation) and spend time in prayer before a Marian image. Invite some friends, pack a lunch, and make it a little do-yourself retreat. 

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Meditate on the life of Our Lady 

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The Blessed Mother provides an excellent example for anyone pursuing a life of holiness and a relationship with God. Take time to learn from her by meditating on her life. 

You can pray the Mysteries of the Rosary or the Seven Sorrows Rosary as a way to meditate on the joys and suffering of Mary as she obediently followed the Will of God. You can also use Lectio Divina or Ignatian Meditation to contemplate the life of Mary as written about in Sacred Scriptures. 

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See yourself Temple of the Holy Spirit

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The Blessed Virgin Mary gives us the most perfect example of living as Temple of the Holy Spirit; an example we are called to follow. 

Here at Pietra Fitness, we strive to build up the Cathedral of You by giving you a strong foundation both physically and spiritually, which is why we have consecrated our mission to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. 

Spend some time in prayer and exercise with our Catholic Fitness program to help you see yourself as our Lady did, a living Cathedral built for God’s glory. Sign up for your free 14 day trial today!

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