THEIR STORY

The attorney and law officer have been together for over nine years, having met initially through a dating app. Now, three kids and one dog later, the couple stays active through their involvement at The Yard, a state-of-the-art indoor athletic training facility in Arlington. Through their new routine, Emily and Michael have been appreciating getting older while staying in shape.

PATHS TO FITNESS

Michael has always pursued fitness thanks to a lifelong interest, while Emily grew up playing sports and continues to prioritize exercise. She notes that making a point of eating cleaner foods and exercising regularly as she ages has helped her significantly with managing stress and the hectic schedules of day-to-day life. In addition to working out at The Yard, the couple regularly uses their home gym and switches things up with neighborhood runs. Emily balances out her routine by also taking classes at Hot Yoga Plus in East Memphis.

The couple has truly mastered the art of giving one another time and space to take care of themselves physically in order to show up better. Emily goes to the gym at 5 a.m. a few days a week, in addition to one evening class, during which Michael takes over watching the kids and managing household tasks. Then, Michael has time to go on a run or workout at their home gym while Emily shifts to watching the kids and holding down the fort — teamwork at its finest!

Their favorite date activity is dinner and bowling, which brings another layer of friendly competition and camaraderie.

STRENGTHS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Both parents bring their own unique strengths to the relationship. Michael is well-rounded, strong, and always pushing himself to improve. Emily can truly ‘do it all’ yet still shows up with strength and love. After turning 40, Emily signed up for an Army basic course and has been crushing it. Michael is not letting the fact that time is passing slow down his fitness goals.

GOALS & ADVICE

This year, Emily hopes to do five pullups, and Michael aims to shed 10 pounds. Their advice for other couples: “Although it’s hard and life is busy, make time to care for your body with movements and nourishment, and stay healthy and motivated — no excuses!”

 

By Shlomit Ovadia
Photo by Tindall Stephens