FIT COUPLE: CHESSIE & KYLE

Both raised in Germantown, Chessie Biggam, 27, and Kyle Hayes, 31, were a likely pair from the start. While they were neighbors growing up, they didn’t make a connection until a little over a year ago when Chessie messaged Kyle on Instagram.

Among the many things these two have in common is a love for staying active. Chessie is the Director of Development for a local nonprofit, an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis, a member of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Grizz Girls dance team, and the varsity dance team coach at St. Benedict at Auburndale High School. Kyle is a third-year family medicine resident at UAMS Northeast in Jonesboro, AK, and grew up playing baseball. He continues to exercise to keep stress under control.

Exercising together has added a certain level of playfulness and creativity to their relationship. Maintaining a healthy body, mind, and spirit allows both partners to be more intentional with each other.

THE DAILY GRIND

In addition to her dance team workouts, Chessie enjoys power walking, running, cycling, and sweating it out on the Stairmaster. Her goal is at least 30–45 minutes of cardio per day. She recently started incorporating kickboxing classes.

The majority of Kyle’s exercise (about 4-5 times per week) consists of strength training with weights; however, he does squeeze in some cardio-specific sessions once or twice a week. Kyle also tries to incorporate yoga as often as possible. He enjoys the spiritual aspect as well as the mental clarity that comes with a consistent practice.

Neither Chessie nor Kyle follow a strict diet. Rather, they emphasize the importance of consistency and moderation. During the week, they meal prep as a way to stay on track. But both are quick to note their mutual love for a good cheese dip and margaritas. “We both believe you need balance in eating healthy, but also enjoying the foods you love and crave,” says Kyle.

STAYING MOTIVATED

Kyle is invested in his personal growth as well as his patients’ well-being. He notes, “I have seen firsthand the significant consequences associated with a sedentary lifestyle, and I use that as motivation to set the proper example for my patients.”

As a dancer, being in shape is part of Chessie’s job. “I want to look and feel my best when I dance on the Grizzlies basketball court,” she reflects.

Their best inspiration, though, comes from the support of each other. Through mutual encouragement and accountability, Chessie and Kyle remain diligent on their lifelong journey of healthy living in order to be the best versions of themselves… which absolutely includes the occasional cheese dip and spicy margarita.