Overcome Challenges as a Couple Through Fitness

#AFCC3 coaches Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto weren’t always a fit power couple. Read their inspiring story.

There is nothing I can appreciate more than the fact that my husband is as passionate about fitness as I am. However, it didn’t start out that way. 

When Paulo and I met, he was into body building, and I was into…absolutely nothing that required physical exercise. A few years of working in the service industry – in bars and restaurants – left me extremely underweight living an unhealthy lifestyle. Luckily, I stumbled across CrossFit thanks to a friend who invited me to try it out one day. I got into fitness at a time in my life when I was looking to fill a hole.

I quickly became addicted to CrossFit and began to transform my mind and body. At the same time, Paulo was in the hospitality industry, opening restaurants and working crazy hours while eating and testing all of the burgers you can imagine. We were living two different lifestyles under one roof. 

It was so hard to stay focused on our individual goals yet share a common interest together. I remember begging Paulo to try working out with me. I realize now that I put too much pressure on him to do what I loved. I remember thinking “Man, I want to improve my nutrition, but there’s no point until Paulo is ready too.” I caught myself finding excuses that were irrelevant.

Then, things changed. Paulo decided on his own that he wanted to give fitness a real go. I was super excited by his choice and of course ready to have his back the entire way. Little by little, with no pressure from me, Paulo emerged into CrossFit and, before I knew it, we were sharing common goals and doing our best to live a fit and healthy lifestyle. 

We both committed our lives to fitness – and to do our best to improve ourselves! This was a HUGE success and breakthrough for us. It bonded us in ways we had never experienced before. It changed our relationship and our overall outlook on life. 

Since fully diving into fitness, Paulo and I have been each other’s number-one fan. We dare to live our lives out loud. We push the envelope. We challenge each other physically, and that is GREAT for our relationship. 

We are best friends, husband and wife, and business partners. Fitness is an outlet for our self improvement and a great stress reliever. Often times we are tired and catch ourselves thinking “Maybe I’ll skip today.” Well, we have each other to rely on, to kick our butts back into gear, and to remind each other that it’s a blessing to do what we do each day. 

In our lives there’s only one way: FORWARD…and together!

Sign up for America’s Fittest Couple Challenge 3! Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto will guide you and your partner to strengthen and transform your bodies – and your relationship! Register today!