Looking to get back in shape as a couple in the New Year? Monroe Darrell believes he’s just the man to help you do it.

The personal trainer specialises in getting couples of all ages back into top form by creating exercise regimes they can do to challenge and encourage each other.

Studies show that newly married couples in their early 20s typically gain six to nine pounds more than their peers who are single and dating — so it’s no wonder that more are deciding to workout together.

Mr Darrell, who operates a small studio called M-CORE Fitness Therapy on Laffan Street, Hamilton, said the couples he works with not only strengthen their biceps, they also build upon their communication and connection with each other.

One such couple, Chris and Serena Smith, said it has been more enjoyable working out together and having their spouse there to encourage them when they hit a slump or on days they don’t feel like working out.

The pair had grown comfortable after their wedding six years ago and weren’t focused on keeping up with a fitness programme, so the weight piled on.

Then 2½ years ago they knew they had to make a change.

They started with changing their eating habits and then incorporated exercise into their regime last year.

Mrs Smith said working out together has “definitely” strengthened their relationship. “We have grown closer and learned a lot about each other and I think it’s just been a really fun experience,” she said.

“We have had our ups and downs and challenges with trying to eat right and encourage each other to go to the workout because we have days when one of us doesn’t want to, but that’s when the other will step in.

“It might be hard at first, but at the end of the session we’re always glad we did it.”

She said they both get satisfaction knowing they are working as a team to get healthy. They also want to be a positive example for their children: Sarai Paul, 17, and three-year-old Sanchez.

Mr Darrell recently challenged the couple to each to lose 30lbs in three months from August to October.

They were a few pounds short of their end goal, but Mr Smith said they have still seen a lot of positive changes in their body. Over the past year, he estimates he has lost 30 to 40lbs; now he can run around and better keep up with son.

Healthy competition and ‘fun talk’ are just some of the ways Mr Darrell tries to encourage couples during their workout.

“Fun talk is a way for them to collectively cheer each other on rather than being negative towards each other,” he said.

“I try to remind husbands and wives that they are married and with this person for the rest of their life and need to make a commitment to be fit together.”

He maintains that a fit family is a loving and happy family; and said taking part in activities that keep both partners excited and engaged can actually work wonders on a relationship.

Sometimes his clients bring their children in with them to the sessions and it can become a very family-oriented activity.

Mr Darrell has always been interested in sports, but decided to turn his love for fitness into a career in early 2000.

After getting involved in the Bermuda Regiment, he was encouraged by his Commanding Officer to study overseas at the Personal Training Institute in the UK.

He returned to the Island and worked as a fitness instructor with staff at Allied World Assurance Company and AIG, before opening his own studio a year ago.

Martial arts and meditation are important parts of his practice. Meditation can be very beneficial to overall health and well-being as it allows the body time to rejuvenate itself and lets the mind find peace, he explained.

While working with couples he focuses on functional training, flexibility and “lots of core work”.

“It’s consistent and creative,” he said. “That’s one thing that keeps people constantly tuned into a programme because they are always guessing what’s on the menu for that day. No two days are the same and I don’t believe in making any two workouts the same.”

Mr Darrell also offers training to people on sports teams, as part of after-school programmes, as well as seniors and those with physical handicaps.

Anyone looking to get fit as a family in 2014, should contact Mr Darrell: mcore.fit@gmail.com or 331-3000.