I Gotta Get in Shape

Blog Layout

Time for a Change

I recently decided I need to get in shape. I've "let myself go" for too long. Fortunately, there is no shortage of good home based video programs for resistance training, flexibility or cardio health. So, I perused the internet and found one of each. (I’m going for the total makeover!) I ordered them and when they arrived, I was excited to start my fitness journey. Some of them told me I could get in shape in “just a few minutes a day.” How hard could that be? I was all in. Let’s do this!

So, I turned on the TV, queued the video, sat down on the couch and hit “Play.” I even popped some popcorn and got my favorite soda. I watched the first episode and, because I was really into it, watched a second session just for good measure. The next day, I did the same thing…sat right there on the couch and watched my fitness video. In fact, I watched every day for the next two weeks. I sat there faithfully and never missed an episode. After all, consistency is key, right? I couldn’t wait to look like those incredible people on the videos: slim, tight, perfectly toned—man, what bodies!

But, something didn’t work. So far, I haven’t lost a pound. My waistline is just as big (maybe even a little bigger). I’m just as puffy and lumpy as ever. I’ll never get in shape. I don’t get it. I watched, I listened, I paid attention. What the heck? I want my money back!

Okay, back to reality.

It's More than Information

You get the point and it’s pretty obvious: change never comes by simply learning new moves, studying new moves, talking about new moves, thinking about new moves or watching others do the moves. It only comes by DOING the moves, doing them yourself, over and over, creating new habits and mastering them.

Doing what I described above to get in shape is laughable. No one would do that. But, with relationships, we make those foolish mistakes all the time. We decide our relationship needs help, needs work. It’s not in good shape. So, we read books, we attend lectures and workshops and listen to experts tell us how to change our love life. We learn about “fighting fair” or negotiating a better deal with our partner. We take notes and talk ad nauseam ABOUT a better relationship. But, too often, we don’t (and don’t know how to) actually practice the new skills. So, we stay stuck—and then blame our self for one more attempt that failed.

Hold Me Tight is Different

That’s why I’m sold on Hold Me Tight®️ couples retreats. At Hold Me Tight®️, couples learn a lot, to be sure. They learn about the science of love. They learn about what all humans seek and need—a safe emotional connection. They learn how and why couples get stuck in the same cycles of conflict and disconnection. But it doesn’t stop with learning. They don’t just sit and take it in. Hold Me Tight®️ is about learning AND doing.

At a Hold Me Tight®️ couples retreat, couples actually “get off the couch.” They actually practice new conversations, new ways to connect more deeply and safely than ever before. They learn to have conversations, not confrontations. They have these conversations in real time, but they do it privately. It’s safe. Workshop leaders are there to help is anyone gets stuck. Couples go at their own pace. No one gets put on the spot. Hold Me Tight®️ couples don’t just learn about new skills. They actually do them. And that makes all the difference. Each conversation builds on the ones before and couples go gradually deeper into vulnerability and empathy, the two skills can change a relationship forever.

Big Changes Can Happen Quickly

Hold Me Tight®️ is not miracle work and we don’t do rebuilds in just two days. But we do help couples see a way forward. They often leave confident that they can connect because they’ve actually done it, right there, in real time. And sometimes, that really does feel like a miracle.

But, don’t take my word for it. Find out for yourself. Learn all about Hold Me Tight®️ at www.couplesworkshopsofflorida.com. Getting your relationship in shape is a great idea. A Hold Me Tight®️ couples retreat in Orlando will help you make it happen!

Learn more about Mark and Vicki
Sign up for our Contact List
Prepare for a transformational experience

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Have a Safety Plan

When You Hit Turbulence

By Mark Beck • December 16, 2024

Now and then, I travel by air. I enjoy it, for the most part. But, on one trip, seemingly out of nowhere, the plane hit heavy turbulence. Suddenly, the cabin was shuttering and shaking. I looked outside; the wings were visibly bouncing up and down as the plane lurched and pitched. I tried to hide my fear, but (pardon the pun) it really shook me up. My stomach tightened; my breathing got shallow. I couldn’t think straight. Having such little experience with something like that, I feared we would crash. But, then, I noticed the flight attendants. They were cool as the backside of a pillow…no panic or alarm. I wondered how they could be so calm. Soon the pilot came over the intercom and in a steady, measured voice, explained that turbulence is normal, the plane was built for much, much worse and it would all subside in a few moments. The crew had been through this many times. They understood what was happening and what to do. I was so glad that somebody did! Their calm was contagious. Gradually, I was able to relax and realized that it wasn’t the crisis I had feared it was. That was a game changer. I got through it and now, turbulence isn’t the problem it used to be for me when I fly. It still happens, but I know what it’s about when it does and that gets me through. .

In Person Or Online?

By Mark Beck • December 2, 2024

Vicki and I will start something new in March of 2025. We have been leading in person Hold Me Tight®️ couples retreats at least four times a year for six years now. No two are the same; we always see amazing results and we get more than we give every time. And, in addition to our in person workshops, we’ll also begin offering online Hold Me Tight®️ workshops next year. In person and online workshops are definitely different. Each format has its own advantages. So, what’s different about the two and what is the same and which might be best for you? I’m glad you asked.

What About Love Languages?

By Mark Beck • November 19, 2024

Dr. Gary Chapman’s “The Five Love Languages” is one of the most popular and prolific couples self-help books in history. Since its initial release in 1992, through several revisions, it has sold over 20 million copies. That’s one popular book! Perhaps you’ve read it. If not, it’s worth your time. Chapman basically contends that romantic love shows up in five ways. He calls them “languages.” In no particular order, they are: personal touch, words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service and giving gifts. The idea is that all of us have a top one or two love languages and that couples can and should know, not only their own love language, but more so, their partner’s. And the more you and your partner speak one another’s language, the more love you’ll both share.

a Hold Me Tight Couples retreat in Orlando helps couples grow closer and more secure

Another HMT Couples Retreat in the Books

By Mark Beck • November 12, 2024

A Hold Me Tight retreat in Orlando is a safe, powerful experience for couples to grow closer together

Going Deeper

By Mark Beck • November 5, 2024

A Hold Me Tight couples retreat in Orlando is a great place to let go of old baggage.

No More Baggage Dragging

By Mark Beck • October 30, 2024

At Hold Me Tight, couples learn to let go of old baggage.

A Hold Me Tight couples retreat is a great way to treat problems while they're still easy to fix.

Catch Problems Early

By Mark Beck • October 23, 2024

As I write this, I am waiting in my dermatologist’s office to have minor surgery. He detected a small spot of skin cancer on my face. That’s always a potential problem here in sunny Florida. Fortunately, they caught mine early and the procedure to correct it should be fairly simple. They found my skin cancer in a routine exam. That is to say, I had no symptoms. It wasn’t visible, wasn’t conspicuous, or even noticeable. But, had I ignored it, it most definitely would have worsened and possibly become serious. As they say, prevention beats treatment. And even when treatment is required, the earlier, the better.

Couples that attend a Hold Me Tight retreat in Orlando change their relationship

Change Your Viewing--Change Your Doing

By Mark Beck • October 14, 2024

Couples at a Hold Me Tight retreat in Orlando change their perspective and their behaviors to grow closer than ever before.

A Real Learning Experience

By Mark Beck • October 9, 2024

A Hold Me Tight®️ retreat is a transformational learning experience for couples. Two words there are key: learning and experience. First, what do you learn? You learn fascinating insights from attachment science. You learn that emotions are what drive us. Think about it: the word “emotion” contains the word “motion.” Emotions move us, motivate us. Emotions incite behaviors, actions and reactions. Emotions inform every level of our existence. And our most powerful, most vulnerable emotions are beneath the surface.