Health Train Express: Couples Compete for the Morning Workout - WSJ

"Staking out prime time for exercise is the land-grab of modern day parents. Once children come along, working out often seems more like a luxury than a basic need. Compared with a night out for cocktails, a request for an hour of PILATES would seem like something no one would want to deny a spouse. But that isn’t always the case."

The new emphasis on prevention and wellness is emphasized by the Affordable Care Act. There are also managed care and Medicare Advantage plans that offer complementary memberships in sports clubs. "Silver Sneakers' is one of those programs offered here in California by 'SCAN'. Seniors do not have the same time constraints of parenthood or work.

It is a challenge for millenials and Gen-X adults. Studies have shown the benefits of aerobic exercise, and walking for those with diabetes, hypertension, elevated body-mass index. It has been shown to delay or reverse osteoporosis, reduce the liklihood of colon and breast cancer.

Joanna Strober, who runs a Palo Alto, Calif., weight-loss startup and her entrepreneur husband race for the same treadmill. If he beats her downstairs, she doesn’t get to exercise that day. “I do not complain, but, yes, I’m mad.” A second treadmill wouldn’t work. “We wouldn’t agree on the TV show,” she says.