Couples Who Train Together... Stay Together

Relationships have power over everything these days.  As wonderful as it is to have someone's back and to always have someone to take your side, can your relationship be affecting your overall health and wellness?  We see many couples who start to become serious and then "let themselves go" with the thought they don't need to impress anyone anymore; I've already found "The One".  

This way of thinking should be banned right here and now.  Not only are you hurting yourself, but your hurting your partner.  Lack of exercise combined with bad nutritional health can leave both of you with heart problems, high blood pressure and cholesterol and packing on the pounds.  Lack of exercise can deprive you of sleep, raising stress levels and keeping you irritable (especially when it comes to financial discussions and disputes about who does what chores).  Not to mention it can have a big impact on your intimate relationship.  

Pic from Beautymeetsblog.com

But is it possible for an individual to make the changes without the support of their significant other?  Can you take that valuable time to go for a run or head to the gym while the other is at home watching "your favorite show"?  Can you eat a salad and chicken breast while your "better half" just downed half a pizza.  The answer is complicated.  Sooner or later it will be hard to stay committed to someone who does not value their health the way you value your own.  

The good news is that you may be the only person who can get through to your partner.  As much as a primary care provider may say, "I think your weight is becoming an issue to your health", that doctor can not go with them to the gym.  That doctor can not prepare a healthy meal for them.  So the big question is... 
"How do you get them on board?"


1.  Schedule an appointment with your partner's doctor for a physical and check-up.  (Mostly needed for individuals who have previous health complications or are new to exercise and over the age of 40.)  If possible, go with to the appointment, but act more as support, in case, they respond with a defensive side.

2.  Commit to making changes as a team.  Plan your meals together ahead of time including favorite recipes with a healthy twist.  Set goals together that are attainable and will inspire momentum for complete habit overhauls.  Start small with something such as exercising 30 minutes at least 5 days a week and move to things you have always wanted to do together.  Hike up a mountain, go skydiving, or join a softball league.  

3.  Support one another.  Make it easier for them to eat right and exercise, even if that means removing all "junk" from your cupboards, staying in and cooking other than dining out, and arrange your schedules to be able to exercise together.  This will help eliminate some of the excuses they may have for neglecting the change.  At least once a week, have an "active date night" such as: a night dancing, playing a round of golf, learning to rock climb, playing Wii Fit, taking a group exercise class, going ice skating, shopping for new furniture, or even walking the dog.  Make sure to take turns picking the date idea.  

4.  Reaffirm the change's they have made, verbally and physically.  Compliments help your partner realize how much you appreciate his or her efforts, motivating them to continue.  On the same side, a little extra physical attention never hurt either.  Reinforce the thought of how attractive you find each other with a little extra squeeze or kiss.

5.  Celebrate successes together, both big and small.  Once you hit your goals whether it's of reaching a certain weight or being able to run a 5K, use nonfood rewards to recognize the work you have both put in.  Maybe that means purchasing new music for a workout playlist, or something as big as a weekend getaway, but put in the time.  Celebrating both the big and the small will help to constantly remain motivated and feel positive about the healthy changes that are being made.

Good luck!  Let me know how you have had success motivating a partner to get on board!
oxox, Em