I am a very lucky woman. There are a number of reasons why I feel that way, but the main one is because I married the best man in the world. I know, I know, some of you may disagree and charge to the defense of your own husband. Perhaps I should clarify. I married the best man in the world for me.
Not only is he smart and funny, but he is devoted to living a life of health and fitness just like I am. I don’t have to justify my gym time. He will eat whatever new healthy recipe I want to try without complaint. He is fit, lean and sporting six pack abs. What more could I possibly ask for?
As I have mentioned before, he is the one that started me on this fitness journey. He gave me support and knowledge, two things I was lacking in my previous relationship. Perhaps it was then I knew he was the one. After all, isn’t that what a life partner is about? Isn’t it someone who shares your goals and vision for the future?
Sadly, I don’t think everyone is quite as lucky as I am. I find when I talk to other women struggling to make the change to a healthy fit life, or when I visit forums on sites like DailyBurn, their boyfriends or spouses are often part of the problem. They bring home fast food, insist on hefty meat and potato meals, keep junk food around, and lure them away from workouts with guilt or food.
Why do you do it, I want to ask them. If you love this woman, why don’t you support her in trying to be better? Maybe there is a communication gap, which can be a common cause of a lot of marital woes. Or perhaps it is insecurity. If your partner has their own health or weight issues, they may be worried where they fit in when you reach your goals.
Whatever the reason is, you need to address it. If you are in this for the long haul you have to get on the same page. Be honest and share the reasons why you need to change the way you live. Make the case why your significant other needs to get on board and make those changes too. I’m not saying nag or punish, but have a real conversation about what you need to do to be healthy and fit and how much you really want them to join you on the journey.
The best part is I believe that getting fit together can bring you closer and make your relationship better. For example, my favorite time during the week is Sunday mornings. My husband and I get up, not at the crack of dawn like we do during the week, and have pancakes together. We drink tea (me) and coffee (him) and enjoy each others company while the pancakes cook. Then we eat breakfast together, something that doesn’t happen the rest of the week.
During the warmer months we get the added bonus of getting on our bikes and going for a 9.5 mile ride. Our ride only takes about an hour, but it’s time just for us. We continue the conversations from our leisurely breakfast, taking the time to reconnect that we don’t always have during the busy work week. That time each week is just for us. It is so important and so special, yet it wouldn’t be possible if we both didn’t enjoy being active and my healthier version of pancakes.
I also have any ally at the dinner table. Meal time is much easier when everyone subscribes to the same eating philosophy. Ladies, I don’t know how some of you manage 2-3 different meals each night, trying to satisfy everyone in the house. I am also grateful to have that support on those occasions we dine out or eat with our families. Somehow when you both say no it makes it a little easier to stick to.
So I want your next move, if you haven’t done so already, to be sitting down for an honest dialogue with your husband, partner or significant other. Tell him what’s really important to you and how you want to lead the life of a healthy and fit person. Since he is on the “important” list along with health and fitness, I am sure you can find a way to bring the two together.
