Get Fit with your Partner

People often ask me how to get their partner and/or their entire family on board when they decide to form healthier habits and adopt a fitter lifestyle.  Getting others to join you in your new, healthy ways works best when you include them in the process rather than forcing it upon them.  Here are some tips to get fit with your partner, and excited about adopting healthier habits.

3 Tips to Get Fit with your Partner

1.) Get on the same path

When you want your partner to join you in your efforts to get in shape, the best thing you can do is take steps to get on the same path.  If you begin your fitness journey alone and exclude your partner from the process, you may create a disconnect.  Starting something new and making changes to your lifestyle may make your partner feel as if they’re no longer important, and resentment can build.

Instead, let them know your plan to get in shape, ask them to join you and lend you their support, and do it together.  Make them feel important by letting them know that you really need them to help you stay accountable.  Be sure to express your appreciation and say “thank you” any time they do act in a supportive manner.

2.) Let them choose the workout

If you want to get fit with your partner, your best bet is to let them choose the activity. Sure, it’s great to invite them to come along when you take a fitness class or make a trip to the gym, but you will have greater success when you allow them to choose the workout. When you try to force your workout routine upon another person, they may not want to be a part of the process at all. Start out with an activity that your partner enjoys to get the ball rolling.

3.) Take Baby Steps

Gradually introduce healthier options. Start by making healthy foods look more appetizing and easy grab-and-go options:

• Place healthier foods at eye level in the cupboard and refrigerator.
• Keep fruits and veggies cut up in bowls and ready to eat.
• Re-package large bags of food into individual serving sizes.

Arranging foods in this way makes it more likely for you and your partner to eat them than if they’re tucked away and require preparation.  You can also slowly introduce healthier options by swapping out your regular staples for something more nutritious. For instance, replace regular staples with sugar free and low fat items.

Remember to take baby steps. Doing a complete overhaul of the kitchen is likely to result in backlash. However, slowly making small changes makes the transition much easier.