If you really want to get your significant other/family member to kick off on a fitness journey, tell them that YOU want to get fitter and healthier - and encourage them to come along with you, to keep you on track.
"It's all about being compassionate and not judgmental," Kirsty says. "Make it clear that you’re in this together. Tell them, 'Oh, I’ve got these issues, let’s motivate each other'.”
Book the both of you into fitness classes, just to give them a go. Suggest that you train for a big run together. Or try something new and fun - surfing lessons or Zumba dancing or trampolining or whatever, as long as it will get the two of you laughing and getting active.
If the two of you go out to dinner, Kirsty suggests that you ask to get something healthier to eat, but again do it from your perspective. "You can say, 'hey, we had burgers the other night and so I'd really appreciate if we went for something better this time'," she says.
4. Buy them presents.
If they've ever expressed a vague interest in something, remember it and invest in it for their birthday/Christmas/as a "just because" present.
Personal training sessions, gym memberships, new running clothes and fitness accessories all make for awesome presents, and it'll encourage them to get out and get moving.
"If you can get them three sessions with a personal trainer who is holistic-minded and also does nutrition, they get a health assessment and a weigh-in," Kirsty says. "That’ll make them realise they’re in the high body fat percentage - and once you know that, it's hard to ignore."
Let your partner know that you love and care about them. Invite them to participate in active events that don't feel like exercise (such as playing a game of tennis or going for a hike together). Instead of blaming your partner or making them feel bad about their choices, focus on acting as a positive influence.
Tell them generally why things aren't working for you.
Even something as simple as “I don't think we click” is better than nothing. It's up to you if you want to give a specific reason, but if you've gone on a couple of dates, it might be helpful to give them a little more context for your decision.
He'll absolutely love you admiring his physique. Point out how sexy his arms look in the t-shirt he's wearing, compliment his abs the next time he takes off his shirt, or tell him how perfectly his jeans have been fitting lately. Try one of these compliments: “I see you've been going to the gym, handsome.”
Plan ahead. Make physical activity a regular part of your daily or weekly schedule and write it on your calendar. Invite a friend to exercise with you on a regular basis and write it on both your calendars. Join an exercise group or class.
Among all adults aged 18 and over, 24.2% met the guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities, 22.7% met only the guidelines for aerobic activity, 6.8% met only the guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity, and 46.3% did not meet the guidelines for either type of activity (Figure 1).
Encourage them to aim for at least 60 minutes every day.
Most of it can be moderate-intensity aerobic activity. At least 3 days a week, encourage them to step it up to vigorous intensity. Anything that makes their muscles work harder counts — like climbing or swinging on the monkey bars.
Introduction: My name is Patricia Veum II, I am a vast, combative, smiling, famous, inexpensive, zealous, sparkling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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