What I did
I am a sport and fitness freak all my life. In fact my first degree up to the PhD are sports, physical education and fitness related. My wife is a nurse and has always been on the big side. She is tall, large-framed, but smart. Anyway, all these attracted me to her in the first place, so I have never had any problem with her size. Early in our relationship, I made her realize that she will need to put her weight under control IN HER OWN HEALTH INTEREST not for me. She got into the fitness regime until the kids started coming then she gave it up. The weight started piling up. Mild hypertension resulted.
How I did it
I reminded her that the exercise thing might just do the trick and she agreed. At a time she joined a local Jogging group, but dropped out, started her individual long trek yet abandoned that. I joined the Golf club and invited her to come and do her trekking on the course while I am playing, this did the trick. The flexibility in playing golf most time of the day all year round in my country, the sight of older, fatter/larger ladies were too attractive to her. I got her a Golf set, paid a Pro for her lessons and now she is as ADDICTED to Golf and regular exercise as me. She confessed she's never felt healthier, fitter, more self confident/ self worth in her life. We have also become models of how a family should enjoy exercise together. Other men have started cajoling their wives to come and do the same.
Lessons Learned
- If your partner can comprehend and appreciate the many benefits you derive from regular exercise and sports, she/he will naturally want to be a partaker for the peace,health and togetherness of the home.
- Don,t force it, share your good experiences.
- Do not nag.
- Chip in reminders.
- Talk about neighbors and friends enjoying it.
- Support when interest is shown.
- Encourage when interest is waning.
