How to motivate wife to get in shape?

Question

My wife and I made a new years resolution to get in shape. She is not fat, I think she looks good. But she wants to get in shape. So I started taking her to the Gym to exercise, and started trying to get her to eat healthy. But all she does is complain. She copmlains at the gym, she tries to get out of going. She complains about eating healthy, and refuses to change her habits. I have tried everything, but nothing is working, and i am about to give up trying to help her. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I suggest you make it fun, for example tell her lets go to the park and just jog around, play an outdoor game with the kids (if you have kids), start with simple and basic workouts. http://www.loseweightbuddy.com/exercises.html has some great example of a basic workout that both of you gonna enjoy doing!

hope that help!

Answer 2

Instead of going to the gym, try other activities together that will get yall moving. Check out any dance classes in your area. Together yall can burn a few calories and tone some muscles while yall learn to jitterbug and salsa and all those fun dances.
Yall can go rollerskating or ice skating, take walks together, learn a sport. That way she won't get bored with a traditional gym. If she still doesn't want to participate, go on your own. She may feel a little guilty a few times and then start going with you.

As for the eating healthy, opt for an 80/20 diet. Eat lots of whole grains, lean protiens, low fat dairy, and fruits and veggies 80% of the time, then 20% splurge on the unhealthy treats. Maybe have a "saturated-fat Saturday" or something. You do the grocery shopping, it'll force her to eat healthy (she can't eat what isn't there.)

If she's still just totally against it, then let it go. Ultimately it's up to her, but it's great that she has an awesome support system at home.

Answer 3

Yes! Leave her alone and love her the way she is! She evidently does not want to change. Why should she? Maybe she is happy with her body just the way it is. If you think she looks good why are you bugging her to work out and change her eating habits?
If you continue to make her feel unattractive and like she needs to change in order to please you she will get a message that you do not want to be sending. It will have repercussions that will affect other aspects of your life together, specifically your sex life. Once you have made her feel like you do not like her body the way it is, the damage has been to her ego and it will be almost impossible to undo. Make her feel accepted and loved for the person she is, the person you love. When she is ready to make some changes in her lifestyle that are healthier it will come from within her and you will not need to fuss at her to exercise or to diet. She can not do it for another person, not even someone she loves. If she is not doing it for herself it will not succeed.
Your urge to "give up trying to help her" is right on target, that is what you should do.
When she is convinced that you love her no matter what, she will be ready to make the changes that you mention.
Try it and see, at this point you have nothing to lose.
Good luck.
Lady Trinity~

Answer 4

Going to the gym and using the machines can be intimidating or boring if she has never really worked out much before. Maybe some sort of aerobics class or a dance class would be more fun to get her started. The other thing is to maybe find an active sport that is fun to do together, tennis, biking, running, hiking are just a few suggestions. Mainly stay positive and don't nag.

Answer 5

hi,
I find it best when my husband supports me and doesn't nag. Remind her how this is a lifestyle change not neccessarly a diet.
The first 2 weeks are the hardest ,then it just becomes a habit, you almost feel guilty for not going to the gym.
As far as eating right tell her not to stop eating what she likes just do it in moderation like smaller amounts, save her favorite stuff for special occasions. what works for me is if I have a craving I have the thing only i have half of the usual size portion I would have had.
remind her you both are doing this to be healthy and grow old together.
Best of everything..

Answer 6

Sounds like she really doesn't want to change just like to say she does. You need to tell her this straight. Although it could lead to a fight. You sound like a really good husband.
You could try telling her you need her help to stay modivated and doing this with you. Maybe it's a lie. But if she thinks she is helping you then maybe she'll get into it too.

Have you tried doing avtivites together like fribee golf, tennis, running together. That way you both are just at the gym doing your own thing. You doing fun things together.

Answer 7

Help her, be with her. Eat the same food she does and keep saying how good and yummy it is, do exercises with her at home, go with her to the gym, motivate her by helping her. It is difficult to do something by yourself. But it is fine when others help you and you get moral as well as physical support. You'll see, the results will be surprising!

Answer 8

just keep what you are doing and maybe your wife will come around in a while when she sees the progress that you are making.

change takes effort and a lot of people are just not going to put forth that effort against their will. keeping bad habits is easy, you don't have to do anything.

everybody knows that we should all eat healthy and get regular exercise but so few actually do it.

Answer 9

Have you thought of working out with your wife? For say, an hour at a time?

Answer 10

You can't force someone to do anything. But you can lead by example. Just continue what you are doing and when you start looking really good maybe she'll realize it's all worth it!