Getting Mr. Groom Motivated!

Cgidds

How are you ladies motivating your men to get active?

arwo

I'm not sure you can really motivate anyone (other than yourself) to get active.

I have always been very active--my husband, not so much, though he has never been overweight. I used to bug him to come running with me, and sometimes he would, but he HATED it. Eventually I stopped asking. There is really no point in trying to get people to do an activity that they hate. Luckily, my husband found an activity (tennis) that he loves, and does gladly. He takes lessons, he enters tournaments, he plays with friends. He even does some running "for conditioning".

This has gotten way too long, but my point is that you can't really motivate anyone to do anything (especially exercise) they hate. If you're lucky, you can help them find an activity that they love, and they will find their own motivation.

Callmebetty

Like the PP said, you can't motivate someone who isn't motivated themselves.  I feel your pain, and am definitely open to suggestions, though.  My FI keeps saying that he wants to lose about 20 lbs, but isn't doing anything about it.  It's frustrating because even though he's the love of my life who I still find completely attractive, I recognize that he's not at his healthiest weight, and that he would probably feel better about himself and have more energy if he dropped some pounds.  That said, he's a grown man who makes his own choices.  All I can think to do is try to set a good example by being healthy on my own.   

Cgidds

He actually likes working out, that isnt the problem. His problem is that is becomes too mundane he gets bored with it. What I really should have asked is what everyone has done to encourage your hubbies to try different things?

salem17

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_getting-mr-groom-motivated?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:d0381205-6602-4cb9-bb07-0a16b54fc462Post:2f700a92-fc24-4d07-b34e-f8d3c807bb2f">Re: Getting Mr. Groom Motivated!</a>:
[QUOTE] It's frustrating because even though he's the love of my life who I still find completely attractive, I recognize that he's not at his healthiest weight, and that he would probably feel better about himself and have more energy if he dropped some pounds.  
Posted by Callmebetty[/QUOTE]

I completely relate to this...my fiance could stand to lose about 20 pounds but remains content the way he is. He joined the gym with me right after we got engaged but after about a month of going four times a week he stopped going altogether. I love him exactly how he is, but I want him to be healthy and live a long life with me. I worry that his eating/smoking habits and strict regimen of thumb exercise (his first love is his Xbox) aren't the best ways to stay healthy, but unless he wants to do something about it he's not going to. I always say it will take a heart attack to get him to change his ways, but I pray it doesn't come to that!

Good luck!

Summer2011Bride

It's hard to get someone else motivated. I know when my mom would be on me about losing weight, that made me not want to even more.

How about not saying anything about having to lose weight, work out, etc. but just include him in some active activities. Suggest you guys go play tennis for a date sometime (when it warms up). Or ask him to go hiking or take a walk with you. Don't sell them as "exercise," but just a fun way to spend time together.

arwo

I also like the "active dates" idea; maybe he'll find an activity that motivates him and doesn't become "mundane."

Did he do any sports when he was younger that he's since given up? If so, you could also help him find ways to take them up again: adult leagues, or lessons or whatever.