I have been asked repeatedly for ways to motivate husbands, boyfriends, partner, lovers to get interested in fitness. If you're reading FitSugar, chances are high fitness is a priority for you, but here are some tactics to get your significant other to work out.
- Join a gym together. Tell them you really want to stay fit, and that you need their support to do it. Most gyms offer a deal if you join with a friend.
- They may need a little push to get them to the gym, so ask if they can meet you there after work. Tell them you're doing weight training and you really need a spotter.
- If you have a dog work the K9 training angle and tell them that all the dog training books recommend that you walk your dog for at least an hour everyday.
- Do something active together that's fun, so it doesn't seem like exercise. Go hiking, play tennis, go swimming in the gym pool, or plan a weekend ski trip. Try to do a fun physical activity together at least once a week.
Want to see the other ideas? Then read more
- Surprise them and sign both of you up for a Partner Yoga retreat, salsa dance class, or dodgeball team.
- Treat them to a session with a personal trainer.
- Convince them to go to a doctor. If they're told that their high blood pressure and extra weight are putting them at risk for a heart attack, it may be just the thing to kick them in the butt and get them moving.
- If all else fails, cry. Telling them how much you love them and want to live a long life together is sure to be emotional for both of you. Perhaps a tug on the old heart strings will inspire them to get on the healthy boat. I would use this one as a last resort.

Killah
I am constantly bugging my boyfriend to go to the gym. Although he agrees he needs to, he just...doesn't. I can't really go with him or bring him with me because my gym is only women. I am not willing to give up my gym, I like it too much.
1I wish there was a way I could get him to go.
Moonischasingme, I have the EXACT same problem! My boyfriend isn't overweight or anything, far from it, but he eats really unhealthily and never exercises. I wish I could think of a way to get him to work out without seeming naggy.
2Well I would not wish this on anyone's significant other - but my hubby got sick (with a cold/flu) about 3-4 weeks ago. He'd get better for about two-three days and then get sick all over again. Despite the fact that we live, sleep and do everything together I have yet to catch whatever it is he has. I've told him time and again that exercising boosts your immune system and that's why I haven't gotten whatever it is he has. So he says now that he'll get back into the routine of going to the gym when he gets better (let's just hope he does)!
3My guy is way too busy for anyone's good- but he is staring back up with his work out routine so we work out together a few times a week now. Yay!
4If my boyfriend didn't have the hectic schedule he did this would be a great idea...
5i don't like working out with brendan. we're both too competative, we just end up angry haha
6but we do both need to get back into a routine
I buy my man fitness related presents, like tanks tops he can work out in, and for his birthday, I got him a nano and that Nike+ sports kit. It really motivated him to run, well, until he lost the sensor that goes in your shoe...
7I like the idea of making him a spotter during weight training! That could steer guys who aren't so fitness-oriented into working out more.
8My boyfriend also isn't overweight but he never exercises! And he always eats bad stuff...fast food.
9Or if it's not fast food, he eats TONS of homecooked food...
10I woluld love to motivate my man too.. He walks three minutes to the bus stop, and three minutes back, that's pretty much all the exercise he gets.. He also eats tons of bad food, and drinks a lot of calories, ice tea, for instance.. How to get my computer nerd that doesn't understand the point of any sport, doesn't like jogging (at least not now when it's snow outside) and will not get a membership at the student fitness center any exercise?
11hahhaah i love that cry is an option... hahahah
12yea, it looks like i'll be breaking out the waterworks tonight!
13Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.