June is Men’s Health Month. With a little more than two months to NFL pre-season football kick-off, you may have a small window of opportunity to get your guy off the couch and moving.
According to MensHealthMonth.org, “The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.”
One preventative way to keep your guy healthy is to get him to exercise. My personal opinion is that it makes the relationship healthy, too!
Getting into shape is something you can team up to do. If you are already a member of a gym, get him a guest pass, or you can join together. Most health clubs offer couples discounts.
Play follow the leader — each person has a chance to plan the routine. Or better yet, pick a few workout days together, so you still have time for Zumba and he can hit the course or court for whatever his interests may be.
Santa Clara University Scientists says, “People who work out with a partner they feel comfortable with are more energetic and happier than those who work out alone,” as reported by MensHealth.com.
Remember not to lose yourself or your interests in his workout, as it really should not be all about him. It should be a mutual effort, and even a learning opportunity.
My advice? Do not let his interests dominate, or you will lose your workout enthusiasm.
Plan a fitness vacation and train for it. Did you both always want to run a half marathon in another state, to hike the Grand Canyon, or to climb Machu Picchu in Peru?
All of these excursions require training to be in optimal shape. Make this a goal you can work on together. Of course, there are more spontaneous and fun ways to get fit, such as partner yoga, country line dancing, or ballroom classes.
Keep in mind, it has to be something he is willing — and not forced — to do.
For example, I always wanted to try a zipline and I know it is something my husband would enjoy. So he would want to get to this activity zippity split. Aerial yoga on the other hand, I am not so sure he would be willing to do.
Finding common ground — or court for that matter — is important when working out together. I know firsthand how this approach works, being married to an avid racquetball player.
I have been on the court once. He however, has never taken any of the Zumba, Pilates, or other classes I have taught. Hiking was our thing to do together — although it has been a while since we've had two kids. Perhaps a men’s health month goal!
Sources:
“Mens Health Month – MensHealthMonth.org.” Men’s Health Month Organization. Web 4 June 2015.
http://www.menshealthmonth.org
“How to Help Your Boyfriend Exercise and Get Muscular – LiveStrong.com.” Live Strong. Web 4 June 2015.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/367843-how-to-help-your-boyfriend-exercise-get-muscular
“Make Her Sweat – MensHealth.com.” Men’s Health Magazine. Web 4 June 2015.
http://www.menshealth.com/fitness/make-her-sweat
Joanne Sgro-Killworth is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist and Publicist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training.
Joanne's fitness plans, recipes and lifestyle advice are available globally on her website http://www.happiwoman.com/ She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her husband and children, where she runs her fitness and publicity business, JSK PR, http://www.jskpr.com/
Reviewed June 8, 2015
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith