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14 May 2007 07:12 AM

Partner Up: Lose Weight with Your Spouse

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

Are you committed to following a healthy eating plan? Do you have a regular exercise plan? Are you ready to think positively and commit to building a supportive atmosphere to get healthier and lose weight together?

Don't Fly Solo

Too often we sabotage ourselves by thinking we have to do everything on our own. For those of us who are married, however, we have the built in support structure with our spouses. My husband has always laughed when I brought this up. He doesn't think he's the most supportive that he could be when it comes to working out or losing weight - his methods lean more towards teasing you into doing it rather than giving you a pep talk.

But he's getting better, don't let him fool you and this is good because there is demonstrable research that proves losing weight together not only provides you with health benefits, but also increasing intimacy and familial relationships. There's also a greater chance for success when you and your spouse are working together towards a shared goal.

Why Are Your Chances Better With Your Spouse?

Consider for a moment that when you are working together with your spouse you are far less likely to sabotage your diet or fitness plan because:

• You have someone depending on you to be there for the fitness portion
• You have company for that morning or evening walk
• You have someone encouraging you and laughing with you
• You can enjoy impressing each other as you strive to reach your goals
• You don't have to be tempted by what they are eating because you are eating the same diet
• You can create meals together and share the enjoyment of the preparation
• You have a fantastic excuse to spend time together that doesn't involve chores, responsibilities or your kids

Research Supports This

There are many different studies out there that support this theory of working out with your spouse as your fitness partner and losing weight with your spouse as your partner. One study found that husbands who joined their wives' weight loss program were actually far more helpful in keeping their wife on track and on observing both their wife's eating habits as well as their own.

Another study found that when spouses sign up for a weight loss program and work together they were 65% more successful than their single counterparts the first time out the gate. Have you ever dedicated yourself to a fitness or weight loss program with your spouse?

Related Articles:

Mother's Day Fitness: Consider Making Mom Your Workout Partner

Women's Fitness: A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed

Women's Fitness: The Challenge of Mothers & Daughters

Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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