Give Your Spouse the Gift of Your Life!

You know, I don’t want to be a holiday spirit buster but then again maybe this is exactly the right time to write an article like this. For two reasons; first is that I’ve been thinking about this topic for a week now after witnessing an event that brought it to my attention and second, we are gearing up for that New Year and all the resolutions that come with it. So maybe this is as good as any time to discuss exercise and our spouses (or significant others).

Being in the fitness and health industry we get the opportunity to work with many of you in our community. Being that we are different than most clubs and that we actually get to know you and care about you, we honestly get to know you. So with that being said, Bryon and I feel your frustrations when you take such good care of yourself and your spouse doesn’t. Truthfully, it’s hard for either of us to understand this because I couldn’t fathom the thought of my spouse going to the gym and exercising on a regular basis and me not doing it too. Why is it fair or even possible for my spouse to make the time available or find the gumption to do something wonderful for himself and I not being able or not willing to do it too?

Last weekend, we witnessed a couple leaving a holiday party. One of the individuals is an avid exerciser and keeps themselves in fantastic shape for their age. The other individual does not, to our knowledge, do anything on a regular basis to keep themselves fit and healthy. The fit individual had to physically help their spouse to the car because of the spouse’s lack of fitness. When we got into our car, my husband pointed this out to me and told me about what a different member told him months ago, regarding the lack of fitness her husband has and how frustrating it is to her because she keeps fit and he doesn’t. They’ve recently become first time grandparents and even being the same age, she is energetic and able to romp around with the grandchild while her husband is showing signs of old-age and is unable to show this kind of energy. He was much older physically than herself and she is frustrated because she fears that she’ll be taking care of an “old man” soon, when neither of them should be experiencing those kinds of conditions at this stage of their lives.

It is unbelievable how many people will drop off or sit and wait for their spouse to finish their workout. This just amazes me, my goodness they are in the facility which is the hardest part about exercising, getting yourself there! I can’t even tell you how many of my friends and family members live with someone who won’t support a lifestyle that includes exercise. A spouse holding them back! Is there some hidden rule that states that it only takes one member of the family to keep fit so that all members of the family will reap the benefits? I don’t think so. What is it that keeps your spouse from committing to the same exercise routine and from reaping the exact same benefits that you experiencing? Exercise makes you feel awesome and that’s what we don’t understand about those who don’t exercise!

You know the benefits from both partners exercising are tremendous! You don’t even have to do it together! You’ve heard me talk about quality versus quantity of life numerous times. What better way to show love and commitment to your spouse then to take care of yourself. I know for a fact that when the end comes for me, I don’t want to have my loved ones caring for me any longer than they have to. I want the last months of my life to be as independent as possible and exercise does that! Bottom line, exercise does that! Let me say it again, exercise does that! I am planning for this independence now; it’s kind of like retirement planning. I’m planning now, because I exercise so that my loved ones do not have to sacrifice their lives to my caretaking. I love them enough to do that now for them.

If you want to give your spouse, significant other or other family members the most precious gift his holiday season, then you should consider starting an exercise program for yourself. Why exercise? Because exercise is the one activity you can do that will improve all aspects of your life and I mean all aspects of your life from now until you are pushing up daisies. Your spouse (or significant other) cares enough about themselves to exercise for you, why in the world aren’t you doing it for them?

 

Deborah Holmes

December 11, 2007