Let's be honest, your other half is the one person who NEEDS to have your back during this process.
And if you've experienced any kind of resistance before, you may want to keep reading.
In the nine and a half years I've been a personal trainer in Sheffield (and more recently an online coach), I've seen partners be an absolute revelation to someone's program.
Some have even called me personally to ensure they're 100% down with the ins and outs of the nutrition. Some have asked if they can follow what their partner (my client) is doing in the gym and I've been happy to give advise.
But, unfortunately I've also seen the other side. When the spouse is a real barrier to us achiveing results and hose difficult conversations have to be had between myself and the client.
I've seen partners become jealous when their other half is now getting fit, in shape and growing in confidence. This has even lead on one occasion, to the partner trying to sabotage our program and ultimately the results.
By no means do I ever want to be involved in the nitty gritty of someones relationship (we've all got enough of our own lol), but as someone who gets heavily invested in seeing their clients excel, it's something I have to draw attention to if I feel it's becoming a barrier.
After working through many objections from partners (my own included, sorry Amy! lol), I've highlighted the three most essential things that need addressing when it comes to getting your other half on board.
#1 - Get them involved in the decision making.
The worst thing you can do, is suddenly announce on a Monday morning that you want be around much this week as you'll be spending more time at the gym.
Even the most forgiving of partners may let this slip for a while. But eventually they'll feel like their becoming a second thought.
The best thing you can do is invloved them in the scheduling of sessions. Find times that work for you both (even more essential if you have kids) and allow your partner to make objections. As awkward as they may be, it's important you show some flexibility on your part and allow them to feel like they're having some say in the matter.
This also applies to nutrition. As much as I try to include hearty, wholesome meals into my plans, they other half may want not want to follow this (especially around evening meals).
Instead find a list of meals you both like, that tick the boxes from a macronutritient and calorie point of view, but will also keep you both satisfied and happy. Some of these may be from a plan, some potentially won't.
I'm always happy to give my advise when clients come to me with recommendations from the other half regarding meals.
#2 - Encourage them to join you!
Strike while the irons hot as they say,
If you're feeling motivated, can't wait to get started and have a clear plan. Let you're other half know. They may actually have had some similar thoughts.
They're support will be tenfold if they too are working towards some goals. They'll understand when you need time to focus on you and may even give you the encouragement you need when things get tough.
I've had cleints recount stories of how they almost missed the gym or gave into a cheat meal but their other half was quick to remind them of the bigger picture. Simply because they were feeling a little more motivated that day and were able to get them back on track.
Of course, it isn't necassary that your partner says yes to joining you . And to be honest, they're more likely to say no.
The motto in my household is... The shoemakers wife doesn't wear shoes.
Because as much as I'm obsessed with pushing my body and performing at my best, my other half, Amy, couldn't be less enthused by the gym lol.
But she gets it. She understands how much it means to me and is quick to kick me out the door for a gym session when she see's me getting a bit twitchy.
#3 - Vocalise how much this means to you
Which leads nicely into my final point.
As disruptive as this can be for your partner, if they love you, and truly want to see you happy, they'll understand and be somewhat accommodating.
So its really important you let them know just how much this means to you.
Make sure they're aware of what the benefits are going to be for you both if you're fitter, healthier, happier and most likely, less stressed.
Final thoughts
You'll have already noticed that the common theme throughout all these points, is COMMUNICATION. The better informed they are of what you're doing and trying to achieve, the more supportive they're likely to be.
And finally...
Be willing to jump through a few hoops initially when it comes to getting your partner on board. Flexibility on your part is key.
I'd love to hear about anyone who has experienced objections from partners, and if successful, how you managed to get around them. Comment below,
Ryan
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