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Getting my girlfriend motivated

davidov Posts: 95 Joined: 2002/10/24	2003/06/03, 04:05 PM Hi all, my girlfriend has expressed interest just recently in losing some fat on her legs and her rear. The thing is though that she is really busy and hates cardio. I am a health fanatic myself but am stumped when I try to come up with ideas on getting her motivated and exercising regularly. My most recent plan is to make some sacrifices to my own schedule and actually train with her at least 2 times weekly. Has anyone experienced a similar situation? Does anyone have any thoughts or ideas? Thanks
azredhead57 Posts: 1,651 Joined: 2003/04/11	2003/06/03, 05:28 PM I trained by myself for 2 yrs and wasn't getting very far. This spring my husband rearranged his schedule to rain at the same time as me and we worked out the same program for both of us. I have made more progress in the last few months that I did the 2 yrs before. He has got me lifting a lot heavier and it motivates him too, cuz he doesn't want me to catch up with him. I go first on each set and then he moves up the weight and so on. We have a lot more fun and it is and hour a day that we get to spend together that we didn't before, as he works nights and I work days. There is a great post on men and women working out together by sandysford in the men's forum. She works out with her husband too and loves it. And from what I've heard if you lift heavier and eat right you don't have to do a ton of cardio, which I don't like either. I found out on this site that there are 15 and 20 minute HIIT cardio programs. So she wouldn't have to be doing hours and hours of cardio and lifting heavy is great for defining your legs. -------------- ~Victoria~ ...Some things have to be believed to be seen!
BicepBri Posts: 40 Joined: 2003/03/03	2003/06/04, 06:40 PM I have the same problem with my wife...she complains that she wants to get into shape, but doesn't do anything about it. I've tried to help and motivate her, but other stuff (work, school, sock drawer organization, etc.) all come before going to the gym. Honestly, I think all you can do is keep asking her to go to the gym when you are going. Maybe you're good habits will rub off. In the end, it is up to her to motivate herself.
effalunt Posts: 333 Joined: 2002/10/17	2003/06/06, 02:05 AM Find an excuse to buy her a present--schedule a couple sessions with a personal trainer who will help her to feel at ease in the gym and get her going safely. Then take her with you when she wants to. I used to be extremely self-conscious about training in front of my boyfriend, but I got some good information and learned to feel more comfortable at the gym. Now I'm unstoppable! Good on you for wanting to help and encourage her. -------------- Think you can or think you can't; either way you're right--Goethe
fit4ever Posts: 37 Joined: 2003/03/07	2003/06/06, 09:51 AM I have noticed that women respond better if they are encouraged by their female friends than from their husbands or boyfriends. I believe this is because women are more critical in their opinions when it comes to appearance. Because of this, when a woman receives a compliment from another woman, it means a great deal. Why don't you encourage her to make friends who are into fitness? Good luck!!!!
tarab21 Posts: 508 Joined: 2003/03/31	2003/06/06, 11:17 AM I think the only way you'll get your girlfriend to go to the gym with you is if SHE finally hits her bottom and decides for herself that wants to get in shape. I know if I was "bugged" by my boyfriend to go the gym, I might not go simply out of spite. Just be there for her when she's ready.
davidov Posts: 95 Joined: 2002/10/24	2003/06/06, 12:08 PM Update: The best thing about cardio (as opposed to weightlifting) is that you can get results very quickly. Well, this is just what happened with her and last night I made sure that she knew that I noticed this and I made sure she noticed it too. I think she is realizing now that exercise does actually bring her results. I have also encouraged her to use her home stationary bike when she is just sitting around doing nothing or talking to me on the phone (we don't live together) and that seems to be working for her too. Thank you all for your advice, I really appreciate it. fit4ever: I like your idea but 1)This takes time away that she could be spending with me, haha. and 2)She doesn't have any friends that are in fitness. As for everyone else, thanks again, I will post another update if anyone is interested.
JessicaR Posts: 467 Joined: 2002/08/12	2003/06/06, 01:14 PM Personally I found I got results very quickly from weight training - nothing is more motivating than results. :) It's great you two can work together and it sounds like you're concentrating on encouraging her rather than nagging her which is great! I think the important thing is to make it fun, not a chore, some couples can get a friendly competition going but personally my hb and I don't operate well that way. I'd love to get him in the gym w/ me but if that ever happens he'll have to discover his own path before he ever takes advice from me. LOL Also remember that we women have a lower calorie allowance than you guys and it can be really hard living w/ or hanging out w/ a guy who gets three times the food you do so if she's really trying to lose, remember not to set her up to fail by taking her to the all you can eat buffet or whatever on Fridays - you can support her by grilling something out for the two of you and skipping the alcohol or ice cream or whatever. Again, not nagging or setting rules but just making healthy choices together. If you're already a health fanatic as you say that shouldn't be a problem but I thought I'd mention it as that really is a concern for me. My hb doesn't work out and must have the metabolism of King Kong which makes it really tough for me.
davidov Posts: 95 Joined: 2002/10/24	2003/06/10, 11:05 AM Thanks again, as far as weight training goes she has never really wanted to do this because she is worried that other poeple will look at her and think she's bad at it in the gym that I go to. But, on the other hand I have just decided that I will probably be constructing/purchasing a freeweights area in my basement. I think this will make it more enjoyable for her to work out and she'll have my brother and I to workout with her. Yeah thinking back, I started having my best weightloss results when I really got into weightlifting. I'll tell her about this and hopefully she'll take to it like I did. Oh, as for cardio, we started playing tennis together as a fun alternative to running or stationary biking. Thanks so much.