By Jade Whitehurst
By God’s design, there is no better support system than your spouse. Here are five ways you can support your spouse in their health and fitness goals:
- Communicate your goals to one another, genuinely hearing and respecting them. In this stage It’s more about feeling heard, seen, and valued than about the goal itself. Be gentle and attentive as you share your goals.
- PRAY. Pray for your spouse daily and ask God to give them strength, motivation, and discipline.
- Words of affirmation. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Send your spouse a text or make a positive comment when you see their efforts. Words of affirmation from my husband empower me more than anyone else’s. Likewise, wives, support your husbands, as this is God’s calling on our lives.
- Accountability. Help your spouse set realistic goals, track their progress, and provide gentle, loving reminders when they need a little push. By doing this, you can help them stay on track and reach their goals with confidence!
- Lead by example. Show them that you value your own health and fitness by making healthy choices. Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” When we toil with our spouses, the reward becomes less about the goal itself and more about the bond that strengthens from toiling together.
I recently reached out to a woman I have mentored in her goals, because her mindset had shifted from dread to motivation and consistency. She said:
“My husband is finally on board with me!! As a married couple I believe it is very important for your spouse to be on board with a common health and fitness goal. If you are not in sync in that area it can cause friction between you. I know for me each time I have tried and tried to better myself in my nutrition and exercise, without my husband on board and him actively trying as well … I FAILED … With him being on board now and each of us encouraging each other we have been able to stay the course! Whereas when I was doing it alone I was totally burnt out by month 3 because I was so exhausted mentally and physically. Now we are in month 4 and have no end in sight with our goals. Together, we have goals and with the Lord’s help in sustaining us we will continue.” – Ashley Miller
What a beautiful example of toiling together for a common good and God’s glory! So I challenge you: Toil through this with your spouse. Above all, remember to show love and compassion toward each other. Offer grace when your spouse has setbacks, celebrate their victories, and remind them you are there for them. By supporting your spouse in their goals, you are not only strengthening your relationship but honoring God by caring for the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Jade Whitehurst is a wife, mom, fitness coach, and eighth-grade science teacher. You can follow her on Instagram @jadewhitehurst_thefaithfitmom.