How to Support an Athletic Spouse
- 1). The number one rule of thumb: give your spouse the kind of support he/she wants, not the kind you think he/she needs. For example, she may want more cheerleading and less coaching. Or no coaching at all. When in doubt, ask.
- 2). Don't just agree to make time for exercise, but sketch out a plan and honor it. A tangible plan is particularly important if you have kids who-God love them-add yet another obstacle to making time for fitness.
- 3). If there aren't enough hours in the week for both of you to exercise as much as you need, agree to pay for a sitter or start a babysitting co-op with friends.
- 4). If your mate is into a gear-intensive sport such as cycling-and you have the necessary skills-offer to give regular tune-ups to her equipment.
- 5). Make him an energetic playlist for his workouts. For tips, refer to my eHow article: "How to Use Music for a Better Workout."
- 6). If your spouse is not a morning person, but her workout plan requires one, agree to wake up with her and make her breakfast.
- 7). Likewise, you can cook him a carbo-loading dinner the night before a big workout or race.
- 8). Brag to friends and family (in front of him) about his recent athletic accomplishments.
- 9). Learn to give a good massage and offer it without the expectation of sex afterward.
- 10
If you both compete during the same season, plan your events so that one can race and the other can serve as support crew to handle equipment, transportation and cheering.
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