As an fitness professional, how do you handle it when your spouse is very unfit?
I think that is a very interesting question, because as fitness professionals we do need to have some awareness about the image we portray to our clients, or at professional events. However personally, I would not be concerned about how people may judge my spouse in relationship to me or my work. Only my spouse and I know the true details of our personal life, and if he were truly out of shape, it would really only be his our “our” concern. I think it would be a waste of energy to worry about what others are thinking and would prefer to put my best professional foot forward at the event and let that tell my story. The first part of you question, I find a bit more interesting in that my husband has a very high stress and time consuming job. Along with a busy family schedule, he has slowly drifted away from the healthy habits we had for so many years before kids and work took over. I find it very hard to influence him directly, but feel genuine concern for his long term health. In order not to put additional stress on him by nagging him or making him feel guilty, I try to do my part by introducing him to potential tennis partners because he love tennis, and cooking healthy meals that he can eat–in addition to the not so healthy choices he makes on the run. I also love and support him and try to be part of the solution. Not to change the nature of your question, because I find it an interesting topic for discussion, but I would also love to hear how other fitness professionals have been successful helping a spouse make healthier lifestyle choices in a compassionate way. Thanks for the great food for thought.