It's no surprise that a lot of Americans made health-related New Year's resolutions this past year -- 44%, according to a recent Wall Street Journal Online/Harris poll. But how do all those good intentions mesh with all the other people who didn't?
When it comes to couples, not so well, readers tell me.
Jerri from West Virginia says instead of praising her 20-pound weight loss, her husband makes her feel guilty for going to the gym rather than spending time with him. Joe from Florida writes that he feels like the "jolly fat guy" and is too intimidated to join his wife's fitness group.
Here are some couples fitness resolutions to try this year, made in collaboration with fitness and nutrition expert Michael Feigin, co-host of Sirius Satellite Radio's "The Fitness Guru":
1. Don't be a know-it-all. Showing off, being critical and dictating "this is how it should be done" zaps motivation and can foster resentment, insecurity and even binge eating. 2. Seek out fitness tips and share them with your partner so you both can pursue them.
3. Consider the big picture. The reason many people are overweight may be working a lot and eating on the run. Add kids to the equation, a slower metabolism as people hit their 30s and 40s and -- bam -- here come the pounds.
4. Find fun activities you can do together: a brisk 20-minute walk, a yoga class, dancing lessons.
5. It's not about exercise and diet alone. In a positive, encouraging environment, you can improve the health of both your spouse and your relationship in 2008.
