Multiple studies on married life have shown that both men and women are more likely change their unhealthy habits if their significant others are doing the same. It turns out that having an unhealthy partner who is making an effort to become healthier and fitter is more motivating than having a healthy partner. There are three main reasons why this is the case.

Sharing the Problem and Responsibility

When a couple makes a joint decision to become healthier, they turn their unhealthy lifestyle into a team problem rather than an individual one.  There is no longer room for blame because they have both accepted responsibility for their current lifestyle. They are also equally responsible for making sure that they achieve their health goals as a couple.

Providing Mutual Support

Changing unhealthy habits is a lot easier when your spouse is not only supportive but also willing to do it with you. This way you can talk each other’s ear off about the details of your health and fitness plan, make meals together, exercise together and do lots of other fun activities for couples together. You also don’t have to worry about spouse sabotage.

Healthy Competition

A little competition can be really helpful when you are trying to eat healthier, exercise more or quit smoking. You can keep each other on your toes – literally – and motivate each other with your successes.

Setting Mutual Health Goals

Just because you have made a mutual decision to become healthier and fitter doesn’t mean that you have to have the same diet and exercise regimen. Your health goals as a couple need not be too specific. For instance, you could both decide to take up a new sport, running or biking, enroll in the gym and keep junk food out of your home. After that, it’s up to you to come up with personal goals.

You should still discuss your personal goals with each other so that you can support each other and hold each other accountable. However, you won’t have to worry about slowing each other down, working around each other’s schedules or having your health goals take over your entire married life.