Girlfriend wants to exercise but is lazy. How to motivate her?

[Anonymous]

My girlfriend hasn't been working out about a year. She used to do a lot of cardio but that has stopped. Since than she has gained a little weight, and she complains about that constantly.

After all two weeks ago she finaly did a workout video from youtube. Really nothing hard or long. But literally she had to stop and take breaks through because she got so out of breath and tired.

After that she complained even more how very out of shape she has got. That her butt isn't as toned as it used to be. That she has cellulite now and belly fat that is so hard to get rid of. And so on and so on. She said that she'll work out regularly to get back in shape and lose all unwanted weight she has gained within a year of laziness.

But it was two weeks ago. I have mentioned a few times doesn't she want to do another workout but she always says "later", "maybe tomorrow" and so on.

So she kinda wants to restart working out but postpone it like forever. How to make her really do what she kinda wants to do?

[Anonymous]

Could there be something wrong? Like depression? It might be good to ask and make sure she's okay.

If she is, make it into a group activity. As in go on walks after meals and invite her to come with, maybe go on hikes or climbing. Or start going to the gym yourself if you don't already, and invite her to come along. If she sees you making healthy choices, it might encourage her to do the same.

[PondyPand]

Maybe help her set out a plan for workouts? Keep it short, simple and sweet, and do it where it's not too detrimental if she misses one. Build her up so she's happy to go the gym

[Anonymous]

It sounds like she might be depressed ir at the very least upset about her declining physical ability. Don’t push it, love her anyway. She probably already hates herself for it.

[Opinion Owner]

Give her time to feel ready to work out again...

[Asker]

But exercising doesn't make sense if you don't do it regularly...

[Opinion Owner]

Yes, but she is probably telling herself any multitude of horrible things... you really don’t know how she is feeling or what she already tells herself. If you love her, let her be. Do not push her or she will hate you as much as she hates herself right now. Take it from someone who knows, we know when our health is declining and do not want anyone to think they should tell us over and over again... you’ll only make it worse... she will feel less motivated the more you push because she will feel worse and worse about herself and her body.

[Eva323]

Go back packing. Because see, it’s a vacation. Not exercise. Definitely NOT exercise. Relaxing. Adventure. Not exercise.

[squatrackcurler]

You could ask her if she's interested in some sort of fitness event in the future, like a mud run or a novice strongman event, something that just requires general fitness without much specialized training. That way you both have something to look forward to while also training with a purpose

[malegender]

get rid of this woman now. Imagine what her (and thus your) situation might be like in 20 years. Looking at her mother might give you some insight.

[Asker]

Her mother works out regularly. And is fit.