My Wife Tried Working Out For A Whole Year. Here's What We Both Learnt.

Unleash Your Creative Genius with MuseMind: Your AI-Powered Content Creation Copilot. Try now! ๐Ÿš€

One year ago, my wife, Jenna, appeared to be in great shape, seemingly untouched by exercise or dietary concerns. She credited her youthful vigor and good genetics for her physical well-being. My attempt to encourage her to join me in a fitness journey was met with casual indifference. She believed she had no pressing need. But I had a different perspective; I saw her potential and an underlying issue that could impede her transformation.

The Wake-Up Call

Jenna's reluctance to fully commit to fitness was her Achilles' heel. She approached it with less seriousness and fervor than I did. Her tendency to quit prematurely could sabotage her progress, leaving her with a year of half-hearted effort and unrealized potential. This was my initial assessment, but I would soon learn that I was both right and incredibly wrong.

When Jenna embarked on this journey at the age of 33, she had no background in sports. Her gym membership collected as much dust as her library card. She ran only occasionally, often walking most of the way during our races, frustrating both me and our dog, Nixon. Her diet consisted primarily of Pringles and Doritos. The one saving grace was that she didn't overeat, maintaining a relatively low body weight. It was clear that her fitness journey wouldn't be a walk in the park.

The Early Struggles

Initial efforts were discouraging. A VO2 max test was abandoned as she gave up during a challenging run. Similar episodes occurred during a functional threshold test on an exercise bike and at park runs. Jenna found it hard to muster the motivation to push herself when the going got tough. I couldn't comprehend her lack of enthusiasm; I wondered why she wasn't listening to the Rocky 4 soundtrack during every jog.

However, something was happening beneath the surface that I only fully recognized in hindsight. Jenna might not have had Rocky Balboa's boundless enthusiasm, but she displayed a willingness to try everything. She ran a Spartan Race in the competitive age group, even though she expected to finish last. She embarked on 20-mile races in the Welsh mountains, despite the hours they took. She continued taking tests and training for events that didn't particularly excite her. Her approach, it turned out, was far more sensible than my Rocky 4 addiction.

A Shift in Perspective

Toward the end of the year, a couple of things happened that changed my perception of what success in this experiment might look like. I started to realize that there was more to it than before-and-after photos in tight shorts. Firstly, Jenna and I participated in our second High Rocks event together. I'm not typically drawn to team sports; I prefer solitary training and competition, where I can take sole credit or blame for my performance. But during that race with Jenna, something clicked. It was no longer just about how well she did but about the joy we experienced, regardless of our results.

The other pivotal moment came after I completed the Thames Path 100K ultra-marathon. Jenna returned from a 10K training run, feeling comfortable enough to consider running the 100K with me. This revelation didn't seem daunting to her, as she perceived an ultra-marathon as merely a 10K repeated ten times. I decided to join her for the race, viewing it as a fun adventure rather than a rigorous competition. This marked a shift from my previous all-or-nothing approach.

A Year of Discoveries

The 12-month fitness experiment culminated last weekend when we participated in High Rocks London. Jenna's outlook had evolved. Her primary focus had shifted toward ultra running, and High Rocks had taken a back seat. While she was happy to participate, she wasn't overly enthusiastic, and her pre-race preparation wasn't intense. She'd even indulged in some fries and cake before the race. This would typically be a recipe for a mediocre performance, but something had changed.

Jenna had been diligently training, running faster than ever on the treadmill, and displaying exceptional endurance during her jogs with our dog. Her broad engagement in various sports and activities had improved her all-round fitness. She had also become more open to seeking advice from experts, refining her running technique and recovery strategies.

The Results

The outcome was remarkable. Jenna surpassed her previous High Rocks performance, slashing over 11 minutes off her time. After completing the race, her objective wasn't to register for another High Rocks event and aim for an even faster time. She simply remarked, "That was fun." Her focus shifted to a 10K race planned for the following week, another event she looked forward to, without becoming obsessed with it.

This experiment has been an immense success for Jenna as an individual and for us as a couple. We've learned to balance our training and events, enjoying a mix of solo and joint activities. Jenna's approach to fitness has made her healthier, happier, and more well-rounded, proving that we don't have to obsessively strive for perfection. We can be content with being a bit better than before.

So, what's next? We'll see where the journey takes us. Jenna continues to maintain her fitness, and I've embraced a more relaxed approach. The experiment continues, but one thing is clear: it's not just about personal bests and targets. It's about having fun, growing, and evolving.

In summary, Jenna's transformation wasn't what I initially expected. While I thought she had weaknesses, I've come to realize that her approach may be the healthier and more sustainable one in the long run. Fitness is now an integral part of her life, a part she enjoys without the need for constant competition or obsession. It's a valuable lesson for us all, proving that you can be better without being the best.

Watch full video here โ†ช
My Wife tried WORKING OUT for a whole Year. Here's what we BOTH learnt.
Related Recaps