ON THE COUCH: Couch-potato husband

SHRINK WRAP: How do I convince my husband to exercise?

It is human nature to respond to the urge to exercise by lying down until the urge passes.

People feel saturated by demands in today's busy world, and exercise feels like another unwelcome demand rather than an opportunity to destress.

Remind your husband of the attractive guy you married and how you valued his healthy younger self.

When he feels lovable he will want to honour what you feel about him and be open to getting fit. If he feels criticised or judged he's likely to entrench himself more deeply in his resistant, defensive position. - Leonard Carr

SUPER NANNY

Badgering your husband into exercising is not working. Pleading and giving him life-threatening health news is not going to help persuade him. Getting to the root of his lack of motivation would give you an explanation and open a conversation.

You can make your influence felt by preparing healthy meals, and limiting alcohol intake and snacks. Attend fitness classes or take regular walks yourself and invite him to join you.

Value your husband for his presence in your life, and acknowledge your love for him as he is. Support him in his endeavours, take an interest in his work and his hobbies. He might be motivated to take care of his health if he feels there's value being around for as long as possible. - Stephanie Dawson-Cosser