#MansPerspective : What do I buy my guy for V-Day? How do I get my hubby on board living a healthier lifestyle?

Dear Brandon,

Every year for Valentine's Day I get my boyfriend chocolate. It's getting boring but I don't know what else to do. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Out of Ideas in Tallahassee

           As a matter of fact, I do have a few suggestions for you Ms. Tallahassee.  I ran across a picture on Pinterest a few weeks ago that was a bushel of “Man Flowers”.  One creative wife got the idea to grab a huge beer mug, sticks, and some of her man’s favorite delights and put them all together as if they were a bouquet of flowers.  They had items like Makers Mark whiskey and Monte Cristo cigars taped to the tops of the sticks.  Toss them all into the beer mug and viola!.....a Bushel of Man Flowers.  Maybe your guy isn't a booze hound or into smoking stogies, that’s OK   Find some of the things that he does like and use the same idea.  The options are truly endless.

Brandon,
I started working out six months ago and have really gotten in shape. My husband hasn't though and just wants to sit on the couch drinking beer and eating pizza. Is there anyway that I can get him to join me? I mean I'm working on my body why won't he work on his?

Frustrated in Medford

           First of all, congratulations on your new body, Ms. Medford!  As a personal trainer I see first-hand the physical struggles and mental anguish that people go through to attain a fresh and healthy new version of them. From a man’s perspective, he needs to see what he used to look like in order to come to terms with where he is now.  Go through some old vacation photos or any photos that show a younger slimmer version of himself, and have him run across them.  You’ll have to be sneaky so this is where it becomes tricky. You can’t just present a snap shot of the half naked dude you fell in love with years ago; you’re going to need a better tactic than that. Men have egos and if he thinks that you are pushing him to be different it could backfire and create the opposite effect. You have to make him think that is was his idea. You could do something that you know will showcase how out of shape he is like hiking or snowshoeing. He will likely be embarrassed that you are in better shape than him and it may possibly be the final push he needs to come to terms with his unhealthy situation. Whatever you do, no matter how tough it may be, do not gloat about all of the compliments you are getting about your new hot body from other men. Playing dirty may be necessary sometimes but let’s try to keep it clean ladies ;)

 Brandon is a U.S. Navy sailor, personal trainer, and blogger residing in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  After 12 years of active duty he returned to his native state to be closer to his two children and finish a degree in exercise science.  Through his travels and experiences Brandon strongly believed that a majority of men were losing touch with their masculinity and the essence of what a “Gentleman” is.  This was the inspiration to create his website Imperfectly Distinguished; the site is designed as a “how to” for the average man, discussing everything from Style to honing new “Man Skills”.  He is passionate about writing, fitness, photography, music, film, and most of all helping others.  He spends his free time with friends and family and plans to do more traveling after his children graduate.

     You can contact Brandon through his website http://www.imperfectlydistinguished.com/

      Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ImperfectlyDistiguished

      or email Brandolabs@gmail.com