Marriage Fitness: 4 Steps to Building & Maintaining Phenomenal Love

I liked the book overall and love how it incorporates achievable basic steps to keep love first. Mort Fertel has lists of things that can be done daily and other things that should be done weekly and even suggests weekend retreats twice a year without kids to recharge love. I think my expectations of this book may have been too high after reading other reviews. It is a good book and worth reading, however even for a type A (ish) person like me some of these lists of things that were strongly recommended to be done were a little too rigid for me such as devoting one day a week to discussing family business (i.e. bills, house maintenance, appointments). I like the idea of dedicating one day and time a week to discuss unpleasant business, however it’s not realistic for me, things come up and I think taking a minute or two here and there to mention responsibilities is a part of life.As far as basic suggestions such as touch charges (affectionately touching your partner multiple times a day) are vital and I’m glad the author focused on the basics because they are so important when you want the person you love most in life to feel that love. I don’t do too well with rigid guidelines or having to keep count of how many times I say sweet/kind words to my husband, to me when I do that it feels forced and unnatural. I appreciate the read and I’m glad my husband was willing to read the book too. We may need to reread the book in the future if we get stressed with each other, but for the most part what I got most out of the book is to put love first and when I do that and consider my husband’s feelings and needs above everything else then our love ends up the top priority in our life. I recommend buying this book but to have realistic expectations and to be able to adjust the author’s suggestions to fit the needs of your marriage.

When I am giving premarital coaching to young couples, or marriage coaching to married couples, they often want to focus on their problems or potential problems. Of course these issues are of great concern to couples so its not always easy to direct their focus to the solutions, not the problems. Problems are unimportant. Solutions are what is important and with his book, MARRIAGE FITNESS, Mort Fertel has given a simple, yet effective four step plan to marital solutions.I can't tell you how refreshing for me it has been to read a book by someone who understands and teaches what marriage is really all about. Love. I often use the analogy that love is like a fire. Even an out of control wildfire will eventually run out of fuel and burn itself out. To keep the fire of love alive, we must continually stoke the embers and feed it fuel. This book teaches it differently but essentially says the same thing, and shows couples how to provide the fuel their marriage must have to survive.The book is very well written and contains some excellent projects for couples. Certainly intended for couples working together, there is also definite help here for one with an uncommitted spouse to help get things back on track.Part 1, the first two chapters, give couples a deeper understanding of love. This may sound ridiculous, but most people confuse character traits with what I term "soul conscientiousness". Fertel deftly explains why character love makes you role mates, not soul mates. If you really want to take your marriage to a higher level, it is critical that you come to understand the differences between what I call outward love (loving the character traits of a person) and inward love (making the choice within your soul to love a person on the inside, regardless of their character traits). Once you fully understand this concept, your marriage (and innerhappiness) will be changed forever.Part 2 is Fertel's 4 step program for building and maintaining love in your marriage, as well as his twenty exercises.Mort Fertel has certainly given my some new ides on how couples can enrich their marriages and take them from ordinary to extraordinary. This is one of the best books you'll find on building a strong marriage. Highly recommended.Pastor Monty Rainey

My marriage is having its fair share of trouble I bought marriage fitness in hopes it would help give me insight. I receive the daily emails from Mort Fertel already and figured right now I am willing to try anything. I got this book yesterday and literally read it in one day. It has so much to offer and it’s a very easy read. I know I will have to go back and review it, but it really pulled me in. It made me see where some of the problems lie and helped me to stop pointing fingers and really open my eyes. To look at the big picture. I have not implemented any of the processes yet as I just got the book yesterday but I think they are feasible and do able. Mort talks about how we need to have talk and touch charge. He talks about planning business meetings with your spouse. He opens your eyes up to how giving is better than receiving and how to know what to give. Love conquers all and Mort explains that in this book. It’s very easy to read and to understand. The words just flow, you are drawn in. He often references problems he had in his marriage so you can see the results.I would recommend this book to any one that is either struggling in their marriage or looking to revive their marriage before it’s too late. This book is not directed to either spouse so it can be read by either or both parties.

Purchased this when my partner and I were going through a rough patch. Very expensive, but I thought it would be worth it. No, the emails I got from the site pretty much covered what was in the book so have a look there, first. Although the emails do tend to come in thick and fast so can feel like you’re being spammed. The techniques didn’t work for me, hubby and I did pull through, but just because it didn’t work for me doesn’t mean it won’t work for you.

The process is a well thought out and fairly simple set of actions some of which most married couples would consider are useful but is put together in a good straighforward structure which assists in its implementation and effectiveness. Requires application but if you were looking for a quick fix you should not have got married! However some of the actions recommended would be expected to elicit a postive response and strenthening of the marriage quite quickly.

The book arrived promptly and it was a joy to read. As a psychotherapist I am always looking for easy-to-read material for clients. I gained a great deal of insight into marriages and would highly recommend Mort Fertel's style of writing and insights.

Worth reading if your relationship heat the rocks

excellent condition and a pleasure to read. very useful and practical suggestions. definite recommend to couples who want to improve their marriage life.