One of the most effective methods of achieving and adhering to a fitness lifestyle is to exercise with a friend or loved one — everyone benefits. And, if you have already integrated health and fitness into your life consistently, it might be time to introduce those benefits to your friends and loved ones by becoming a fitness ambassador.
Therefore, featured this week are nine great encouragement strategies to help you encourage someone you care about to join your fantastic health and fitness journey. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, please consult your physician.
1. Assuming you have embraced a healthy, fit lifestyle, think of five friends you know who have not. Ask one of them out for coffee one day after your workout and encourage them to join you next time. If they are reluctant, most health clubs and fitness studios offer a complimentary class session or at least the opportunity to observe a class for newcomers. Check out the policy and then, if they are willing, bring them along. A fitness assessment may be required prior to attendance, so determine what the process is prior to inviting them to join you. Be informed and keep it simple.
2. Many times what deters someone from pursuing an exercise program is walking through the door alone. With you as their fitness ambassador, many of those fears may dissipate.
3. Encourage them to begin slowly — assuring them that, after the first few workouts, there will be less of a learning curve creating a more enjoyable experience. Even if you are not attending a fitness class or personal training session, introducing them to an outdoor walking, cycling or hiking program might be just the ticket to begin addressing their health and fitness needs.
4. If they have significant physical limitations and your program is a bit too strenuous for them, then help them to seek out a qualified, certified and experienced personal trainer who is an expert at working with those with similar limitations to design a personal training program specifically addressing their needs.
5. Once you get them in the door, and they are progressing well, then contact friend number two and proceed from there. Many facilities offer referral programs — the more friends and family that you refer, the more “club points” you accumulate — another win-win.
6. If your new recruit falls off track, do not give up on them. Relapses happen to just about everyone. Therefore, just keep encouraging them, using positive motivation techniques and, in most cases, they will get back on track with you.
7. Set up plan B, C and D so that when life happens — and it will — there is an alternative plan in place. Agree upon it together and be accountable to one another.
8. Keep the workouts varied by choosing different classes, different programs or just different workout formats and locations to keep the program fresh and your results outstanding. This is critical for safety and effectiveness, but it also prevents boredom and burnout leading to potential exercise drop out.
9. As a fitness ambassador, you are in a unique position to encourage community participation in health and fitness-oriented lifestyles. Share your enthusiasm and experience — one person does make a difference.
Jackie Wright is the owner/manager of Mountain Life Fitness, LLC located in Granby, Colorado. She may be reached at her website at http://www.mtnlifefitness.com and her email at jackie@mtnlifefitness.com.