How can I encourage people to work out?
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Answers:
Parade an obese person around.
I feel the same exact way as you do. I work out on a regular basis and have tried to convince many people to change their lifestyle and start working out. People are always making excuses and keep saying they will start next week or next month. When the time comes around they have another excuse. I think the only way for people to start working out and taking charge of their health is if they have the self drive to do it them self.
I'm not sure. It sounds like you're doing all you can. By being there for them and offering to be their workout buddy, they at least have the opportunity.
But people really have to be self-motivated if they are ever going to workout and keep working out. It's something they have to realize for themselves.
Weight is a touchy subject too, and maybe they're intimidated by the idea of working out with you. (especially if you're really fit, and they never work out. they might not be able to keep up).
Maybe get a fun workout dvd for a friend who always talks about wanting to workout.
All you can do is give them the opportunities.
(i think with adults it's harder, but setting a good example for kids will help motivate them to be healthy when they get older).
Throw in some cash incentives! We have an awesome Lifestyle Management program at my job that pays us to get healthier! If we meet our goals (which could be as simple as working out 3 times a week, lowering your cholesterol level by a few points, losing X lbs, joining a team sport, etc, etc) we get $200 a quarter. Stats are showing that people at my work are getting healthier and the program has only been in effect for 2 years.
You're setting a good example, to begin with. You cannot force anyone to change but you can help point in the right direction.
To many, hitting a gym is overwhelming, especially if they're out of shape and have to look at the fit bodies around them. Why not encourage friends and family to go on walks with you? A 30-minute trek a few times a week will get them feeling more fit very quickly. Then encourage them to buy some light weights at the sporting goods store; you can work out in your living room watching TV. Once they seem more confident, then you can reextend the gym invite.
Crash diets have to go. Period. Not negotiable in my book LOL! You can only lose and keep the weight off by, paradoxically, eating. And you don't change habits overnight but a little bit at a time: choosing lean meats/poultry, selecting whole grains, increasing your fresh fruit and veggies intake.
I think you're on the right track with your friends and family by being there to encourage them.good luck to all of you!
I just read an article that stated that people that are overweight tend to hang out with other people that are overweight. If they start being around those that are fit and thinner they'll want to be the same. Look at your friends and family and see if it's true. Motivating people is hard; they have to really want to change and make the time to change; I suggest hanging out with them more and don't talk about exercising, your physique will do the talking for you. I think they will eventually start wanting to look more like you :).
Don't call it "working out." Do fun things. Invite your friends and family to go rock climbing, so fun! And a fabulous workout. Or go biking, or swimming. People who are not used to "working out" at a gym are probably not going to jump and go with you while you are trying to manipulate them into going, but if you swing it a different way, like, "hey, I'm going biking at such and such park today, do you want to come?" or, "hey, I just joined this great rock wall gym and I need a belayer, do you want to learn?" That way you're asking them to join you in a fun activity, rather than trying to drag them to the gym. Once you get them active in one way, it will be a whole lot easier to get them to go to the gym with you.
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