Are you struggling to come up with new ways to inspire friends and family members to become more active? The fact is, most people know they should exercise — they just need a little extra motivation to get started. Here are ACE's top 10 ways you can inspire people to get fit.
ACE'S TOP 10 WAYS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO GET FIT
- BE A ROLE MODEL
Do others see you enjoying the benefits of being active? Set an example by inviting friends to walk with you or take an exercise class after work.
- MAKE FITNESS FUN
Some people prefer to play games rather than exercise. Make the idea of exercising a game in itself and offer rewards for participation or meeting certain goals.
- BE BOTH ACTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE
Show friends and family that it's possible to be both active and productive by doing activities that accomplish a task while also using some energy, such as walking the dog to the store to buy a newspaper, mowing the lawn, biking to work or walking to school.
- MAKE WORKOUTS SHORT AND SWEET
Who says exercise has to take up a lot of time? Knock out this excuse by showing others how easy it is to exercise in short blocks of time spread throughout the day.
- EXTOL THE BENEFITS
Research shows that people who exercise live longer, healthier lives than those who don't. In fact, exercise is the closest thing you'll find to the fountain of youth.
- TRAIN FOR A CHARITY EVENT TOGETHER
Get fit and raise money for a good cause. For some, it's easier to be motivated to exercise if it's done for a larger cause.
- SET SHORT-TERM GOALS
Encourage friends to reward themselves by setting — and achieving — short-term fitness goals.
- OFFER TO BE A WORKOUT PARTNER
If someone knows you're counting on them, they're more likely to show up for workouts.
- USE INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC
Nothing perks up a workout faster than upbeat music. Research shows that listening to your favorite music while exercising makes it easier to exercise longer and more intensely while making workouts more enjoyable.
- DON'T PREACH, LECTURE OR NAG
The worst thing you can do is shame someone into exercising. Instead, create opportunities to exercise and make it as fun and enjoyable as possible.