Living a healthy lifestyle – one full of exercise and proper nutrition is great. It makes you happier, healthier, and improves your overall quality of life.
We all have people in our lives that we love and care deeply about. Sometimes, we see these people living a lifestyle that isn’t healthy for them in the short term or long term.
Telling someone they need to work out and eat better outright isn’t just taboo, it’s rude and it can ruin a relationship. So how do you inspire people? It can be tricky, but here are some tips to have that conversation.
Be gentle
Nobody likes to hear that they should be working out more. So, the way to encourage people is to not tell them what they need to do.
You can leave them entirely out of it. Bring up how your fitness journey has been beneficial to you. Let them know how they can get fit.
Be sure you let the person know that you care about them and that you think they’d benefit from some healthy habits. Try to be as sensitive as you can.
Be understanding
Many people have legitimate concerns with starting a fitness journey. They don’t have the time, they aren’t sure what to do, and nothing has worked for them before.
Think of some of the reasons you struggled to get started. You probably experienced many of the same feelings they did.
If you can, offer solutions to the problems they’ve faced with staying healthy. You know what has worked best for you and your experience can go a long way.
Part of being understanding is knowing when to back off. If the person is really uninterested, that is okay. Fitness is not for everybody.
Ask them to come with you
One of the best ways to get into fitness is to have someone motivate you when you start. You could be that motivation. Ask them if they would like to work out with you!
Offer to bring them to one of your workouts. You can show them the ropes and make sure they get off to a great start on their fitness journey.
Working out alone for the first time can be very intimidating. No one likes walking into a new gym with no idea what to do.
Set goals together
Setting goals is huge. You have your own goals; share them with your new fitness buddy. Ask them what their goals are and if there is anything you can do to help them achieve them. Make a plan together and commit.
You know that sustainability requires accountability. Hold your new fitness friend accountable by scheduling goal check-ups with them. Keep them motivated and inspired.
When you do this, you’ll add an extra layer of accountability to your routine. You’ll be more likely to achieve your goals when you have to motivate and inspire someone.
For more Accountability-related blogs, click here!
