Encourage a Friend to Exercise
There's a fine line to walk when it comes to guiding a friend toward a healthy lifestyle. But done gracefully, you will both benefit because having a partner is one of the best ways to stick with any exercise program. Here are some ways to be a cheerful supporter for your friend.
Instructions
1. Recognize that it takes mountains of empathy and patience to encourage someone to do something healthy if they are set in their unhealthy ways. You simply can't force anyone to do something that he isn't motivated to do for himself.
2. Wait until your friend expresses even the slightest interest in an activity or in getting fit. Don't push yourself on her-just wait for the right opportunity.
3. Offer to join him in an activity of his choosing. He may want company on walks or a wingman when trying something new.
4. Be reliable. Show up when you say you will. Establish a foul-weather plan if you will be exercising outside.
5. Don't preach. We all know exercise is good for us-you don't have to remind anyone. Try to be a cheerful supporter instead.
6. Don't coddle. There's supporting and there's carrying. If your friend insists on complaining and whining, try changing the subject or calling her out on it-"Ok, I'll give you two more minutes of bitching and then we're moving on."
7. Help him see results. You don't need to be in charge of his scale, but you could share how you keep track of your own successes. Remember that weight is only one way to measure victories-you can aim for a certain number of consecutive exercise days, the distance of a run, the minutes spent sweating or the number of days you didn't sleep in.
8. If you and your friend are naturally competitive, turn your exercise routines into a contest. Set rules and fun rewards.
9. Don't micromanage. She is not your pet project-she's your friend.
10. Be a good example. If your friend sees the benefits you receive from regular exercise, he is more likely to join you.
11. If your friend is overwhelmed by the idea of complicated equipment or special clothing and gear, start with something simple like walking or swimming.
12. Mix things up and try various activities. This will keep things fresh and also give her a chance to find a passion for one particular activity.
13. Share magazine articles or books that have inspired you to stay healthy.
14. Express pride in every success. "I'm so proud that you are trying new things!" or "It's great how consistent you are!"
Tags: your friend, cheerful supporter, Encourage Friend, Encourage Friend Exercise, Friend Exercise