I’m certain we’ve all heard it before, if not said it a hundred times ourselves, I’ve fallen off the ‘workout wagon’. It’s our job to help motivate people to get back on the wagon whether it’s through sports, fitness, physical therapy, or any other physical activity, right?
Whenever there are millions, trillions, gazillions of excuses how are we supposed to combat them all? I’m so busy … You don’t live in the same town … The class times are always opposite of my schedule … I don’t know what to do … I don’t like working out … I need someone there with me … I don’t like working out with other people. Stop already! If it’s important to you…you will make time for it.
So, that’s the query, the conundrum, the giant elephant of a question – how do we help them make it important? There is a part of me that responds by overworking myself. I offer classes whenever I can through Live Online classes (where they can workout AT HOME with me right there guiding them), free online videos on YouTube, and offering classes in 3 (count ‘em) three different cities. Really there isn’t room for excuses anymore, yet people don’t do it – they’ll still gripe and complain – but nevertheless don’t do it. How do we ‘the professionals’ reach through the excuses and really grab hold of their hearts…then keep them coming back for more?
I feel with this issue the only thing we can do to help an individual get with the program and continue to work out is by being as available as we possibly can. I have played college football for four year now and have experienced many of the same things you mentioned with my teammates. Always coming up with excuses for why they did not do this or that instead of just handling business and getting it done. So this problem is everywhere in our field, whether it is working out for health or training for a certain event. I feel that at the end of the day it comes down to whether the individual has the personal drive to participate in whatever form of exercise they choose. The want has to be there. All we can do as the professionals is come up with new ideas, make them as available as possible, and keep the selection of options as broad and numerous as workable with our specific situation.
ReplyDeleteAgreeing with both Arthur and Whitney, the issue of apathy is prevalent in our society, even reaching those closest to us. As “professionals” we are to be leaders. There is no “cookie cutter” remedy for curing a lethargic individual. As Arthur stated, being available as absolutely possible is part of reaching others for fitness. I will add that leading by example is equally the best course of action for inspiring and encouraging others. Having been involved in multiple sports from an early age and even to this day, I have found the old adage “actions speak louder than words” reigns true. Putting forth a concentrated effort will provide a song that others will want to join in singing. Be consistent in practicing what you preach.
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