Exercise and Family: We Can All Get Along
by Nan Kappeler (topic expert: fitness)

Getting family and friends to exercise isn't always easy. Feelings can often be hurt just by simply suggesting an exercise routine. Even though our plans to motivate someone to get in shape are sincere, the best intentions can be mistaken for insults. Still, it's hard to avoid frustration when your sister conveniently "forgets" about your planned walk, or your friend's complaints about her expanding waistline never seem to end.

As a fitness professional, I've encountered difficulty getting people I care about to exercise. For years, I attempted to help an overweight friend get involved in a regular fitness program. After much persistence, she accepted my offer of complimentary personal training sessions. Since she weighed in at 195 pounds, we agreed that walking would be the best activity for her petite frame. As agreed, each day, I religiously arrived at her house for a 30-minute walk.

During our walks, I monitored her heart rate, and gave her healthy eating and fitness tips. "Instead of a croissant, substitute whole wheat bread," I advised. "Break up your three meals into five smaller ones," and "let's make sure your heart rate hits 125."

For a short while, my friend seemed to listen, and even enjoy the exercise. She bought all the little training accessories I suggested-weights, lightweight clothes, and an exercise ball. Low-fat milk replaced whole milk, and oatmeal became the morning meal. The scale even showed a slight weight loss. But within weeks, the excuses for canceling kept mounting. Soon, the program had failed.

When the program ended, I seemed to be the most disappointed. "Why don't people want to be fit?" I often ask myself. "Don't people want to feel and look good?" It's hard to accept the fact many people would rather suffer from life-threatening problems that can be easily treated, such as obesity and some forms of diabetes, then simply exercise.

Over the years, I've found that many non-exercisers perceive activity as hard work and an unpleasant activity. Even though we know keeping in shape isn't easy, fitness can fun. Ten-mile runs are fun because I meet up with friends. We endure the hills, wind, and the pains of pushing our bodies to the limit. After, we enjoy laughter and friendship at a coffee shop and plan the next bike ride.

While this type of activity isn't for everyone, there is some type of exercise that every person can enjoy. Helping someone find what they enjoy may open the door to a regular fitness program. Here are some tips that have helped me to persuade some of my most stubborn friends to get going.

1. Don't be pushy or a nag about exercise. Offer the opportunity to join in on a walk, or a leisurely bike ride. Keep pace with your partner. If you speed ahead, your new recruit may not return because it become too hard to keep up with you.
2. Choose a simple exercise such as walking or swimming, or one that may be easy to do such as yoga if the person is flexible. Avoid activities that involve a lot of instructions or gear to start. A complicated weight workout or aerobics routine will only add frustration.
3. Combine the activity with a social event. If you decide on a walk to the shopping center, go shopping or stay for lunch. Include additional friends to help motivate everyone.
4. Look for fun activities. Jazzercise is geared for all levels of participants and includes lively music. Classes are also a great way meet other women in the community.
5. Be a supporter by offering compliments. Comment on those extra steps you added yesterday, or the walk your friend took after work. Suggest additional variations to the current routine such as adding a hill to a walk.