Do you sometimes worry about your co-workers and friends because you feel they are not living a healthy lifestyle? There are things that you can do to help them find their way to exercise. Here are five things you can do to get them started on the road to better health.
Because work is such a big part of most people’s day, helping people understand that even just a 30 minute workout before, during, or after the work day ends is essential to helping them get active and healthy.
Would you like to help your co-workers and friends get active and healthy? Here are five tips that will help you do that (without nagging). #runningClick To Tweet
Help Your Co-workers (friends, students, children) Get Active (without nagging)
Be Supportive
Probably the most important thing you can do to help your co-workers to begin a healthy lifestyle is to be supportive. Remember that, even though you have found a way to add daily exercise to your life, it may be a new concept to those you are trying to help. Show some empathy when they tell you they are tired or sore, but make sure to let them know that passes and that they’ll feel wonderful after a short while.
Be Enthusiastic
Think of the best coach you can imagine. They are probably there, on the sidelines, clapping and yelling positive reinforcement. Be that person. Celebrate your co-worker’s accomplishments, however small. Each one is a step toward becoming a healthier, more fit, human being.
Be Knowledgeable
While you are not a coach, you still have some knowledge about starting a running program. After all, you were there once too. You learned through experience that you should start slow, buy the proper shoes, or join a running club.
Here are some resources for new runners:
14 Useful Things to Know When You Start Running
Asked and Answered: Your Top 10 Running Questions
10 Tips for Starting a Running Program
The Top 16 Running Tips for Beginners
Your co-worker will have questions. Answer the ones you can answer, lead them to the answers you don’t know, and…
Know When to Refer Out
One of the first things that trainers, coaches, and stretch therapists learn is that there are things that are beyond our scope of practice and that is when we must refer out.
It is the same for you as a running friend/co-worker. Yes, you know the simple stuff about running, you can encourage, celebrate, and be supportive. But there some things, like potential injuries, increasing mileage, or specific training plans that are beyond your scope of practice.
That is when it is time to refer out to a coach or trainer who can help your friend continue their fitness journey. At the same time, you will know that a good part of their journey so far is thanks to your support and enthusiasm. Good job!
Show Them All the Cool Fitness Stuff!
Runners frequently say that running is such a simple sport that all you need is a good pair of running shoes and you’re good to go. While that is true to a certain extent, there are a lot of cool running tools that new runners will probably enjoy. From cute running skirts or shorts, sweat-proof running tops, and colorful running shoes, to heart rate monitors, GPS watches, and all the different running apps, there is something for everyone from the fashionista to the techie.
Have you ever introduced a friend, co-worker, or significant other to running (or other fitness activity)? Did they stick with it?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
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Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
Great post, Debbie! At work, I was known as “the runner.” Everyone knew I took extra-long lunch breaks so I could fit in a run (I just made up the time by working later in the evening). 😊
I always loved encouraging others to start running and was happy to offer advice or be a running buddy. But you’re absolutely right, there are limits to what we should advise on. Knowing when to refer someone to a coach, physio, or medical professional is just as important as sharing our own experience.
Im not sure that I’ve ever influenced a coworker to start running, but we did do a walking challenge a few years ago which was fun!
That’s really cool! In this day and age of working from home and independent gig work, I kind of forget about the whole coworker idea lol!
I love when teams get together and support each other, in the office and out.
Having work teams is fun! My career is based in the gym and my co-workers are usually pretty fit but you’d be surprised at how few runners I work with.