14 Creative Ways to Convince Someone to Workout

This article aims to provide creative and innovative ways to encourage a loved one who hates regular exercise. By examining research, readers will understand the psychological and physiological mechanisms that underlie motivation for workouts and will be equipped with strategies to promote regular exercise for their loved ones.

Support from a friend or family member can be crucial in helping an individual regain their fitness and overall health. Despite the challenges that may arise, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve the desired workout goals with proper motivation. Encouraging a loved one on their journey towards improved well-being.

1. Encourage Them to Engage in a Sports Activity

According to research from Statista, digital live sports viewership has been on the rise and is predicted to continue growing in the coming years. This trend suggests that individuals who are passionate about a sport they watch may be more likely to engage in that sport physically than those who do not regularly watch sports. 

Research shows individuals weighing approximately 150 pounds can burn many calories when participating in American sports. Playing basketball can burn up to 544 calories while playing baseball can burn up to 340 calories. This information highlights the potential benefits of engaging in sports to increase physical activity and promote overall health and fitness.  

2. CrossFit 

According to research from the National Library of Medicine, group workouts have been gaining popularity, and group workouts like CrossFit have been on the rise. This trend suggests individuals may be more motivated to engage in physical activity when they are in a group setting rather than by themselves. 

3. Financial Reward for Workout

Money is an effective motivator for encouraging people to engage in exercise. The promise of a financial reward for reaching a specific exercise goal can serve as a powerful motivator for many people. This is because money is a tangible and immediate reward that can be used to purchase goods.

4. Play Motivational Music

Listening to music can improve mood and motivation during a workout, making the workout experience more entertaining. Music can also serve as a distraction to help you forget your exercise.

When facing the challenges of a hard workout, the last thing you want on your mind is the pain and struggle from working out. Great music can be a powerful tool to distract from the pain, providing motivation to push through and strive for those hard-earned gains while making the effort seem effortless.

5. Health Consequences of A Sedentary Lifestyle Reminder

Obesity, heart diseases, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and stroke are some of the health consequences that can be associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The potential negative health outcomes and the fear of dying can be good motivators for a workout.

The thought of living a life plagued by chronic illness or even facing an early death due to a lack of physical activity should be enough to motivate anyone to prioritize exercise. So, if you value your life, incorporate exercise into your daily lives to promote a healthier future.

6. Self-Affirmation

Studies have shown that self-affirmation has a positive effect on motivation to exercise by giving positive self-views and emotions and increasing the belief in one’s ability to overcome difficult obstacles related to working out.  You can enjoy numerous self-affirmation audiobooks on Audible with a one-month free trial.

7. Playing Virtual Reality

Virtual reality can be an effective way to get a workout, as it can make working out more enjoyable for some individuals. Not only is this a convenient way to exercise, but it can also be a fun way to stay active.  The Oculus Quest is a highly recommended virtual reality headset at a good price.

The Oculus headset is a cutting-edge technology that provides players with a highly immersive experience. It allows the player to enter a highly simulated environment that responds to their every movement, resulting in an engaging and captivating experience.

Is It Normal to Feel Dizzy After Virtual Reality?

Virtual reality can cause dizziness, especially for those who are new to using it. However, with regular use, the effects of dizziness can be reduced over time. It is important to take breaks to prevent any potential side effects.

8. Horseback Riding

Riding a horse can be seen as a form of exercise. Physical demands of riding, such as maintaining balance and controlling the horse, can provide a workout and tone the rider’s muscles.

Additionally, the movement of the horse can also provide a low-impact workout for the riders. It is also a lot less intimidating than going to the gym, where everyone appears more serious. Who wouldn’t want to hang out with an adorable and friendly-looking horse?

9. Buying Clothes at The Mall

Shopping can be a form of exercise as it involves walking around and searching for clothes. The physical activity of walking can provide a low-impact workout and can burn calories. The duration and intensity of the trip will determine the calories burned.  The scent of new clothing at a mall can be alluring and tempting, enticing shoppers to take long walks from store to store. 

The sight of your favorite clothing store can be an exciting experience, especially when combined with the prospect of buying a new pair of shoes. Imagining the feel of a brand-new pair of shoes against your feet, along with the sound of 50% off ringing in your ears, can ignite a desire to sprint across the mall to reach your favorite store.

10. Camping

Based on my personal experience of camping, the campsite usually is located a distance away from where the cars are parked. This makes hiking an integral part of camping.  Carrying a heavy camping backpack can add to the physical demands of hiking, making it a more intense workout and leading to a higher calorie burn.

Then after a long day of hiking, there’s nothing quite like relaxing by a cozy campfire and roasting marshmallows. The fresh air, long hikes, and the simple pleasure of spending time in nature can be incredibly rejuvenating and uplifting for the mind and body.
To elevate your heart rate and burn those extra calories, you can engage in the tradition of sharing spooky ghost stories.

11. Board Games

Board games that require physical activity can be a fun way to exercise. Twister, which involves placing hands and feet on different colored circles and requires a lot of bending and stretching is an excellent game to try.  Other games that require physical activity are Simon Said and musical chairs. These games can be a fun way to burn calories while playing with friends.

12. Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a form of martial arts characterized by slow and flowing movements that surprisingly can burn a decent number of calories. It’s a form of movement that can improve balance and flexibility. It’s important to note that the number of calories burned during Tai Chi can vary depending on the intensity and the individual’s fitness level.

Tai Chi is a low-impact form workout that can be performed by individuals who may not be in top physical shape, making it a popular choice for older folks with limited mobility. Due to its gentle movements and emphasis on correct posture and breathing techniques, Tai Chi is easy on the joints and can improve flexibility, balance, and overall well-being.

As a result, Tai Chi has become a popular form of exercise for people of all ages and fitness levels. Tai Chi is also helpful with arthritis, muscle strength, and reducing inflammation in the body.

Is Tai Chi Effective In Street Fights?

As a former Tai Chi practitioner, I have found that attempting to use Tai Chi in a street fight can be very dangerous. The slow and flowing movements may not be effective in a street fight and can result in injury. While there are demonstration videos that may suggest otherwise, the practical use of Tai Chi in a street fight is rare. It is important to consider the risks before relying on any martial art in a dangerous street fight.

13. Play Paintball

The sport of paintball is where players eliminate opponents by hitting them with spherical dye-filled gelatin capsules. It’s a physically demanding sport that requires players to run, crawl, and move quickly to avoid getting hit.  Paintball players use protective gear such as goggles and chest protectors to prevent bruises.

Engaging in paintball not only provides enjoyment but can also serve as a means to lose weight and incorporate training exercises.
For a more intense experience in this paintball, consider removing all body protective gear and retaining only head and eye protection. The impact of a paintball can be quite painful, making your movements swift and helping you burn calories quicker if you don’t want to endure the pain.

14. Fitness Wagers

Creating a wager where the loser has to do a fitness task or exercise is a fantastic and creative way to convince someone to work out. For instance, placing a sports bet on rival football teams and setting a consequence like doing 1000 pushups for the loser can serve as a great motivator. The aversion to losing combined with the desire to even the score can drive individuals to make more bets, promoting ongoing physical activity.

Engaging in fitness wagers during card games, such as Texas Hold’em or any card game you enjoy, adds an exciting and active twist to your recreational time. Personally, my friend and I played Tien Len, a popular Vietnamese card game, and turned it into a push-up contest. The enjoyment of the card game led us to do nearly a thousand push-ups daily.

You can spice things up by varying the exercises, incorporating sit-ups, jumping jacks, or even weightlifting. If you have a larger group, turning it into a fitness card-playing group can generate excitement and make staying active a collective and enjoyable experience.

Final Thought

Some time ago, a close friend of mine passed away while attending a rave. He had been overweight for a while, and I believe that if he had worked out more often, he would still be alive today. This experience has taught me the importance of encouraging our loved ones to prioritize their physical health. I hope this article can help those who have friends or loved ones who are hesitant to work out, as I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through the same experience.

It’s very difficult to watch a loved one struggle with health problems related to being overweight, but this list can provide them with the tools they need to get back on track toward good health. With the support of close friends and family, it’s possible to build confidence and overcome barriers to weight loss. Did you find anything on the list that you didn’t like? If reading this didn’t give you the motivational drive to get someone to exercise then maybe read some self-help books, and why self-help books can be useful to you.

By AL Tran