Diabetes Discoveries & Practice Blog

Getting Your Patient Active Their Way

Infographic demonstrating that one size does not fit all with measuring tape.

Below are some helpful strategies to use next time your patients cite any of the following self-defeating barriers to getting active.

Do you feel like conversations with your patient about physical activity are going nowhere? Like many things, behavior modification starts with a conversation. To determine how best to help your patient, try starting your conversation with the following question, "Do you want to increase your physical activity and if so, what is preventing you from doing so?"

By listening to their answer, you can help your patient transition from just thinking about physical activity to actually engaging in physical activity using some of these targeted responses:

I'm too busy.

  • Put a "be active" date on your calendar with Tips to Help You Get Active.
  • Give something up, such as a half hour of web surfing, to clear some time.
  • Find 30 or 60 minutes at a time to be active or split your activities into several shorter sessions.

I'm not motivated.

  • Choose an activity you enjoy and can get excited about, like dancing or hiking.
  • Find a "fitness buddy" or family member to join you. They can help you stick to your goals and make exercise fun.
  • Don't you want to be able to keep up with your friends, kids, and grandkids? Think of something important to you that physical activity may help you improve.
  • Set specific, realistic goals. Start by walking 10 or 15 minutes a day 3 days a week then add another day a week until you hit 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week.

I don't have the money.

  • Look for lower-cost or free classes and activities at local schools, churches, community centers, or park and recreation centers.
  • Use everyday places and situations to work in some activity for free, like taking a walk around the mall.

I need to lose weight before I can get active.

  • You can be active and benefit from physical activity at any size.
  • Start out doing as much activity as you feel comfortable with and gradually increase the length and intensity of your activity.
  • If you are concerned about how you look, you can be active at home. Turn on a video, put on the radio and dance, or do some housework, such as vacuuming or cleaning out a closet.
  • Start by walking. It's a small step in the right direction.

I'm afraid I'll hurt myself or make my diabetes or other health problems worse.

Share your experience: What behavioral strategies have helped you encourage physical activity among your patients?

Note: Since this blog was published, updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (PDF, 14.2 MB) , have been released.

 

Editor's Note: The National Kidney Disease Education Program (NKDEP) was discontinued in 2020.

Comments

Click to load comments
Loading comments...

Blog Tools

Share this page

Facebook X Email WhatsApp LinkedIn Reddit Pinterest

About

Diabetes Discoveries and Practice Blog
Dialogue with thought leaders on emerging trends in diabetes care

Tags

Archive

Disclaimer

We welcome comments; all comments must follow our comment policy.

Blog posts written by individuals from outside the government may be owned by the writer and graphics may be owned by their creator. In such cases, it is necessary to contact the writer, artist, or publisher to obtain permission for reuse.