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Motivation through Information

Educating the patient is an important first step. When the patient understands and appreciates the REASONS for what they do, they are much more likely to adhere to their program. Explain physiologically how exercise is improving their diabetes management, and other ways it is benefitting them – using visual aids if possible. Ask them about their personal reasons for being more physically active, and focus on these during the discussion.

Motivate by:

Describing the pathophysiology

Explaining the benefits

Focusing on issues important to the patient, such as:

Weight loss?

Appearance?

Performance?

Stopping/staying off meds?

Reducing blood sugar?

Motivation through Inspiration

There are also several ways to instill inspiration: personal follow-up, special recognition, incentives, making social connections, and special challenges just to name a few.

There are few things that inspire people more than leading by example! Be active yourself and share your experiences with your patients. Your enthusiasm will truly rub off on them!

Personal follow-up (call/letter/e-mail)

Create a “wall of fame” in the office

Offer token incentives (water bottles, shirts, hats)

Write/sign a contract

Network your patients (clubs, group events)

Issue a challenge to an individual or group

Lead by example. Be active yourself! Share your experiences

Motivation through Implementation

The manner in which the exercise program is designed and implemented can also go a long way towards successful long-term maintenance.

This starts with providing that customized exercise plan that we’ve been discussing.

Fear of hypoglycemia is the number one reason that people with diabetes don’t exercise or stop exercising, so be sure to address this early on by providing medication adjustment strategies.

Time is another issue for most people, so look for ways to accomplish two things at once during a workout like watching movies or TV shows, communicating with friends or coworkers, catching up on reading material, following social media, spending time with family members, friends and colleagues, or just talking on the phone.

Provide a specific action plan

Choose fun modes of activity

Avoid injuries (variety, warm-up, proper shoes, low impact)

Manage the meds to prevent hypos, facilitate weight loss

•Take on responsibility (complete activity while doing things for others or for a job)

•Accomplish 2 things at once (TV, music, phone, read, spend time with friends)

Implementation Insights

Now here is an interesting thing to consider.

•Although there are individual differences, there are some general characteristics to consider when prescribing exercise to men versus when prescribing exercise plans to women.

•Women tend to be more social in nature, and prefer activities that are organized and of a lower intensity.

•Men tend to be less social in nature, and prefer doing things at their own pace and at a higher intensity.

Most Women Prefer:

Activities with others

Supervision/instruction

Scheduled sessions

Low-moderate intensity

Most Men Prefer:

Individual activities

Moderate-high intensity

Spontaneity/flexibility

•Although there are individual differences, there are some general characteristics to consider when prescribing exercise to younger vs older people.

•The older the person, the greater the preference for early, lower intensity activities.

•The younger the person, the more interest in coaching services, greater the preference for later, higher intensity activities.

Most Younger People Prefer:

Counseling from an exercise specialist

Evening activity

Moderate-high intensity

Most Older People Prefer:

Morning activities

Low-moderate intensity