A NAGGING QUESTION: SHOULD WOMEN PUSH THEIR MEN TO EXERCISE (AND VICE-VERSA)?

Warren Memorial Wellness mscott@wmhospital.com 905 2nd Street Friend, NE 68349 http://www.wmhospital.com 402-947-2541 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE A NAGGING QUESTION: SHOULD WOMEN PUSH THEIR MEN TO EXERCISE (AND VICE-VERSA)? (FRIEND, NE May 9, 2012) - Did you know that behind many healthy and physically fit men there may be a nagging woman? That's the finding of a new study from the University of Lincoln in England, which reports that inactive men are more likely to turn to exercise if nagged by their significant others to lead a healthier lifestyle. An earlier study from Surrey University also showed that both men and women are more likely to exercise regularly if urged by their partners. "There are several conclusions that can be drawn from this research," says Matt Scott, a personal trainer at Warren Memorial Wellness in Friend, NE. "First, that some of us need encouragement to start exercising - whether it's nagging or gentle persuasion - and second, that support from people around us, be it our spouses, family, or friends, is very important in achieving our health and fitness goals. And, this is equally true for both genders." Of course, encouraging others to get fit - which encompasses physical activity and healthy diet - will probably backfire if you don't follow your own advice. "To inspire people around you to exercise and eat well, you must set an example yourself," Scott says. "You can nag all you want but if you sit on a couch all day and snack on junk food, nobody will take you seriously. So put your own house in order before motivating others." If, on the other hand, you lead a healthy lifestyle, you should certainly try to persuade your family and friends to do the same. What arguments should you use to motivate people around you to start an exercise program? Scott's suggestions: Give a good reason: Let them know what specific benefits they can expect if they exercise. For example, if your partner or friends are overweight, tell them how physical activity will help them burn off calories and fat. Remember to give them reasons that are personal, not just general and generic arguments that are not relevant to their lives. Be a positive example: Talk about how exercise has improved your own life and health; be specific about the beneficial changes, whether on weight loss, strength, endurance, flexibility, or general conditioning. Share your enthusiasm: It is possible that inactive people don't work out because they think exercise is boring and / or hard. Let them know that it certainly doesn't have to be that way. An exercise program can - and should - be enjoyable and adapted to each person's level. This is where a trainer can be of big help. Be a workout buddy: Offer to exercise with your friend or significant other, so you can offer your support and encouragement. If you train at a different intensity than a novice, a fitness coach can devise specific routines to match your individual levels." About Warren Memorial Wellness: Warren Memorial Wellness is a unit of Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend, Ne. They specialize in integrative medical led health and wellness programs. They utilize the Impact Fitness lifestyle program (a/k/a IMPACT - Intense Mixed Performance Accelerated Cross Training) which incorporates all of the advanced training principles used by the fittest athletes and fitness models and combines it into a fun and productive group workout you can enjoy and see quick results from. The workouts are intense but are able to be modified to meet the different needs of various fitness levels and abilities. Program details and client testimonials are available at: www.wmhospital.com Matt Scott, a certified fitness expert with 5 years experience in the fitness industry, can be reached at mscott@wmhospital.com or 402-947-2541. # # # About Matt Scott, Fitness Expert: Matt is a certified personal trainer through NASM, ACE and NESTA. In 2010 he made some huge changes in his own life, losing over 50 pounds. This process led him to become more involved in health and fitness and for him to discover his true passion for helping people change their lives. In 2010, Matt and wife Kristy founded the American Health and Fitness Institute, a nonprofit organization to raise awareness for childhood obesity and other fitness related issues facing kids in our community. Matt also has special training working with older adults and is the only AARP approved Certified Trainer in the Omaha and Lincoln area by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). Matt can be reached at mscott@wmhospital.com or 402-947-2541 and is available for media interviews on topics related to health, wellness and fitness.