It has been said many times that people make decisions for two reasons—to gain some type of pleasure or to avoid some type of pain. Let me ask you a question, would you be more inclined to exercise to live a longer life? Or would you be more inclined to exercise to avoid dying too soon?
It has been said many times that people make decisions for two reasons—to gain some type of pleasure or to avoid some type of pain. Let me ask you a question, would you be more inclined to exercise to live a longer life? Or would you be more inclined to exercise to avoid dying too soon?
Most companies in the health industry are focused on looks and strength and performance gains. But rarely do they tap into the major decision-making part of the brain, called the limbic system, which drives emotional decision making. If you could tap into the area of the brain that understands true decision making, how powerful would that make you?
It’s Not Only Cause and Effect
Most people live their lives in a cause and effect scenario and often won’t start eating healthy or begin exercising regularly until something bad happens—maybe a friend died young from high blood pressure, or maybe it is when they are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
Yet, the average gym, personal trainer, or health enthusiast focus their marketing on getting six pack abs, losing 25 pounds for summer, gaining muscle, and losing fat. Most never speak about the negative effects of not living a healthy lifestyle. Here are three questions to ask someone who is on the edge of living a healthier life:
- What is the cost of the average ambulance ride to the hospital if you were to suffer a heart attack?
- What if you don’t live long enough to watch your children graduate from college?
- For Americans who file bankruptcy, the number one cause is health reasons related to large medical bills. Is that something you would want to go through?
Create Compelling Reasons for a Healthy Lifestyle
You see, people today have good intentions. They read a motivational quote online and it gets them going for a week or two. But to have sustained growth and consistent success it requires compelling reasons. Those reasons can be fear based or pleasure based.
Unfortunately, the United States is still the most obese country in the world. In fact, 75% of our country is considered overweight and there is no end in sight. By 2020 actuaries predict that number will increase to 85%. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle is as real as it gets. It’s the job of gym owners and trainers to try to influence the masses.
If a healthy lifestyle isn’t the first priority of our clients or members, many will experience premature loss of a loved one, excess and unnecessary medical costs, and personal bankruptcy.