Well, I think I’ve Done it..
After much hesitation, I’ve decided to go ahead and train some friends (who have approached me about helping them) and I think I’ve come up with a system… Now, I’m not big on the latest trends on diets and fitness….so please anyone reading this, let me know if they’ve seen this before…. But what I’ve come up with is a "points challenge" and it requires some honesty upon my friends but I don’t think it should be too much of a problem..i hope….. but it requires them to keep track of ALL their exercise activity and eating habits…and after analysis of the information each week, they can either earn points or have points taken away. Their goal is to achieve a certain number of points(yet to be determined). For Instance, for each mile they run OR hour they spend on a cardio machine, they will earn a point, for x amount of reps per weight training exercise(amount has yet to be determined) they will earn a point. I figure points can be earned for eating habits as well, for the kinds of meals if its balanced and "healthy" they can get a point. if they keep track honestly i would have them list down what they drink and what they eat so if they drink soda, i could take away a percentage of a point …say per 8 oz. so if they drink a 20 oz. bottle of coke, they’d get 1.5 points deducted from their daily total… (You can let me know now if this sounds stupid at all…) I’m still working on this but I think that once they get into it, they will be more competitive in attaining their points towards their goal. and it may also teach them better health and fitness behaviors, psychologically speaking…
For example, one of my friends has decided to run a marathon in december and plans to run every day until then…which is great and it will earn her lots of points however hear eating habits aren’t that great…soda’s, pizza’s, ice creams, etc. etc….so i think this may help her learn how to eat healthier …I’m hoping that by the end of this program, both friends will see some the results from both exercising and eating healthy. And like I said, the only concern is whether or not they will be honest when keeping a record of their activities…
October 22, 2007 at 8:09 am
As long as it doesnt get to complicated, its a great incentive. I have created a variety of wellness program at work and simplicity is the key.
October 23, 2007 at 3:29 am
I think it is a great idea. I especially like the idea that it takes nutrition into consideration. It is common for people to do well with one or the other. I know a lot people who eat poorly, but train consistently. They wonder why they do not achieve the goals that they are aiming for. I think that your points plan, which incorporates both components, would be another way to help them to see that poor nutrition can negate the beneficial effects of training.