How to talk about Working Out without sounding like a Tool

Why is this here? Looking your best is in part finding clothes that fit. The other part is truly being fit. Living a healthy lifestyle plus dressing well is the ultimate combination. More about our trainer at the end of the post.

Are you already fit, but looking for more motivation? Setting goals can really improve your fitness level. However, sharing your goals, fitness or otherwise, can sometimes make you sound like a chump.

Here’s the #1 rule to talking about your fitness goals without sounding like a total jerk: Be aware of your audience. There is a difference between being excited about getting healthier/reaching that next level, and openly bragging to your friends/family about your fitness goals. You don’t want to be the person that people don’t want to be around. Here are some helpful Do’s and Dont’s for talking about fitness goals:

When/Where to talk about your fitness goals

• When you’re with your trainer or your workout partner. Discuss your goals openly with your trainer or workout partner. Hopefully this person can help you tailor your goals to be realistic things you can accomplish, and you already know that they’re interested in supporting your success.
• When you ask others about their fitness goals. This can be a great way to get inspiration from what others are doing, and (bonus!) makes you a better conversationalist. If they respond, in kind, then that’s an invitation to get specific.
• Writing down your goals. Okay, so you’re not “talking” here, but writing down your goals is not only a good way to help achieve them, it could satisfy that need to have them heard out loud.
• On a fitness app. Such as MyFitnessPal.  People who friend you here are interested in seeing what you’re doing.

When/Where NOT to talk about your fitness goals

• Unprompted. There’s no quicker path to Tool-ville than to just offer up, out of nowhere, some factoid about how strong or fast you are. Do you think the other party seems genuinely interested? They’re likely not.
• Constantly on Social Media. Don’t post selfies or pictures of yourself everyday. Hey, I’m the first to admit I enjoy seeing your six-pack on Instagram,but I don’t need to see it every time I open the app. It reeks of desperation. How “strong” are you really, if you’re dependent on Facebook “likes” for self esteem?
• At special events with family and friends: If you’ve been invited somewhere, yet your conversational focus always drifts back to your lift of your run or that extreme race you just competed in (instead of the special event you’re at), you might stop getting an invitation.

Pretty simple, right? Yet so many don’t seem to get it. Be a leader, someone who inspires others through your healthy lifestyle. Setting an example and living it can often be the best way to show off your accomplishments and influence others to do the same.

About the author: Kelly Sturdy is a Certified Personal Trainer and Specialist in Fitness Nutrition. While not training her clients or competing in Bikini Class body building competitions, Kelly can be found in her organic garden, possibly talking to a chicken or two. For more of her articles, click here.