Final answer:
To engage ambivalent people in an exercise program, fitness professionals should encourage enjoyable activities, demonstrate how exercise can boost energy levels, and provide strategies for accountability, like informing friends and family, keeping an exercise log, or establishing an exercise partner.
Step-by-step explanation:
When helping an ambivalent person overcome the barrier to starting an exercise program, a fitness professional should focus on several key strategies to encourage participation. They should look at ways to make exercise more approachable and enjoyable. It's essential to avoid all-or-nothing thinking; even a small amount of exercise is beneficial.
The professional should encourage finding activities that the individual genuinely enjoys, which could range from dancing to gardening or even playing activity-based video games. Make sure the person knows that feeling fatigued can actually be improved with exercise, which can boost energy levels. Also, setting up a support system by informing friends and family of their exercise goals, which can help in holding them accountable. Keeping an exercise log or finding an exercise partner could provide additional motivation to stick with a program.