Living life with a long term condition commonly affects an individual’s physical activity beliefs and behaviours. Focusing on this can be a useful way to introduce the topic.Most people are ambivalent about, rather than resistant to, increasing their physical activity levels. Your challenge is to help an individual to consider and share their own ‘pros’ for increasing their physical activity levels and help them to develop these ideas into a workable plan that fits into their life.Try to understand their perspective, agenda and priorities and do not assume they:

• ought to change
• want to change
• are primarily motivated by their health
• either ARE or ARE NOT motivated to increase their activity levels
• will respond well to a tough approach from you
• must (or will) follow your advice

Learning skills like motivational interviewing can help you avoid common pitfalls that sometimes make conversations about behaviour change unrewarding and ineffective. Visit our education section to learn more.