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How do I convince my over-protective parents to let me exercise?

109 Answers
Last Updated: 04/24/2022 at 4:24pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
mamtasha22
April 4th, 2021 9:14am
I am sorry you are having to go through this convincing overprotective parents can be hard you can try telling them the benefits of exercising maybe tell them how it would help you stay healthy and active and help your immune system parents are overprotective because they want you to be safe at all costs and if you show them that it can help keep you safe and healthy it might help and again different things work out for different people so feel free to explore and see which way works for you I wish you all the best in life
Glittercupcake33
June 24th, 2017 6:28pm
Prove to them that you have the energy to do so and you're safe for example show them your skills in whatever sport it is.
Rosepetaltea
July 2nd, 2017 2:33pm
Explain to them why exercise is important to you. Research the benefits of exercising for your health and let them know how it'll affect you positively.
Anonymous
August 11th, 2017 6:57am
Maybe suggest you bring one of them along as well to excersie with you. That can help build a stronger bond and may even have them give you a little more freedom as well.
weirdblueberry05
August 11th, 2017 3:45pm
As far as I know,safe exercise will do no harm for a healthy person. I would suggest talking to them in detail about what you will do in terms of exercise,where you will perform,for how long and things like that. The final step and maybe the most convincing for them would be to go see a doctor first. Maybe your family doctor. This could be benefical if something isn't quite right with your health and yoh can start to learn more about what you can do or can't. Other than that,they can tell you you're fine and let your parents know there's no reason to panic. Hope this helps:)
Adventurer97
September 3rd, 2017 4:24pm
I don't know you or your situation and I can't give you any professional information, but I can give you my own suggestions. If you have some limittations that they feel like might make you more prone to getting hurt, you could show them that you have chosen types of exercise which will keep you safe. You could also work out with a friend or a personal trainer. This would not only make them feel better, but is also a really good way to learn new things and make sure that you are being safe. If you are recovering from an eating disorder please make sure that you are checking in with a therapist, doctor, or registered dietician to make sure that your weight is staying at a healthy level and that you are not overdoing it. Exercise, in moderation, is a really great thing for our physical and mental health and I wish you the best of luck in speaking with your parents.
Imperfect84
November 10th, 2017 1:56am
Maybe just try to sit down with them and explain the health benefits of being physically active they will a bit more understanding.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2017 6:52am
Tell them that you don’t want to eat less, you just want to have fun. Exercise shouldn’t only be about losing a few pounds, it should be about enjoying yourself and loving your body.
Anonymous
November 22nd, 2017 4:31pm
Exercise has so many awesome benefits. Make a list on why you want to and present your points calmly. If they still say no, you can exercises to do in your room. Make sure that you are exercising for the right reasons and moderating the strain you put on your body. Be safe and stay healthy!
Nasrz8
December 6th, 2017 7:23am
Read books, or bring them books about the benefits of exercising. Convincing them while having a strong reference will make them believe it is a normal thing to do.
allnaturalUnicorns70
December 8th, 2017 6:00pm
Whenever someone who cares for you thinks something is wrong for you, there are two possibilities. Either they don't have all the facts (you can provide more) or they know better (and maybe you should believe them)? Maybe a respectful conversation would help you understand each other better?
dynamicTiger8250
December 15th, 2017 2:10pm
I am a parent who did not let my sons lift weights when they were young. Once they were older teens then I felt it was ok. Maybe your parents are opposed to specific activities not overall exercise. They may be ok with Zumba but not weight lifting. There are many physical activities to stay in shape that don't seem like exercise nor require a gym. Maybe they would let you take a dance class or join a sport or even play a sport with friends. Maybe bike riding or swimming. All wonderful fitness activities that many don't perceive as exercise.
Anonymous
December 21st, 2017 8:48pm
Best way is to explain to them how important it is and see there point of you but also try to make them also see your point of you maybe by explaining that health is very important
Youleque
January 14th, 2018 8:20pm
Talk them into speaking to a proffessional trainer. Maybe they don't want you to overexercise or they just don't know how good exercise might be for you. Someone educated in the domain should be able to help you both.
Anonymous
February 16th, 2018 1:45pm
say you can burn some calorise or lose some pounds. you can exercise with them! you can run, hike, even ride a bike.
Anonymous
February 23rd, 2018 9:20am
Start by telling them about the benefits of exercising regularly AND the health risks of not exercising. Demonstrate to them that you know how to avoid injuries while exercising.
giggleHeart23
April 1st, 2018 1:23am
Tell them you wanna be healthy and live a healthy life-style. Exercising is extremely good for you try to explain that to them.
SophiaPortendorfer
April 9th, 2018 5:43am
Exercise is good for your health. Provide reasons why it is important to stay physically active.
walkthecisco
April 13th, 2018 12:16pm
Tell them the benefits of exercise, and tell them the problems that may occur if you don’t exercise. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
Anonymous
April 25th, 2018 6:01am
Power Point presentation all the way on all the benefits it's proven to have! Even suggest They tag along maybe?
naffytaffyluv
April 27th, 2018 4:21pm
Over protective parents have one goal, and that is clearly to protect you. So the most effective thing you can do so you can work out is somehow prove that exercise won't hurt you, and whatever they are worrying about has nothing to do with your workout.
TheCup5893
April 27th, 2018 11:51pm
I think the first step would be to ask your parents for their reasions. What's making them worried about you exercising? After you hear them out, you might have to explain this to them kindly. :) "I really care for my health and fitness. And working out is a good thing that everybody should be allowed to do. And as my mum and dad, I really need your support.". I really hope this helps. Goodluck. :)
courageousMelody48
April 29th, 2018 8:18am
Explain the benefits of exercise, including the positive effects on your physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
Anonymous
May 11th, 2018 10:11pm
Since they’re overprotective, they will most likely care about your health, tell them is a health concern of yours to stay fit and active and how beneficial exercise is and essential it is
RedVase1234
June 2nd, 2018 1:29am
Tell your parents you are looking to add in healthy habits for life into your routine, since exercise is a great way to destress and focus on yourself.
hopefulDay86
June 7th, 2018 6:28am
Give them facts on the benefits of exercising! Exercising is not about losing weight, its about a healthy life style you'll create for yourself and your body! Always good to keep that heart strong!
MidnightSunlight23
June 21st, 2018 11:51am
Look up the statistics about health and exercise - it is one of the best things you can do for yourself to promote a long and active life! Your health is probably a high priority of your parents. Research and create a reasonable workout plan with exercises tailored to your current fitness abilities that can be done at home without a gym. Pilates, HIIT, yoga, and many other workout plans can be found on Pinterest or the internet in general and are great for your physical health. If you present a pre-researched and assembled plan to them that doesn’t involve a gym membership, they may be more likely to support you exercising.
Anonymous
June 23rd, 2018 11:58am
You should explain them politely the reasons why you want to exercise and the benefits of exercise.You should hear their side as well
wonderfullSummer84
June 29th, 2018 4:28am
Well, first write a list of reasons why you want to exercise. Then give details about how exercise will help you. It also helps if you let them exercise with you, or if you’re not comfortable with that, just give them a detailed plan of what you will be doing while you’re exercising.
Laceyishere
June 29th, 2018 6:18pm
Tell them you’re doing what is best for you mentally & physically. They should support you on that if they truly care about your well being.