Many of the old models of exercise motivation were based primarily in cognitive theorizing. They emphasized the importance of imagined end states of behaviors and goals, and the motivation resulting from them. The actual feelings and experiences during exercise were often overlooked.
Two newer theories emphasize the experience of situated factors, in other words thoughts and feelings during past exercise workouts that were either positive or negative.
The Affective-Reflective Theory (ART) of Physical Inactivity and Exercise (Brand & Ekkekakis, 2018) aims to explain and predict whether people don’t exercise or do. ART suggests that if past exercise sessions have been positive then a person will continue exercise adherence. However, past negative exercise experience will act as a restraining force that may counteract any positive cognitive motivational drives toward action. A person may realize physical activity has positive consequences (lower anxiety, weight control, etc.), but the feelings of stress and fatigue during exercise sessions may deter them in long term exercise adherence. Interventions with ART would focus on minimizing unpleasant experiences while exercising, or should facilitate pleasant experiences.
Theory of Energetic Cost Minimization (TECM), (Cheval et al., 2018) states the humans have an innate tendency to perform physical activities with a biomechanical efficient form that limits energy expenditure. Further, the theory suggests that we have an evolutionary tendency to avoid unnecessary physical exertion that expends too much energy. Unless this natural tendency is consciously understood and overridden by conscious effort, the individual will have a restraining force that blocks physical activity. Intervention with regard to TECM might be strengthening self control and enjoyable participation in pleasurable physical activities, counteracting the tendency to reduce energetic cost.