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 […]
Recent Theories and/or Models of Exercise Motivation Read More »
The Transtheoretical Model (TTM), Prochaska & DiClemente (1983) described 5 stages of behavior change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance. Movement through stages involves how people think about exercise, themselves, and aspects of the environment that influence exercise behavior. Lowther, Mutrie, & Scott (2007) found that self-liberation appears to be important for helping people move
SRT believes that reinforcement during or after the exercise experience is the key to future exercise behavior. The four reinforcers are positive, negative, punishment, and extinction. Positive exercise reinforcement can be intrinsic, such as feeling good about one’s body, feelings of accomplishment after a workout, or good sensations during exercise. Extrinsic positive reinforcement may include
Stimulus-Response Theory (SRT)- B.F. Skinner 1953 Read More »
These theories predicted that an individuals motivation for an activity such as long term exercise adherence was based on the expected outcome and the value or importance of that outcome. Self-Efficacy by Bandura (1977) is considered to be a situation specific form of self confidence. For example an individual may have confidence in long distance
Expectancy – Value Theories related to exercise motivation Read More »
Summary of Theories & Model of Exercise Adherence comes mainly from 2 books – Lox, et.al., The Psychology of Exercise (2014), & Willis & Campbell, Exercise Psychology, (1992). Theories supposedly enable us to understand relationships among the many variables believed to influence exercise behavior. A model is a visual representation of a phenomenon or behavior.
Theories & Models of Exercise Adherence in General Read More »
Motivation starts with inspiration. The history of human beings as mainly hunters and gathers for 95 to 99% of our existence can be an inspiration for starting and maintaining a fitness program. Two million years ago in the fossil record we begin to see Homo erectus skeletons with thigh bones 50% longer than earlier hominids,
Long term motivation for exercise adherence Read More »
Since beginner exercisers or long term athletes may have an overload of negative sensory input, one possible strategy for adapting is dissociation. For instance, Morgan (1978) found dissociative marathon runners performed complex mathematical computations, imaged listening to Beethoven records, and relived entire educational careers. Morgan found others used specific relaxation devices of repeating a mantra
Dissociation for adapting to stress or discomfort of exercise Read More »
1. Aristotle said “The body is the temple of the soul and to reach harmony of body, mind and spirit the body must be physically fit” Bucher, 1972, p. 7 2. “Physical fitness is the basis for every form of excellence.” John F. Kennedy, former President of United States 3. “If the benefits of physical
