Need motivation to keep up with your workouts?

Six strategies for success

By Jessica Matthews, Am. Council On Exercise

The Estacada News, Jan 27, 2010, Updated Jan 27, 2010

When it comes to exercise, people are motivated for different reasons. For some it may be aesthetics, for others it may be the numerous health benefits exercise provides or perhaps the fact that they are preparing for a particular sport or event. Whatever the exact reason may be, often times many of us find ourselves struggling to maintain a consistent level of motivation long-term.

Understanding Motivation

By definition, motivation is the need or desire that forces a person to act, or the driving force that determines behavior. There are two types of motivational strategies- extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation (e.g. rewards, recognition, etc) have been shown to drive short-term compliancy, whereas intrinsic motivation (e.g. sense of accomplishment, self-gratification, etc) drives long-term compliancy, and is essential to the accomplishment of the overall goal.

Long-term Motivation

While extrinsic motivational strategies, such as treating yourself to a weekly massage, may provide motivation initially, within the first six months of starting an exercise program it is important to progress towards intrinsic motivational strategies by reinforcing positive thoughts and feelings associated with regular exercise.

Strategies for Success

1 | 2 Next Page >>

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit