Psychological factors that influence exercise behaviour
Reason's to exercise
- Weight control
- Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
- Reduction in stress and depression
- Enjoyment
- Building self- esteem
- Sociolizing
Both the phsiological and psychological beneifits of exercise can be cited to help persuade sedentary people to initiate exercise 'maintence' as well as intiation of physical activity is critical. These are all psychological factors that influence exercise behaviour as if people are feeling a little overweight then they increase their exercise time table.
Reason not to exercise
- Lack of time
- Lack of energy
- Lack of motivation
Exercise professionals should highlight the benefits of exercise and provide a supportive enviroment to involve sedentary people in physical activity.
People often cite time constraints for not exercising, but such constraints are more perceives than real and often reveal a person priorities. These are psychological factors that influence exercise behaviour because when people are feeling a lack of energy, motivation and time their attitude/behaviour towards exercise changes quickly.
The problem of exercise Adherence Digram
This digram helps those who start exercising to overcome barriers to continuing the exercise program. It also helps exercisers to develop contingency plans to overcome factors leading to replases.
Theory of planned behaviour- Ajzen and Madden (1986)
Exercise is made up of:
- Intentions
- Subjective norms and attititudes
- Perceptions of a ability to perform behaviour
Exercise behaviour is influenced by both personal and enviromental factors, particulary self-efficacy.
Both these theories are useful for predicting exercise behaviour, but the social cognitive theory has proven to be more consistent with results.
The trans-theorectical model of behaviour change- (Prochaska and Diclemente, 1983)
Behaviour change:
- Much of the adult population does not engage in any form of regular exercise
- Starting a programme requires a change in lifestyle
- This is known as behavioural change
- This can also be very difficult for both the client and the instructor
- This change is usually a long-term process
This digram shows how the client and instructor begin the stage of exercise and finish and there is a replase stage just incase the client relapses. The first stage shows that the client does not want to take action in the short-term. The second stage shows that the client is intending to take action. The third stage is planning action usually within a 1month. The fourth stage is taking action and the behaviour of the client has changed. The maintenance stage shows that behavioural change has lasted more than six months and the client is committed to the change. The final stage is the replase stage is where the client replases and can do this over and over again.
The role of exercise can help many psychological effects such depression anixety it could also help mood swings.
Stress is a part of a daily lives, more people are feeling it more than ever. Excercise positively influences feelings of well-being and decreases anxiety.
Exercise in reduction of anxiety and depression
- Mental health problems occur in many people.
- Although a cause effect realationship has not be established, regular exercise is associated with reductions in anixety and depression.
High intensity aerobic activity is not absoultey nescessary to produce postive effects. Other activities also have produced effects.
Acute Vs Chronic
Acute- Short term effects
Chronic- Long term effects
Reduction of Anxiety
Acute effects of exercise
- Aerobic exercise is associated with lower state anxiety and higher tranqualilty score
- Post exercise reductions in state anxiety return to pre exercise anxiety levels within 24 hours
- All durations of exercise reduce anxiety.
- Exercise is associated with the reduction of stress emotions such as state anxiety
- Anxiety and depression are common systems of failure to cope with associates with decreased level o mild moderate depression and anxiety
Overall exercise behaviour is all how a person is feeling, the attitudes, or other cognitive or affective characteristics.

