Minutes

Why do some of us stay motivated to exercise while others struggle?  

Chinese researchers explored how different types of exercise motivations influence confidence and persistence.  They asked 700 college students from four undergraduate universities in Shandong Province, China, to complete self-report questionnaires. They measured their exercise motivation, leisure satisfaction, mental toughness, and self-efficacy (i.e., their belief they can reach their specific goals). 

Results?  Higher exercise motivation led to greater confidence and persistence, but only with other factors.  Students who enjoyed their exercise and recognized their mental toughness showed the strongest confidence in maintaining consistent exercise training.  Thus, their motivation increased self-efficacy because students felt good during exercise and because of their growing mental resiliency and confidence against the negative effects of exertion. 

So, how do I stay active? First, recognize that motivation is not just about discipline. If we choose our exercises based on what feels good and builds coping skills, we are more likely to keep going. Ask: “Do I actually enjoy this?” “Does this motivate me?” “Do I feel I’m growing because of this exercise?” Motivation grows when we recognize from what we are benefiting, not because we expect ourselves to perform.