Health Psychology And Exercise Motivation: The Good And Bad Reasons Why People Exercise

March 31, 2015


By: Anna Agoncillo
Image Credits: Victor Tongdee via Flickr
Exercise, a subset of physical activity, is structured and goal oriented. Whether you are hitting the gym, yoga studio, or other fitness centers…you are there on a MISSION. The reason behind your intended goal is personal and subjective. Ideally, it should come from a good place in order to maximize its benefits. But in reality, the motivation to exercise is influenced by several factors such as age group, gender differences, emotional state, and exercise intensity. 

 THE GOOD

According to research, here are the Top 10 Reasons Why Men And Women Exercise:


 The above reasons are backed by science.

 The Physical benefits of exercise include: weight control, reduction of mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases, improved metabolic control, blood pressure maintenance, muscular strength, and pain management (Berg & Bradshaw, 2001).

 While the Psychological benefits of exercise include: improved self-concept, increased quality of life, and reduced stress, depression, and anxiety (Shaw et al., 2009).

 THE BAD

 1. TO EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING

 If your goal in life is to exercise in order to eat whatever you want then, it is time to contemplate on your priorities. Yes! Working out can shed the calories off after you indulge but it is easier to overeat than to burn them off. Furthermore, people lose their innate desire for different kinds of food once they eat unhealthily on a frequent basis (Reichelt, 2014). 

 Instead, exercise regularly to snack on your favorite treats occasionally. 

 2. TO NOT FEEL FAT

 Are you momentarily "feeling fat" because of overeating in last night's party? Punishing yourself with a hard-core workout afterwards is a bad idea. Exercising shall not feel like hell. Also, you shall not use it to right your wrongs when it comes to eating. 

 Instead, exercise regularly to feel stronger.

 3. TO FLASH YOUR NEW WORKOUT CLOTHES

 Buying a new set of fashionable workout clothes to motivate yourself every once in a while is perfectly fine but going to every session with your luxurious clothes and obviously fresh makeup is only emptying your wallet. And, imagine how much your make up would smudge especially during hot yoga. 

 Instead, exercise regularly with ease in your movements by finding the right form of clothing. 

4. TO PUMP UP YOUR SELF-DEPRIVED SELF

 Exercise is surely an energy booster but if you did not get enough sleep before working out then, you are doing more harm than good. Without adequate rest, you may experience the effects of overtraining such as weakening of your muscles. 

 Instead, exercise regularly to improve your overall wellbeing, including the quality of your sleep. 
Image Credits: Kevin Dooley via Flickr
Exercise is something we should all enjoy. Embrace its benefits! More than just a hobby…it should be a way of life. 

 Click here to read the previous post: Best Psychological Movies You Should Watch 

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1 comments

  1. Big_Bad_Bald_BastardApril 1, 2015 at 11:39 PM

    If your goal in life is to exercise in order to eat whatever you want then, it is time to contemplate on your priorities.

    **HIDES CHEESEBURGER**

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