Health & Fitness Resources
Why don’t people exercise when they know it’s good for them? Why do so many people begin an exercise program, only to drop out after a few weeks? What are the best ways to encourage people to become more physically active?
The answers to these questions are complex, but have huge implications for people’s health and well-being, particularly in a society that is aging and concerned about living longer and better.
Exercise psychologists are working to better understand the factors that contribute to initial and sustained involvement in physical activity across age groups, gender, ethnicity, and other individual difference factors. They are also interested in exploring the positive psychological outcomes associated with exercise and physical activity. This information is vital to designing programs that are most likely to motivate individuals to become more physically active, and to maintain those positive behaviors over time.
Articles
- Overweight? Don’t blame your friends
- Starting & Continuing a Walking Program
- Body Image and Physical Activity
- Exercise Adherence Tips
- Psychological Benefits of Exercise
- Choosing a Sport Psychology Consultant (PDF)
Links
Did You Know...
- * Physical inactivity and poor diet are responsible for 16% of deaths each year.
- * Exercise and other forms of physical activity have been shown to reduce the risk of many diseases, reduce blood pressure, and reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
- * Physical activity increases positive mood, improves self-esteem, and provides an opportunity for social contact and support.
- * At best, only 25% of adults engage in 20+ minutes of vigorous physical activity 3 or more times per week, and 38% are completely sedentary.
- * Activity rates decline with age, and differ across gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.