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Exercise motivators vary

The factors that motivate people to start exercising may not necessarily drive them to maintain an exercise regimen.

Exercise motivators vary

The factors that motivate people to start exercising may not necessarily drive them to maintain an exercise regimen. Experts recommend that healthy adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking, on most days of the week. To look at the factors that motivate people to begin, and then maintain, an exercise routine, researchers from America identified 205 initially sedentary adults and studied their exercise patterns. The researchers questioned the participants about the factors that motivated them to start and keep on exercising for a long time. It was found that certain factors separated those who began working out within the next six months and those who remained couch-bound. For example, people who bought home exercise equipment were 73 percent more likely to start exercising than those who eschewed such gear. The sad news was that home equipment did not seem to keep people active over the long time; it was not linked to better chances of being active for a year. By contrast, people who generally had a stronger sense of self-efficacy -- a belief in one's ability to accomplish goals -- were more likely to be exercising at any point, but this trait was more important in keeping people active than in getting them to start in the first place. Similarly, people who viewed exercise as satisfying or rewarding were more likely to stay active over one year, but that belief did not seem to drive people to start exercising. While many sedentary people move past the initial hurdle of getting off the couch and into their running shoes, the above findings show that the real challenge is sticking with a commitment to exercise. The researchers noted that just like with weight loss and addictions, exercise must be thought of as a lifestyle change, with constant attention to maintaining the programme.
Diabetes Care
November 2008
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