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Research Paper

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Literature Review

Introduction

Physical exercise is very beneficial to the overall health of an individual. Although the

list on the benefits of exercise can almost be endless, there are benefits of exercise that are more

impressive than others, and that actually drive or motivate people to exercise. Regular exercise is

a complicated mufti-factorial procedure that would require fitness professionals and even

scientists to fully understand. Research suggests that more than 50% of people who do regular

exercise are likely to drop out within the first six months (Wilson $ Brookfield, 2009). This

research paper investigates the factors that motivate people to exercise.

Past experiences

According to the research findings of Whaley and Schrider (2005), peoples’ view of

themselves based on their past experiences and the current status mostly informs their decisions

on exercising. Talking about past experiences, personal choice also influences how people make

decisions to exercise. Self-perception has major role that it plays in influencing peoples’

decisions to exercise. What individuals may have gone through in their past experiences can

easily change their personal perceptions towards exercise. According to a study conducted by

Seguin at al. (2010), people who have had past experiences in exercising are more likely to start

over the exercising programs again. As such, self-perception may hinder some individuals from

taking part in the exercise process. Even if the exercising process has been recommended by

medics for an individual, some people may still be objected to the very idea of exercising.

Furthermore, individuals who have past medical cases and who have been recommended to

exercise are more likely to stick to exercising schedules more than individuals who do not have

past medical histories.

Biological factors and Demographic Factors

According to Tros et al., men are more likely to take part in the exercise process than are

women. Furthermore, the overweight or obese individuals are less likely to take part in the

exercise process than are the more healthy individuals. Again, the geographical location of

people dictates their likelihood to exercise. People who come from areas that have favorable

conditions for exercising tend to exercise more than are people from areas that have forbidding

climates. For example, people residing in relatively suburb areas less crowded areas are more

likely to exercise than are people who reside in cities, or urban areas. Additionally, more young

people are more likely to start exercising than aged people. The young people are stronger and

more active compared to the aged people. As a result, they are more likely to engage in

Psychological factors or Emotional Factors

The most significant primary psychological factors associated with exercising are

adhering to an individual’s self – efficacy (Trost et al., 2002). Self-efficacy entails a person’s

willingness and openness to the exercising process, and their ability to do the exercise and to be

consistent with the exercising program (Huberty et al., 2008). Self-efficacy is required more by

women than men in motivating an individual to start the process of exercising (Huberty et al.,

2008). On the same note, self-worth is also important in motivating individuals to exercise. Self

worth, in this context, can be defined as the total summation of an individual’s values about the

process of exercising. The more people belief that they can exercise, the more likely they are to

do it in reality. Research has shown that exercise is intrinsic for the regular exercisers. That

means that for the regular exercisers, exercise is second nature to them. In other word, it is their

passion, and they enjoy it. This is the reason why exercise professionals have to coach

individuals to encourage and motivate them towards embracing the exercising process.
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Behavioral attitudes and Skills

Lifestyle behaviors such as sleep, diet, alcohol use and smoking have a significant impact

on individuals’ decision to exercise. There is a close association between eating healthy and

adherence to a regular exercise program. As Seguin at al. (2010) observe, the positive health

benefits of exercising act as a catalyst to exercise adherence. However, it is critical to observe

that it may take several months after starting the exercising program for one to realize the

benefits from exercising. Huberty at al. (2018) note that a consistent exercising program

improves the quality of life, and that consistent exercisers schedule their time properly so as

never to miss out in the field when their schedule says that they are supposed to be there. The

authors also observe that the knowledge of the positive health outcomes of exercising is a key

motivating factor to keep individuals exercising. Furthermore, the fact that more people are

realizing the health benefits of exercising means that there is a very intimate relationship

between competence and adherence to exercise.

Physical Environment

Easy access to exercising facilities such as open fields, indoor exercising equipment,

exercising gears, and a favorable environment is a major motivator towards exercise adherence.

More people who are exposed to exercising facilities tend to engage in routine exercises more

than the people who cannot access such facilities. Furthermore, access to exercising

professionals may also have significant impact on the peoples’ decisions towards exercising.

Some people are more likely to give in the first few months of exercising than others. As such,

access to exercising professionals may either motivate or hinder some individuals’ choice to

adhere to exercise.
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Social and cultural support

A number of studies have shown that social support may have a significant effect on

individuals’ choice to exercise (Trost et al., 2002). Getting an exercising buddy to join with, or

someone to remind of the exercising time, may mean one going to exercising or refraining from

it. For example, exercise professionals observe that when clients partner together to exercise as a

group, they are more likely to build a strong social support network, that will encourage them to

stick to regular exercising programs. In addition, small-company training, exercising clubs,

organizing boot camps, and fitness work outs camps are some of the programs that can motivate

individuals towards exercising.

It is apparent that there are several factors that can influence individuals to start

exercising. Results of this study indicate several factors that influence the decisions of

individuals towards exercising. However, one of the most outstanding motivator is personal

preference. The systematic research shows that the self-efficacy of people, that is, their

willingness to exercise, is a major driving force towards adhering to exercising.

References

Huberty, J.L., et al. 2008. Explaining long-term exercise adherence in women who complete a

structured exercise program. Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, 79 (3), 374–84.

Seguin, R.A., et al. 2010. Strength training and older women: A cross-sectional study examining

factors related to exercise adherence. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 18 (2), 201–

18.

Trost, S.G., et al. 2002. Correlates of adults’ participation in physical activity: Review and

update. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 34 (12), 1996–2001.

Whaley, D.E., & Schrider, A.F. 2005. The process of adult exercise adherence: Self-perceptions

and competence. The Sport Psychologist, 19, 148–63.

Wilson, K., & Brookfield, D. 2009. Effect of goal setting on motivation and adherence in a six-

week exercise program. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology, 6, 89–

100.