What Motivates You to Exercise?

So, what motivates you to exercise regularly?

Anyway.......I saw an article in Men's Health Magazine that had information I already knew about---but it attached some technical words to layman's language. It's not that you don't want to exercise. The New Year's fitness resolution dies by the end of February because you had the wrong motivation for working out.

So, I'll interpret MH's technical exercise motivation language and it'll be clear what motivations will make our exercise habits a lifestyle habit...

1) AMOTIVATION - You don't really have a reason to work out....like "whatever dude." Your workouts won't last long.

2) EXTERNAL REGULATION - You're motivated to workout because other people like the way you look when you're in shape, but no internal motivation exist. How long do you think you'll be able to please people? Then what will motivate you?

3)INTROJECTED REGULATION - You feel bad about yourself when you don't workout. This is a type of motivation, but its based on negative motivations.

4) IDENTIFIED REGULATION - You workout because its good for your health and lifestyle. This is a very positive behavior and will lead to permanent lifestyle changes.

5) INTRINSIC MOTIVATION - You workout because you enjoy it! Probably the best motivation of all.

In my opinion, a combination of the motivations listed in numbers 3 through 5 lead to permanent lifestyle changes (with heavier weight attached to numbers 4 and 5). And, the motivation listed in number 2 will probably be mixed in somehow.

I'll answer this question before you ask. What motivates you Mark? I have worked out seriously since I was in high school. Back then, I worked out because I enjoyed it and I wanted to look good for the girls. I didn't really think about the health benefits of exercise.

Now, as a personal trainer, the health benefits of exercise are a priority, but the enjoyment is probably what still motivates me to exercise. On those days when I say to myself, "I don't want to exercise," I still do it because I enjoy it. And, my appearance is the fringe benefit of a healthy lifestyle.

So, what motivates you to exercise?

Free Bodyweight 500 Metabolic Fat Burner Workouts. Start shaping your body faster! There are 3 levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Start at your level.


Comments

About Mark

Hi, I'm Mark Dilworth, Nutritionist, Dietary Strategies Specialist, Nutrition for Metabolic Health Specialist and Lifestyle Weight Management Specialist. Since 2006, I have helped thousands of clients and readers make lifestyle habit changes which includes body transformation and ideal body weight.