Why do you work out?
Is it because the doctor told you to? Because you want to
lose that holiday ten? Because you want to shave a few minutes off a personal
record for that upcoming 5K? To win a “biggest loser” challenge
against your coworkers?
lose that holiday ten? Because you want to shave a few minutes off a personal
record for that upcoming 5K? To win a “biggest loser” challenge
against your coworkers?
Or is it because it’s fun and you enjoy it?
If it’s any of the first reasons, you’re what sports
psychologists call extrinsically motivated–in other words, you’re motivated to
step it up and sweat because of an external reason or reward. Someone has told
you to, you want to look great in that swimsuit for summer, you have some goal
that you’re aiming to meet.
psychologists call extrinsically motivated–in other words, you’re motivated to
step it up and sweat because of an external reason or reward. Someone has told
you to, you want to look great in that swimsuit for summer, you have some goal
that you’re aiming to meet.
If it’s because you just love working out and the feeling
you get from it, then you’re intrinsically motivated. People who go out
and run just to experience that “runner’s high” are in this group.
You work out because you love it! That’s probably why studies have shown that
people who are intrinsically motivated tend to stick to their workout programs
longer and achieve their goals more often; if you genuinely enjoy what you’re
doing, you’re more likely to do it and make fewer excuses.
you get from it, then you’re intrinsically motivated. People who go out
and run just to experience that “runner’s high” are in this group.
You work out because you love it! That’s probably why studies have shown that
people who are intrinsically motivated tend to stick to their workout programs
longer and achieve their goals more often; if you genuinely enjoy what you’re
doing, you’re more likely to do it and make fewer excuses.
This isn’t to say that if you’re extrinsically motivated,
you won’t attain your goals. Most people are a mixture of both extrinsic and
intrinsic. In fact, while intrinsic motivation will get you out to the
gym, it’s often extrinsic factors that motivate you to push your boundaries
through the goals you set, whether it’s a new PR or better health goals.
you won’t attain your goals. Most people are a mixture of both extrinsic and
intrinsic. In fact, while intrinsic motivation will get you out to the
gym, it’s often extrinsic factors that motivate you to push your boundaries
through the goals you set, whether it’s a new PR or better health goals.
There’s a way to get the most out of your workouts through
your own personal blend of motivations. First and foremost, make it fun! Try
out a new class or group training session, find a new friend who keeps you
motivated, try working out with your significant other for a different kind of
date idea. Stop thinking of going to the gym as a “have to” and start
thinking of it as a reward for yourself–after all, what could be a better
reward than taking care of your body?
your own personal blend of motivations. First and foremost, make it fun! Try
out a new class or group training session, find a new friend who keeps you
motivated, try working out with your significant other for a different kind of
date idea. Stop thinking of going to the gym as a “have to” and start
thinking of it as a reward for yourself–after all, what could be a better
reward than taking care of your body?
Second, meet with a personal trainer and talk to them about
your goals. They have the experience and the knowledge to not only help you set
SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound), but to
design programs or progressions to help you meet them.
your goals. They have the experience and the knowledge to not only help you set
SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound), but to
design programs or progressions to help you meet them.
So get out there and make your goals work for you!
Blog post by Ashley Crosby.
