The Psychology of Exercise

Why do you exercise? If you don't exercise, maybe you're wondering why it seems so easy for other people to stick with it while you struggle with it. Either way, figuring out why we do what we do is one thing scientists are always interested in and their interest can only help the rest of us figure out how stay on track with our exercise and health.

In an interesting article published in the February 2006 IDEA Fitness Journal, authors Jim Gavin, Madeleine McBrearty and Daniel Sequin reviewed more than 250 studies about exercise psychology to try to find out what motivates us, why and how we participate in exercise, how we structure exercise and some of the lesser known benefits of exercise.

In reviewing some of these studies, they begin to answer some interesting questions like:

• Does age make a difference in why we exercise?
• Does aerobics give women more satisfaction with their bodies than yoga?
• Do young men exercise for the same reasons as older men?
• Is it really important to choose exercises you enjoy?

So, what do you think? Do you know the answers to these questions? Now's your chance to test your knowledge by taking The Psychology of Exercise Quiz. You might be surprised at some of the answers.

More Exercise Quizzes

• Is Your Mind Ready for Exercise?
• Are You Ready to Make a Lifestyle Change?
• Is Exercise a Priority in Your Life?