Updating goal-setting theory in physical activity promotion: a critical conceptual review

Figures & data

Table 1. Examples of performance and learning goals in goal-based physical activity promotion initiatives.

Goal Type	Example of Application in Physical Activity Promotion
Performance Goals	10,000 steps per day, or to increase last week’s average by 1,500 steps
	30 min of physical activity per day (e.g., Find Your 30)
	Run or jog for 15 min every day (e.g., Daily Mile)
	At least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination (e.g., World Health Organisation)
Learning Goals	Identify three effective strategies to increase your daily step count
	Identify and implement four strategies to reach 30 min of physical activity per day
	Find three ways of fitting a 15 min run or jog into your day
	Find five ways to accumulate at least 150 min of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity, or at least 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination, throughout the week

Note: Learning goals should also be specific and challenging in order to be most effective (e.g., Locke & Latham, 2013), so the number of strategies identified within a learning goal should vary depending on the individual’s appraisal.

Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2013). New developments in goal setting and task performance. New York, NY: Routledge.

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