Exercise persistence: Contributions of psychology to the promotion of regular physical activity

Abstract

Aerobic exercise (regular, vigorous, physical activity) has a range of established and putative health, psychological, and social benefits. Exercise at lower levels of intensity and frequency may also be beneficial. However, research evidence indicates that exercise patterns are poorly maintained. This paper considers stages of behaviour change relevant to exercise, evidence concerning the factors which influence exercise adoption and maintenance, psychological theories concerning behaviour change and maintenance, and these theories' actual and potential applications to exercise promotion. There remain a number of issues for investigation, at the levels of theory and basic research, applications in community settings, development of self-instructional and minimal-intervention programmes, development of public campaigns, and governmental policy development.