Change behaviour to make exercise stick
Reasons for sticking with an exercise regime can change over time. By understanding behaviour change you can help increase exercise adherence in those struggling to make their good intentions an ongoing reality.
Initiating and maintaining a habitual exercise program is a process involving several stages: the decision to start exercising, the early stages of adoption, eventual change of behaviour, and then successful integration of these new behaviours into an individual's lifestyle so that they are maintained over time. Although each stage has its own unique challenges, it is the last of these that perhaps presents the biggest obstacle. Imagine the health benefits achieved across the population if every client and member who had ever started working out with your fitness business had continued doing so. In addition to having a hugely successful fitness enterprise, your number one business problem - contstantly having to replace lapsed members and clients with new ones - would cease to exist.
Studies suggest it may take more than just a great atmosphere, great trainers and a great workout to to keep people exercising. Childhood exercises habits and psychological, physical, social and situational factors are all variables influencing exercise adherence.
Fitness Australia's David Menzies says the initial interest in an exercise program is often related to a desire to obtain functional health and fitness benefits that will positively impact quality of life, both physically and mentally. Read Fitness Network's full article here.
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