Are you one of those people who take great pleasure in working out or, on the contrary, do you find going to the gym a deadly bore, but you have no choice?
Whatever the answer to this question (assuming you exercise, of course), you will be interested to know that our words or preconceived notions about certain subjects, from a psychological perspective, can affect our perception of them.
For example, according to ” Psychology Today” In a recent study, research was conducted with a group of people to examine how conceptions of exercise varied from person to person. For one group, words like “commit” helped them to be more purposeful about what they were starting. Others, on the other hand, hated that word, as well as “celebrate” the exercise, because they thought it was silly. This particular group placed more emphasis on the idea that sport was work, as opposed to fun (as did the other group).
The very idea of celebrating something through exercise can elicit many positive thoughts involving gratitude for one's body, the ability to move, or even life.
Their responses had much more negative connotations than those who viewed sport as a leisure activity and were aware of the many positive experiences it brings, such as having fun or being outdoors. The findings are that the very idea of celebrating something by exercising can elicit many positive thoughts involving gratitude for one's body, ability to move, or even life.
There are several key points.
- Research shows that an activity must include a sense of freedom to be experienced as leisure.
- Some terms bring exercise closer to work, while others bring it closer to leisure.
- Practitioners in different settings can use tactics to help their end users perceive exercise as a leisure activity.
But let's get to the heart of the matter: which option best promotes exercise, those who “celebrate” it or those who view it as work?
As with many things, it depends. There are people who view exercise as work and see it as a way to be consistent, and others who appreciate it because they view it as a leisure activity. But one thing is certain: there are more compelling and positive words and concepts. And it is these words that will best enable those of us who have not yet figured out how to maintain a physically active life to make the consistent decisions that underlie maintenance.
When there is no sense of freedom associated with a leisure activity, it too easily turns into a sense of work or compulsory activity.
Indeed, when there is no sense of freedom associated with a leisure activity, it too easily turns into a sense of work or compulsory activity, which does not make it very desirable.
Therefore:
- People avoid what makes them uncomfortable and run to what is good. The framework set around exercise must motivate physical activity, otherwise it is bound to fail.
- Coaches must take this into account and their challenge is to help people find new meanings and motivations so that they can enjoy the activity. You may have the most difficult task, as many people have had negative experiences in traditional fitness environments. But don't worry. Part of your job is to help your clients become aware of this reality, which is an important first step in discovering how to make movement a meaningful activity they want to choose.
I am a student and I am part of the editorial staff of thesilverink.com. I have the chance to enjoy writing, however, I also like to discuss all subjects and especially anything related to Science.
