New Findings on Exercise Adherence

Conventional wisdom from the fitness-club world held that the best way to keep people interested in exercising was to offer price plan discounts or other incentives after the "novelty stage" began to wear off. However, new research out of the UK on exercise adherence shows that this may not be the case.

Their findings demonstrate several factors may be more effective at generating adherence among exercisers, including:

• Staff engagement
• Staff encouragement
• Easy access to classes and programs
• A non-threatening environment

Of course, while valuable, their findings are relatively limited to the corporate world of gym clubs. What other factors are beneficial in cultivating sport and exercise adherence? What should we know as sport psychologists, trainers, and coaches to aid in motivating our students or athletes?

• Past performance is an indicator of future performance. Maintaining a sustained involvement now enhances an individuals' likelihood of participating years down the road.
• Build self efficacy by tailoring a sport program to the individuals needs, providing positive support through encouragement, and measurable goals. Self efficacy, the feeling that we are capable of completing a specific action or task, is key for athletic adherence and performance.
• Don't do it alone! Research consistently has demonstrated that exercise and athletic adherence is lower when an individual tries it that way - as an individual. The support and encouragement of family, friends, and teammates should be developed.
• Don't do it far away! Athletic participation is always easier when it's more convenient. Exercisers and athletes should be encouraged and helped to find ways to participate close to home, where it's easiest and most convenient.

Read the whole article from Medical News Today here.

Sport Psychology with PGA Player of the Year

It's not common to get an insight into the mindset of championship athletes, so when Padraig Harrington, winner of 3 Major Championships in the last 2 years, spoke with the San Diego Union Tribune, SPINw listened.

Padraig described several positive mental habits which he routinely practices during a round. He's "always playing a mental game. I'm always trying to be reasonably positive. In some ways, I'm preparing myself for a battle tomorrow. When I say I'm struggling a bit, I'm trying to get into my head that I'm going to have to knuckle down and work hard to save every shot."

He describes two definite positive thought patterns. First, he's focusing on positive events and plays. Obsession with negative events or poor performances can lead to recurring negative self-talk and lowered confidence. Padraig also demonstrates a focus on this shot, in this moment. By maintaining his focus in the present moment, he's not thinking about the missed putt on 13 or the bad chip on 14; he's truly grounded and aware of himself and the task at hand. Both of these traits, thinking positively and staying present, are excellent habits for the mentally strong athlete.

And one more thing - how does Padraig feel about the long-awaited return of Tiger back to the tour? “I am looking forward to Tiger coming back and taking some of the spotlight off me. It's much easier to win a tournament under the radar.”

Read the whole report from the SDUT here.