motivation

While most people acknowledge how important exercise and physical activity are to the human body, few are regularly active enough to receive significant health benefits. Estimates suggest that 40% of the American population is considered completely sedentary, while less than 20% are active at an intensity and frequency recommended for cardiovascular benefit. Worse yet, the dropout rates for those who do begin an exercise program reach 50% or more by the end of the first six months.

There are three types of factors that affect our motivation to stay with an exercise program. Personal factors have to do with you and your perceptions toward exercise. Program factors focus on the exercise program, it's convenience and the enjoyment you derive from it. Environmental factors deal with your external world that you can, and at times, can not control. The questions below may shed some light on how these factors affect your exercise program.

Personal Factors:

How do you feel about the value of exercise?

What is your past experience with exercise?

What is your skill level in performing your chosen activities?

What is your own personal motivation level?good article for every day