What motivates people to be physically active?

What is the 'feel-good' effect in exercise?

We live in a technologically advanced society in which physical activity is becoming an ever more peripheral part of our daily lives. Although we recognise the importance of physical activity for our health, and understand the major health problems that lack of exercise can cause, there is still a widely-held view that exercise is time consuming and too hard.

Psychology of Physical Activity closely examines the factors which encourage people to be physically active, and explores the main psychological benefits. Key topics covered include:
-- motivation for physical activity
-- the 'feel-good factor'
-- interventions to encourage physical activity

The authors present a comprehensive review of contemporary psychological knowledge in physical activity, with a particular emphasis on participation and health. They also offer innovative evidence-based solutions to adherence problems, taking into account the environmental and social constraints on physical activity.

At a time when physical activity has become a key feature of health promotion and disease prevention programmes, ways of promoting physical activity remain a significant challenge. This text will provide an essential resource for anyone wanting to understand the key psychological principles behind physical activity and the steps to a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Times have changed Gone are the days when most children walked or cycled to school and played in empty streets, and adults undertook physically active jobs. We are in a technologically advanced society in which physical activity has been removed from our daily lives. At the same times we have recognised the importance of physical activity for health and how clearly low levels of physical activity have been associated with major health problems, including heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes and psychological ill health.
"Psychology" "of Physical Activity" summerises key findings on what determines whether people start, maintain or stop exercise and physical activity, what psychological benefits might accrue from an active lifestyle, and what interventions have been tested to increase physical activity levels.
Extensive discussion centres on:
* motivation
* attitudes
* well-being
* depression and mental illness
* clinical populations
* interventions
* research consensus.
Interventions are addressed in terms of strategies for individuals, such as stages of change and counselling approaches, and strategies aimed at wider organisational and community settings, including schools and the workplace. "Psychology of Physical Activity" adopts an 'evidence based approach' and is aimed at second year and above undergraduates and post-graduates in exercise and sports science; health psychology students within psychology degree programmes; health professionals needing background information.