What is Exercise Psychology?

Exercise Psychology is primarily concerned with increasing exercise participation by using Psychology. This is done by increasing the motivation of individuals, and/or their adherence to exercise and exercise plans. The intention is not to increase performance, but to increase health and well-being.
 

The Current situation

Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges we face. Currently, almost 1 in 4 adults are obese and projections for 2050 suggest that 9 in 10 adults will be overweight or obese. The problem extends to children where poor diet, lifestyle and lack of exercise has led to 27% of children being overweight (2004).
 

What does obesity cause?

Obesity is related to a range of medical conditions:

• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Osteoarthritis
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• High blood pressure
• Depression
• Raised cholesterol

Why?

• It has been shown that a majority of adults in the UK are not physically active at a frequency and intensity level that is required to achieve health benefits or prevent disease.
• Of those who do start an exercise programme, 20-50% of adults drop out within 6 months.

How Exercise Psychology may help

• Work with individuals who need help in constructing an exercise plan they can adhere too.
• Help parents motivate their children into exercising and help them enjoy exercising.
• Help individuals who may suffer from anxiety whilst exercising either overcome their fear, or help design a programme that suits them
• Work with fitness and health experts to encourage exercise motivation and adherence
• Help health professionals to structure their classes or sessions to help them get the best response from their clients