Approach-avoidance motivation and the achievement of exercise-related goals

This study examined several personal variables in their relationships to exercise behavior. Specifically the aim of the study was to determine if an individual's score on a measure of approach-avoidance motivation was related to the achievement of that individual's personal exercise goals. Data from 80 individuals across the United States was collected; measures targeted motivation, physical self-efficacy, mood, and exercise behavior over the course of four weeks. The main hypothesis, which stated that individuals with lower avoidance index scores would display greater consistency and greater adherence to their own exercise schedule and goals than people with higher avoidance index scores, was not supported by the data. In fact, for men, higher avoidance index scores predicted greater adherence to exercise goals. The data did support a relationship between exercise behavior and enhanced well-being, and several notable age and gender differences also emerged. Study limitations may impact the generalizability of the conclusions.