Gym memberships increase by approximately 40% in January, but 54% of gym members don’t turn up. This disengagement with exercise is not a new phenomenon and lack of motivation is one of the key factors contributing to a lack of commitment to exercise.
The good news for any non-exercisers out there is that motivation can be developed. Once lost, it isn’t lost forever.
Watch this episode of UniSA’s Best on Ground and hear from former Adelaide Crows player Courtney Cramey and Dr Alyson Crozier and Brad Stenner from UniSA as they discuss motivation and exercise.
UniSA's Best on Ground series: motivation and goal setting
Tips to stay motivated
1. Exercise with others
- Plan to meet a friend at the gym or join a sports team – this will make you more committed to exercise, and make exercise more enjoyable.
- A pilot research project conducted by UniSA’s Dr Carol Maher and PhD graduate Jocelyn Kernot found that those who participate in peer group support increase their physical activity by almost three hours per week.
- Creating teams to generate support and friendly rivalry is a powerful motivator for encouraging exercise performance.
2. Exercise outdoors
While all forms of exercise provide health benefits, it’s exercising outdoors – preferably with other people or animals – that will have the maximum impact on your health, as outdoor exercise can help with stress reduction and is more enjoyable.
3. Set SMART goals
Did you know that 92% of people don’t achieve their goals?* A common mistake people make is setting a goal that is too broad. For example, ‘I want to exercise more’. This doesn’t clearly define what you want to achieve. What does ‘more’ mean?
Exercise goals need to be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. Instead of ‘I want to exercise more’, consider ‘I want to exercise three times a week for 45 minutes’. This will give you a clear target and indicator of success.
*Source: https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/science-says-92-percent-of-people-dont-achieve-goals-heres-how-the-other-8-perce.html
Make sure to watch episode two of UniSA's Best on Ground series. It's all about nutrition and staying hydrated.
UniSA Online - study on demand, on your schedule, on your terms
If you’re passionate about helping people live healthier lives, check out our Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) offered 100% online. You’ll explore the latest cutting-edge developments in nutrition and exercise, and will learn from experienced practitioners with real-world knowledge of industry trends, all in your own time and space. Visit UniSA Online for more information.
If you want to study on campus at UniSA, we also offer the Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Human Movement, and Bachelor of Clinical Exercise Physiology (Honours).
UniSA and the Adelaide Football Club
UniSA is a proud Premier Partner of the Adelaide Football Club. This partnership enables research collaboration, student placement opportunities, and engagement opportunities for staff, students and the wider UniSA community.
For more information about our partnership, visit unisa.edu.au/crows.
