Workout Gusto

Approach your workout with self-assurance. It might help improve your results.

People who work out with confidence derive greater benefits from exercise, research suggests. And people who perceive exercise experiences positively are probably more likely to stick to their fitness programs compared to people who approach exercise with negative feelings.

The best way to be faithful to exercise is to pick an activity that you enjoy enough that you are willing to do it regularly. Whether it's a traditional exercise such as walking, biking, or swimming or a sillier way to keep moving such as dancing or playing hopscotch with your kids, just about any exercise that gets you moving and makes you happy can help your health. Listening to your favorite music or radio programs while you tackle the treadmill, asking a friend to join you at the gym, or choosing beautiful locations to walk or hike in are all easy ways to make exercise more interesting. If you haven't exercised in a while, check with your physician before beginning any physical activity program.

Manipulating self-efficacy in the exercise environment in women: influences on affective responses. McAuley, E., Talbot, H. M., Martinez, S., Health Psychology 1999 May;18(3):288-294.