Can’t get motivated to work out? Turns out there’s a surprising reason why, according to a new study published in Health Psychology.
A new online study looking at more than 800 Americans found that those who faced weight discrimination–such as being harassed for being overweight–were more likely to give up exercise. In addition, having negative feelings overall influenced people to stop exercising, something that may reveal exercise has a strong emotional component as well.
The research was authored by Rebecca Pearl, a researcher from Yale University.
“Experiencing discrimination leads some people to adopt a pessimistic view of the world, and they accept negative stereotypes about themselves, including the belief that they’re lazy,” says Pearl. “When someone feels bad about themselves and is applying negative stereotypes to themselves, they give up on their goals. It’s important for doctors to be aware of what people are experiencing, to know that these experiences might have real effects on people’s confidence.”
Conducting an online study involving 804 participants, researchers initially explored how certain factors, such as motivation, behavior, and experiences with weight bias, affected a person’s ability to start–and sustain–a regular exercise routine. To test this out, participants who were overweight or obese were assigned to read one of two passages discussing weight discrimination, something which noticeably affected their mood. Later on, the participants were given another random passage either confirming, challenging, or not giving any opinion at all about weight discrimination in society.
From here, they tracked any changes in their exercise routine, and the effects were significant–those who had read passages emphasizing weight discrimination were more likely to exercise less or have less motivation to work out. Worse yet, it had a significant impact on their self-esteem, causing them to have increased feelings of body dissatisfaction.
Clearly, a negative attitude doesn’t pay off.
“Study 1 revealed that weaker belief in a just world was associated with lower ratings on all exercise variables among participants who reported experiencing weight bias,” say researchers. “Threats to belief in a just world may lead to negative outcomes for health behaviors and psychological well-being among individuals who have experienced weight bias and perceive it to be pervasive.”
What This Means For You
It’s true: Getting in the habit of exercise isn’t easy. But according to new findings, having negative feelings–especially about your own body–could make it nearly impossible, due to the effects it has on a person’s self-esteem and motivation. The solution? Change your thought pattern: Staying positive and loving your body, regardless of how it looks, is more likely to get you into the gym. It’s also great for your self-esteem too, say health experts.
Readers: What motivates you to stick with an exercise routine?
Sources:
You Exercise Less When You Think the World Isn’t Fair – Time.com
Experiencing Weight Bias in an Unjust World: Impact on Exercise and Internalization – APA.org
About The Author: Zero to Hero Fitness!
Our mission at Zero to Hero Fitness is to help you to finally lose the weight and keep it off, strengthen your body and mind, and experience naturally high levels of energy throughout the day. We believe everyone, regardless of your past or current struggles with your health or fitness, can greatly improve on your existing condition and live life in your best body possible.