While I was running today, I was trying to think of something to write about so, I am going to write a few educational points about the mental thought process behind making a life change to exercise.
Being an Exercise Science major, we had to take an Exercise Psychology course and I found this particular topic intriguing.
Technically speaking, to make exercise part of a life change, it needs to eventually become a habit. Thus, the psychology behind making this life change is based on the theoretical model of "the stages of change" which will eventually create a habit out of exercising.
Stage 1 : Pre-contemplation; this stage includes people who say, "Absolutely not ... No way I'm going to do that ... or, I can't because ..." I used to be in this stage, I remember telling myself, I can't because I don't have time. This happens to be the most commonly used excuse in stage 1.
Stage 2 : Contemplation; this stage is when someone is thinking about taking action. They know they need to do something, but they're not sure they want to start today. I was in this stage for a LONG TIME! This typically tends to be one of the longer stages of the 5.
Stage 3 : Preparation; this stage is when a person has attempted to make a change. This is a volatile stage because it's easy to revert back to stage 2. This was one of the most difficult stages. For me, it was a mental block that I had to get over. It's really easy to say, "this isn't working, maybe I'll try again next week." I mentally had to shut off that part of my brain and JUST DO IT!
Stage 4 : Action; this stage is when a person finally feels successful. This stage is supposed to last up to 6 months. I think I reached this stage when I lost the first 10 lbs. But, I am currently still in this stage because it's only been about 3 months. (I'm 1/2 way to stage 5.)
Stage 5 : Maintenance; this stage occurs after 6 months of stage 4. This is considered the least potential stage for relapse and exercise has finally become a habit. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE! All in good time.
When I look at this model, it becomes so obvious as to why so many American's fail at weight loss and staying physically fit. There are so many opportunities to fall off the wagon. But, this time I will prevail! (I know, a little Gladiator-esk ... :P ) Feel free to leave comments and tell me which stage you think you're currently in.
Still runnin' strong!
~Mama Beal
Is there a stage before pre-contemplaion where you you can't even imagine being in the pre-comtemplation stage? I think I might be there. We can call it the "I can't think of a good excuse not to exercise but I am just going to watch TV anyway because I am lazy" stage.
ReplyDeleteI think I most often find myself in stage 3 - getting into a good routine and then not following through, not quite making it a habit. Ugh.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely waivering between the contemplation stage and action stage. I am right on the cusp of both. I am doing the running, not as much as I would like, having lots of pain in my knees which would be an easy excuse to stop, but so far have pushed through, even it is only a few times a week!! Normally I would have quit by now so I am kinda proud. Now if I could just figure out what to do with my knees!! Any ideas chiropractor lady?
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