This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
Exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, but many of us struggle to stick to a routine. We try to make time for physical activity, but our schedules get disrupted, and we find ourselves back on the couch.
However, research suggests that developing an exercise identity can be a powerful tool in helping us stick to our fitness goals. An exercise identity is what we imagine when we think of an 'exerciser.' For most of us, this is someone who regularly visits the gym or prioritizes their walk despite a busy schedule.
When we adopt an exercise identity, physical activity becomes a part of who we are, and a powerful standard that can drive our behavior. Studies have shown that the more adults identify with exercise or physical activity, the more they do it.
So, how can we develop an exercise identity? One way is to start viewing ourselves as exercisers. This can be as simple as imagining ourselves as fit or physically active. Research has shown that retirees who saw themselves in the future as a physically active person reported a stronger physical activity identity one month later.
Another way to develop an exercise identity is to start behaving like an exerciser. This can be as simple as working out in a group or wearing exercise gear, even when we're not exercising. By doing so, we can start to see ourselves as exercisers and make physical activity a part of our daily lives.
Ultimately, developing an exercise identity is about more than just exercise. It's about creating a mindset that values physical activity and makes it a part of who we are. By adopting this mindset, we can make exercise a habit and stick to our fitness goals.
