2006 © Ames Tribune

By: Rebecca A. Petersen, Staff Writer
06/30/2003

Half the people who begin an exercise regimen aren't likely to continue past six months, according to an Iowa State University researcher.

Feelings of displeasure are the biggest reason that an average of 50 percent of people quit exercise programs within the first six months, according to Paddy Ekkekakis, an assistant professor of health and human performance.

The displeasure comes from worries over physical ability or appearance and physical exertion, according to the study.

Some people overestimate the intensity of their physical activity and choose intensities that are unlikely to confer rapid, visible benefits, according to Ekkekakis.

Others, he said, underestimate the intensity of exercise, overexert themselves and experience feelings of displeasure or injuries.

In response, Ekkekakis is developing a new method to improve an individual's self-monitoring and regulation.

There's concern that popular motivational methods aren't giving exercise newbies the push that they need.

Rather than downplaying physical displeasure with a workout, a person may need to recognize and respond to a need to slow down, the study found.

As part of his research to develop new exercise methods, participants exercise on a heart rate-controlled treadmill.

A touch-screen monitor directly in front of the treadmill allows them to respond to a self-report questionnaire on-screen as they exercise.

During the workout, Ekkekakis can measure a participant's metabolic rate, muscle activity and brain waves.

Ekkekakis said affective responses to exercise are influenced by cognitive factors, such as physical ability, and by systems, such as the muscular or respiratory systems.