Understanding Your Personal Motivation for Physical Activity

Module B: Lesson 3Grade 11 Active, Healthy Lifestyles

Understanding Motivation for Physical Activity

• Self-regulation/self-control– Intrinsic motivation: internal drive toward

behaviour– Extrinsic motivation: rewards or punishment.

• Understanding what best motivates individuals requires awareness of both the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate behaviour

Intrinsic Motivation

• Internal motivators produce a long-lasting commitment to exercise– Improved health, enhanced personal skill and ability,

increased energy and decreased stress– Shift focus from long-term external outcomes to more

positive short term internal experiences– Must hold true value

• Enjoy movement• Personal challenge

– Motivated do physical activity for its own sake and because want to

Extrinsic Motivation

• Desire to lose weight or to get in better shape• Body-related motives are not usually sufficient

to sustain regular exercise programs

Types of Motivation: Mini-Biographies

• Read the mini-biographies • Decide which type of motivation is regulating

each person’s behaviour and explain their decision

Motivation Questionnaires

• Complete the Motivation Questionnaires • What strategies could be used to move a

person from extrinsic motivation to intrinsic motivation?