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Focus on fun 'helps raise activity levels'
Focus on fun 'helps raise activity levels'
Highlighting the fun and emotional gains of exercise could be more effective at increasing activity levels than focusing on traditional health benefits, research shows.According to a study published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, teenagers in particular are more likely to exercise if they find an activity fun and enjoyable.
The research, carried out at the University of Leeds in the UK, followed 128 young people between the ages of 16 and 19 over a period of two weeks.
All participants received a daily text message each afternoon, with some receiving alerts that highlighted the emotional benefits of exercise and others the health benefits.
The results showed that all 128 subjects increased their activity levels. However, the largest increase came among previously inactive teens who received the messages emphasising the emotional benefits of exercise.
Lead researcher Reema Sirriyeh said: "There is evidence that people who believe that physical activity is enjoyable and fun are more likely to engage in sport and exercise."
According to the Growing Up in Ireland 2009 study, only one in four school-aged children in the country meets the current recommended level of 60 minutes of physical exercise every day.
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