What is the difference between being “someone who exercises” versus “an exerciser”? In psychological terms, describing yourself as “someone who exercises” implies the behavior (exercise) is something they do, but it is not necessarily highly important. As a result, we would not expect this person to go out of their way to exercise. On the other hand, someone who takes on the label of “exerciser” shows the world that engaging in regular physical activity is part of their identity or lifestyle. For these folks, exercise is something they would try hard not to miss, so they are more likely to create plans and strategies to make that possible. Research shows that adults with an exerciser identity are more likely to adhere to their exercise program, work harder and persist longer in the face of barriers. Sounds like a good deal, right? So how does one develop an exerciser identity?
If you think about “becoming” anything, there are steps involved. Say you want to be a mountain climber. You might begin by finding out information about the activity (read books or watch movies about mountain climbing), and form ideas about what it would be like to participate. The next steps involve becoming part of the culture of that activity - you get to know and associate with other mountain climbers, learn the lingo, and along the way learn what is expected of you as a mountain climber. Of course, you can’t rightly claim a mountain climber identity until you have actually climbed a mountain (or two). But once you do this, you are “in the club.” You’ve reached the last stage of identity formation, known as “confirmation.” Other people are likely to call you a mountain climber, and to expect you to continue to climb mountains. At this stage, you find time to fit your activity in, because it is important to you. You are, indeed, a mountain climber.
Let’s take our mountain climber analogy and apply it to exercise. By virtue of being a member of 1-2-3 Fit and reading this article, you have begun the exercise identity formation process. In addition to joining, perhaps you have purchased clothing to work out in, and even gotten to know other people in the club. Through this process, you are learning the roles associated with being a member. You are half-way up the mountain! How do you reach the top? By continuing to attend and work out, even when it may be difficult to do so. The good news is, the longer you remain active, the more strategies you learn to help make it easier to persist. You have become “an exerciser”, rather than someone who simply exercises.
But ask yourself this question: do you refer to yourself as an exerciser? We all have ideas of what an exerciser looks and acts like. Some of these ideas are stereotypes, some are accurate, and others are not. Some beginner exercisers might not be comfortable with the term “exerciser.” If this is true for you, think about why this is – does it describe someone more fit, or someone who exercises more often? If so, then perhaps another similar term makes more sense as you develop your identity – something like, “I am physically active.” Once you become confident in your ability to continue exercising, we encourage you to confirm your identity with a loud and proud, “I am an exerciser!” The power of this phrase should not be underestimated…we need to lay claim to our victories, and own our identity. As powerful as the identity “exerciser” is, more powerful is what those words convey - and that is, being active is important to you - to your health, your future, and your relationships with others. So repeat after me…I AM AN EXERCISER!
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This article was contributed by Diane Whaley and Blake Rushin of the University of Virginia. Copyright 2007. |
