First Author: Whitney Clayton

Second Author: Jenna Wyatt

Statistics of Unmotivating/Motivating Exercise

• dropout rate is 50% during the initial 6 months
• most discontinue their programs during the first 3 months
• 70-80% drop out before the end of the first year
• parents are very influential in children exercising
• as children grow older peers have influence 
• only 22% of Americans are active enough to improve their health status

Reasons for lack of Motivation

• boredom
• muscle soreness
• time constraints

How to GET motivated to run^[1]

• understand why you like to run
• prepare the night before
• pick a mantra for while you run. ("never give up")
• remember health benefits

How to STAY motivated to run^[2]

• set realistic goals

• participate in races (marathons, 10k, 5k..etc)

• improve on race/running times

• keep challenging the mind and body (vary courses of running between distance, terrain, speed and intensity)

• run with a friend

• take some time off occasionally (ride a bike instead of running on the off days)

Three tips on how to stay motivated!^[3]

Outcome of Motivation^[4]

• weight loss
• improved cardiovascular and bone health
• improved mood
• better coordination
• slowing down age process
• stress reliever

 Motivational Techniques

• develop knowledge base
• get support from friends and family
• be consistent
• keep a chart
• exercise to music
• set definite time and place
• focus on positives
• dont become obsessive about exercising