The Psychology Of Fitness

Learn how to apply the psychology of health and fitness to your exercise programs and to solve the motivational and behavioral problems you’ll encounter every day in practice. You’ll explore the scientific principles and variables that influence behavior as you develop the confidence to design effective lifestyle interventions for disease prevention and develop individualized exercise programs that promote optimal health.

The Psychology of Exercise: Integrating Theory and Practice, fourth edition, continues to weave together theory, research, application, and interventions to provide readers with a solid foundation in exercise psychology. In this comprehensive, accessible, book, the authors apply prominent theories and models to actual situations encountered professionally. Compelling graphs, models, other visuals, and effective pedagogical aids further enhance the material. The chapters in Part I help readers understand and modify exercise behavior, while those in Part II discuss psychosocial influences and the consequences of physical activity. Among the topics explored are the impact of exercise on self-perceptions, including self-esteem and body image; stress, anxiety, and depression; and emotional well-being. Chapters on the relationship between physical activity and cognitive function as well as health-related quality of life offer the latest information for these areas of study. Features of the Fourth Edition New streamlined chapter on self-perceptions and exercise, which combines previous chapters on self-esteem and body image. This more logical presentation of related topics makes it easier to teach these topics and better depicts their intersection. Refocused chapter on health-related quality of life and exercise, to include more emphasis on special populations and demonstrate how exercise can benefit those who have chronic diseases, chronic disabilities, or physical limitations. Discussions throughout on mobile devices, apps, social media, and high-tech point-of-decision and how these technologies can be used for tracking and measuring physical activity and for offering social support. Updated references, glossary, and graphics. Special Features of the Book Reader-friendly price Outstanding author team of active researchers with diverse areas of expertise End-of-chapter review questions and learning activities to enhance understanding Connections between theory and application throughout Focus boxes, with additional learning activities, highlighting research on physical activity and populations with chronic disease and disability Standardized questionnaires, including some of the most frequently used measures in exercise psychology research

This comprehensive text explains how health fitness psychology has emerged from other parent disciplines to be addressed in numerous exercise, fitness, and health settings, allowing both current and future professionals to assist their patients or clients in adopting healthier lifestyles.

Awareness of the importance of exercise and physical activity to optimal physical and mental health has never been greater. It is widely acknowledged that physical inactivity is a leading cause of death, yet statistics show less than 50% of Americans participate in regular physical activity. This information highlights the public health challenge of increasing participation in physical activity to enhance physical health and to buoy the psychological benefits associated with physical activity. The Oxford Handbook of Exercise and Psychology is an authoritative and comprehensive presentation of the breadth and depth of empirical contributions utilizing state-of-the-science theories and approaches in exercise psychology. Chapters are authored by leading investigators across the globe who have made significant scientific contributions addressing the behavioral aspects of physical activity. Sections of the book address the effects of physical activity on mental health; knowledge gathered utilizing psychobiological perspectives; behavioral factors that impact exercise motivation; scientific contributions addressing the physical activity benefits with special populations, including individuals with physical disabilities, older adults and cancer patients; and promising areas for additional investigation. Each chapter presents a summary of scientific advancements in the topic area as a foundation for future investigation. Fueled by a broad range of disciplines and interdisciplinary approaches, the field of exercise psychology is growing, and this comprehensive handbook will be the perfect resource for students, researchers, and physicians interested in exercise motivation and the mental health benefits of physical activity.

An exploration of the relationships between sports exercise and fitness SEF and the human psychological condition. The book adopts a holistic approach and discusses personal adjustment and mental health from the viewpoint of a number of areas of expertise in psychology.

How do athletes overcome fears, slumps, mental blocks, or injuries? How do they deal with stress and anxiety, be it from competitors, teammates, audiences, parents, coaches, or themselves? What psychological techniques prove effective in mental training for peak performance, maintaining concentration, motivation, and competitive drive? How can an athlete enhance his or her commitment to a training regimen, or how might the average person better adhere to a program of fitness and exercise? Readers will find answers to these questions and more in the Encyclopedia of Sport and Exercise Psychology. Features & Benefits: Entries explore the theory, research, and application of psychology as it relates to sport and fitness in a manner that is accessible and jargon-free to help readers better understand human behavior in sport and exercise settings. From personal factors to situational factors influencing performance to specific psychological techniques for enhancing performance, this work provides comprehensive coverage of the field via approximately 350 to 400 signed entries. Entries conclude with cross-references and suggestions for further readings to guide students further in their research journey. Available in print and online, this monumental work is edited by two leading figures in the field with a distinguished international Editorial Advisory Board to select and assign entries, ensuring authoritative content readers can trust.

'Foundations of Exercise Psychology' presents a summary of the information to date on the psychology of exercise and offers lucid suggestions for practice and future research. The contents of the book go well beyond past texts in the field and include some innovative and thought provoking chapters on little discussed topics in exercise psychology such as the meaning of exercise and the psychological and physical dangers when exercise goes awry. The range of populations examined includes women children dependent and habitual exercisers and participants throughout the life span. The book will help shape the direction of the field of exercise psychology for many years to come and it will do much to encourage young professionals to enter the field and to pursue further study. The text spends considerable time exploring the relationship between exercise and personality self-esteem self-concept mood alteration and motivation -- concepts and features of being human that are all intimately related. Students moving toward the exercise professions will gain a solid background in key issues surrounding exercise and health and make great strides forward in becoming competent and compassionate practitioners.