Why you shouldn’t let guilt motivate you to exercise

• But using the wrong type of motivation for your workouts could militate against you – and could even have consequences for your mental health.
• Not only was this group more likely to not want to exercise at all, we also found that those who used guilt and self-pressure as motivation were at greater risk of experiencing poor mental health.
• Research shows that extreme, rigid, negative ways of thinking are risk factors for mental health problems.
• It can also make you even less likely to positively change your thinking and exercise habits.

• These findings show us just how important the thoughts you use to motivate your workouts can be, especially when it comes to your mental health.
• One solution to these ways of thinking is a psychological approach called rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT).

Think critically about your thinking

• When you think about exercising, are your thoughts negative, unhelpful and self-pressuring?
• Be more critical of your thoughts about exercise, and ask yourself whether they make sense – and if they’re helping you.

Realise you’re not what you do

• We mess up – but we also do great things.
• Realise that you aren’t defined by your shortcomings.

Harness the power of want

• Find an activity that offers you something more than just exercise.
• Perhaps join an exercise group where you can make new friends or rekindle your passion for something you used to do.
• If you’re only exercising because you believe you have to or to avoid guilt, then you probably won’t stick with it.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.