A recent study published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity has found that combining step tracking with mindfulness training can significantly increase motivation to exercise. Researchers at the University of Bath recruited 109 adults who weren’t meeting recommended activity levels and asked them to aim for 8,000 steps a day using a basic tracker. Half of the participants also followed a daily mindfulness program via a mobile app.
The study showed that both groups increased their physical activity in the short term, but participants who engaged in mindfulness training reported a stronger intention to remain active over time. This increase in motivation is crucial for achieving lasting behavior change.
According to lead researcher Dr. Masha Remskar, “our findings show that even short-term mindfulness training combined with step-tracking can make people want to move more.” The researchers also found that participants who used the mindfulness app increased their activity by approximately 373 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
The study highlights the potential benefits of combining mindfulness training with physical activity strategies. Future studies will test whether these motivational benefits translate into real-world behavior over time. With the goal of making mindfulness training more appealing and effective, the research team is now exploring ways to refine these tools.
This research has significant implications for promoting exercise and physical activity among adults struggling to meet recommended levels. By combining step tracking with mindfulness training, individuals may find it easier to build internal drive towards behavior change, leading to lasting benefits.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/this-simple-mind-trick-could-make-you-actually-want-to-exercise