Most initial motivations to exercise are invariably negative.
You exercise to lose weight, because you feel unhealthy, are low on energy, or any one of hundreds of negative motivators. As human beings, we don’t respond well to these negative motivators for long term and sustained behaviour change, we respond to results.
At the start of your program, it is these negatives that drive you, but luckily for your body, the motivation soon turns positive. Friends are telling you how great you look, you feel healthy, your energy levels are high. If you can stick with your new program long enough for the motivation to turn positive, your brain will do the motivating for you.
With this positive motivation, exercise increases the release of endorphins. The word endorphin derives from the words ‘endogenous’ meaning from within the body, and ‘morphine’, a powerful opiate causing pain relief and feelings of wellbeing.
