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Goal setting and enjoyment are key components in adherence to any exercise program; however, little research has examined short-term goal setting exercise interventions. This study aimed to explore the effects of short-term goal setting on enjoyment and session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) during a rowing exercise task. Twenty-five physically active participants completed two rowing exercise sessions on separate occasions under a repeated measures design. Each participant completed one session under the experimental condition and one session under the control condition. The experimental session included using a pacer on the interactive rower screen during two separate rowing bouts, which served as a goal setting simulation. In both conditions, participants set goals for their second rowing bout. Results showed non-significant differences between conditions for enjoyment, sRPE, heart rate, and distance rowed. Results showed a significant difference for distance rowed from exercise bout one to exercise bout two in both the control condition (p = .002) and experimental condition (p = .029). The results of this study have relevance for applied practitioners implementing physical activity interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews research relevant to a proposed conceptual model of exercise adherence that integrates the dual mode model and hedonic theory. Exercise intensity is posited to influence affective response to exercise via interoceptive (e.g., ventilatory drive) and cognitive (e.g., perceived autonomy) pathways; affective response to exercise is posited to influence exercise adherence via anticipated affective response to future exercise. The potential for self-paced exercise to enhance exercise adherence is examined in the context of the proposed model and suggestions are given for future research. Further evidence in support of self-paced exercise could have implications for exercise prescription, especially among overweight, sedentary adults, who are most in need of interventions that enhance adherence to exercise programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single bouts of aerobic exercise and meditation have been shown to induce positive affect. In a novel experimental paradigm, we sought to examine the effects of an acute bout of aerobic exercise and meditation, as well as exercise and meditation combined on affect among young adults. Participants (N = 110, mean age = 21.4 years) were randomly assigned to walk, meditate, walk then meditate, meditate then walk, or to sit (inactive control). All walking and meditation bouts were 10 minutes in duration. Participants' affect was monitored before and after the intervention using the Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for three Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory subscales, including revitalization (p < .001), tranquility (p = .02), and exhaustion (p = .03); the group × time interaction for Exercise Induced Feelings Inventory positive engagement was nonsignificant (p = .16). A single bout of brisk walking or meditation, as well as a combination of walking and meditation, may positively influence affect. There is some evidence to suggest that affective benefits may be greater following meditation or a combination of meditation and walking, when compared with walking alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]