Issue Date: December 21, 2008
E-mail your motivation
Maybe all you need to hit the gym is an e-mail reminder.
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From notes posted on the refrigerator to daily quotes, motivation to start or stick with an exercise program can come in many forms. Recent research reveals that encouraging e-mails with a visual motivator may be one of the most effective ways to get people to the gym.
A study at Clayton State University in Georgia sent persuasive messages every other day to sedentary college students. "Positively framed messages paired with pictures that displayed an attainable physique produced the best results," says lead researcher Matthew Parrott. "People reported about two workouts a week more than before." The images matched each person's sex, age and race.
Look for a trainer or gym that will use e-mail or text messages to keep you on track, or create a group with friends and e-mail "pep talks" and pictures to one another.
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