Fitness Motivation: Preventing Participant Drop Out

Rejeski and Kenney offer fitness practitioners a comprehensive book on exercise motivation and adherence. The authors recommend this book for exercise leaders, program directors, health club administrators, those involved in the development, operation, and evaluation of corporate wellness programs, and others concerned about making the most of fitness activities. This book attempts to answer questions and address issues such as; how to deal effectively with motivational problems; ways to make exercise more enjoyable; appropriate exercise prescriptions; and preparing clients for exercise. Although the book is based on sound research and theory, the authors rely heavily on their years of experiences in preventative and rehabilitative programs in both university and corporate settings.

Chapter 1 begins by examining what motivates exercise behavior. Ten major components of a motivational exercise program are discussed in detail. The authors include these guidelines:

Chapter 2 discusses concerns and techniques regarding the interaction with your client, gathering relevant information about your client, and how to evaluate this information to better meet your clients needs and expectations. The authors include an outline of a physical evaluation and interview, including, medical history, personal needs, beliefs, social support, and reactions to exercise and life stresses. In addition, 6 suggestions for successful interactions are discussed:

1. "Take advantage of first impressions."
2. "Give clients an opportunity to tell their story."
3. "Manage your interaction"
4. "Choose your words carefully"
5. "Don't control responses"
6. "Emphasize personal responsibility"

Chapter 3 addresses the prescription process and motivation. This chapter's primary message is that an exercise program must be tailored to the client. The authors recommend clarifying your clients needs by the following steps:

1. "Discuss needs and expectations"
2. "Set attainable goals"
3. "Monitor and renegotiate"

Chapter 4 offers suggestions for building and repairing commitment. Chapter 5 describes how to use goal setting and feedback.

Finally, chapter 6 discussed specific components of exercise setting. Topics include, behaviors of exercise leader, use of reinforcements, motivational props, and physical setting.

Fitness Motivation: Preventing Participant Dropout is highly recommended for fitness practitioners or anyone involved with client motivation and adherence. A major strength of this book includes its practical approach in explaining the authors' concepts. Often concepts or points were followed by a case study or pertinent example illustrating the idea in a practical setting. The text was very easy to read yet filled with wealth of excellent ideas and illustrations. The authors included several cartoons which were not only entertaining, but added meaning and accent to some of the major concepts presented in the book. For readers seeking a comprehensive, well written, and practical book on fitness motivation and adherence, few will be disappointed with this book.