London: A recent study reveals that people, who are enthusiastic about working out and believe that exercise is good for them derive more benefits from it than those with lower expectations.
In a survey study, researchers in Germany established that people convinced of the health benefits of cycling enjoyed the exercise more and were more relaxed than cynics, reports The Independent.
As part of research, the psychologists asked 76 people aged from 18-32 to exercise on a stationary bicycle for 30 minutes.
Their expectations regarding the outcome of the exercise had been taken beforehand and post session they were asked to fill a questionnaire about their experience and state of mood.
They also noted the participants’ brain activity with an electro-encephalogram (EEG).
The findings showed that those who were convinced with the benefits of cycling before starting had a better physical and mental experience and found that their anxiety level was also reduced.
The EEG also vouched that participants, who had higher expectations appeared to be more relaxed.
Some of them were shown a video praising the positive effects of cycling ahead of the session. These participants experienced similar benefits to those who already intuitively believed in the health benefits of exercise.
Hendrik Mothes, the lead researcher, said: “The results demonstrate that our belief in how much we will benefit from physical activity has a considerable effect on our well-being in the manner of a self-fulfilling prophecy.” (ANI)