The “Why Bother” Affect
July 29th, 2008, 8:16 am · 7 Comments · posted by Michelle May, M.D.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh published in the July 28 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine finds that overweight and obese women need to to exercise 55 minutes per day, five days per week in order to sustain a 10 percent weight loss over two years.
Could recommendations like this trigger the “why bother” affect?
Although I am a huge proponent of regular exercise, I am very concerned that recommendations for 60 minutes of daily exercise overwhelm people that aren’t getting any. They may respond with “I can’t do that so why bother even trying.”
Based on my work with overweight and/or sedentary individuals over the last ten years, many already think of exercise as punishment for eating. I’ve found that rather than threatening them with failure if they don’t get enough exercise, they respond extremely well when the focus is on small, sustainable changes that allow them to adapt physically and mentally to a more active lifestyle.
What do you think? Do these recommendations motivate you…or trigger the “why bother” affect?
Michelle May MD
http://www.amihungry.com/
July 29th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Similar recommendations came out a few years ago and I had the same thoughts. In my case, I am pretty good about congratulating myself for every bit of movement that falls anywhere near a healthy habit. And when I actually truly exercise, I feel like I’m the bees knees.
I do worry about anyone caught in the comparison trap, whether it’s to federal guidelines, or to the physically fit specimen next door. The small changes you suggest are perfect…did I walk farther today than I did last week? Did I exercise three times this week instead of two? Charting your progress against yourself is best. I think university studies are great for people in academic settings who have the luxury of removing all variables and looking at life in a vacuum. For the rest of us, let’s celebrate every little step we take through whatever life holds…whether it’s moving up and out of loneliness, or through an over-filled schedule. Just move!
July 30th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Excellent comments Mimi. When people acknowlege their own efforts large AND small rather than thinking “it’s not good enough,” they are more likely to find other ways to fit more fitness in.
July 31st, 2008 at 12:24 pm
A year or two ago, one focus for weight reduction was to walk 10,000 steps per day. I found that to be a wonderful way to exercise although I wasn’t trying to lose weight. I purchased a good pedometer to keep track of my steps. It became a game with myself to add as many ways as possible to gain extra steps–park at the back of the parking lot when shopping, take a couple extra laps around the grocery store aisles, extend the dog’s walks (he loved that), etc.
Unfortunately, I lost my great pedometer and haven’t found a good replacement. I’ve tried sports stores, Target, and many of the logical choices, but they all seem to carry the same brand and are unsatisfactory. Does anyone know a source for good pedometer?
August 4th, 2008 at 9:37 am
The “Why Bother Effect” can hit us in so many areas. Living in a society of multitasking and even developing an addiction to putting out fires and quick fixes, it’s important to be clear on what you want and clearing the space in your life to develop and support what you need to succeed in reaching our goals.
It’s about taking a breath and designing a process that you look forward to performing in every day.
Regards,
Suzy G
August 8th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
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