Contrast of Frequency of Positive and Negative Feeling State Changes Associated with Standard and Reduced Cardiovascular Exercise

Abstract

A field investigation was conducted to assess whether cardiovascular exercise assigned at a level to maximize improvements in fitness, i.e., a standard exercise amount or 30 min. at approximately 80% maximal heart rate, differed significantly in frequency of positive exercise-induced feeling changes when contrasted with exercise that was reduced to 20 min. at approximately 65% maximal heart rate. A significantly more frequent occurrence of positive changes in feelings just after exercise (χ12 = 4.95, p < .05, φc = .26) was noted for adults initiating programs at the reduced ( n = 36; 86% positive change) vs the standard ( n = 36; 64% positive change) amount of exercise. After replication, implications for adjusting exercise to increase adherence were discussed.