Aerobic and resistance exercise reinforcement and discomfort tolerance predict meeting activity guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Understanding individual-differences of those people who do and do not meet physical activity recommendations could inform targets for increasing physical activity. Exercise reinforcement may be one such individual-level determinate, but it is not yet known whether those who meet activity guidelines have a greater relative reinforcing value (RRV) of aerobic exercise training (RRVAT ) or resistance training (RRVRT ). The predictors of RRVAT or RRVRT are also not yet known.

PURPOSE: To determine whether individuals who meet aerobic activity or muscle strengthening activity guidelines have greater RRVAT or RRVRT and whether the preference and tolerance for exercise intensity predicts RRVAT or RRVRT .

METHODS: Men (n=38) and women (n=50) were measured for RRVAT , RRVRT , minutes of vigorous physical activity, usual resistance training behavior, and completed the Preference for and Tolerance of the Intensity of Exercise Questionnaire.

RESULTS: Individuals who met physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity and muscle strengthening activity had 58% greater RRVAT and 54% greater RRVRT, respectively, than those who did not meet these guidelines. Preference and tolerance for exercise intensity was associated (p<0.01) with greater RRVRT , but not RRVAT .

CONCLUSION: Having greater RRV of a mode of exercise is associated with meeting activity guidelines for that mode of exercise. Discomfort tolerance during exercise is associated with greater RRV of resistance exercise.