Working Out: The Psychology of Sport and Exercise

Written by a leading expert in the field of sport science, this motivational text provides a thorough overview of fitness and exercise psychology as it relates to everyday life.

A title in the Psychology of Everyday Life series, this unique book addresses the connections between sport and exercise psychology and life outside of competitive endeavors--from definitions, theories, and applications to the real-life issues affecting athletes. It provides an accessible overview of sport and exercise psychology that enables readers to apply effective sport performance and exercise psychology concepts to their own lives, regardless of whether they pursue athletic endeavors or not. Covering topics that range from goalsetting to motivation to personality, this book can also serve to inspire readers to create a personal activity program based on achievable goals and realistic expectations, regardless of starting point or desired outcomes.

Author Justine J. Reel shares fascinating insights into the world of physical fitness and its associated behaviors, including why athletes who adopt a task-oriented approach will show a stronger work ethic and more motivation than athletes who focus on outcomes, what is prompting the spread of sport psychology to other parts of the world, why more and more athletes are at risk for developing eating disorders, and who social physique anxiety afflicts. The book also presents various viewpoints and debates on current controversies in the field of sport and exercise.

Justine J. Reel, PhD, is associate dean of research and innovation and professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.