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Article
Does exercise environment enhance the psychological benefits of exercise for women?
Psychology
  • Thomas G. Plante, Santa Clara University
  • Carissa Gores
  • Carrie Brecht
  • Jessica Carrow
  • Anne Imbs
  • Eleanor Willemsen
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-1-2007
Publisher
International Stress Management Association
Abstract

Two experiments examined the psychological benefits of exercise environment. In Experiment 1, 128 female college students were assigned to 1 of 3 laboratory conditions that differed only in with whom they were exercising; in Experiment 2, 88 students were assigned to 1 of 4 walking conditions that differed in the environment (i.e., indoors vs. outdoors) and whom they were with. Before and after exercise, participants completed several mood and enjoyment measures. Participants in Experiment 1 were most calm when exercising alone than with others, and participants in Experiment 2 found the experience most enjoyable if outdoors. Our findings suggest that perceived enjoyment and outdoor exercise may account for some of the psychological benefits of exercise for women. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)

Citation Information
Plante, T. G., Gores, C., Brecht, C., Carrow, J., Imbs, A.., & Willemsen, E. (2007). Does exercise environment enhance the psychological benefits of exercise for women? International Journal of Stress Management, 14, 88-98.