Exercise imagery and its correlates in older adults

ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to test a structural model examining the interrelationships between exercise imagery, self-reported exercise behaviour and well-being in older adults.DesignCross-sectional survey.MethodParticipants were 499 older Greek adults (50.10% males) aged between 51 and 84 years (M age = 57.31; SD = 5.52) who completed questionnaires measuring exercise imagery use, exercise behaviour, subjective vitality, and physical self-worth. The relationship between these variables was tested with a structural model based on the applied model of imagery use for exercise ( Munroe-Chandler & Gammage, 2005).ResultsEnergy imagery positively predicted exercise behaviour and subjective vitality, and appearance and technique imagery positively predicted physical self-worth.ConclusionsThese results indicate older adults engage in different types of imagery to motivate themselves to exercise and improve their well-being, thus implying that the content of imagery interventions should be specifically tailored to the outcomes older adults wish to realise for interventions to be effective.

► Older adults use different types of imagery to motivate themselves to exercise.
► Energy imagery may regulate exercise behaviour in older adults.
► Energy imagery is related to well-being directly and indirectly through exercise.