Is the light at the end of the tunnel bright? Associations between preference and tolerance of the intensity, basic psychological needs and behaviour in exercise context

In recent years, sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity have seen an evident increase. Many individuals who embark on an exercise regimen end up leaving it within the first three to six months, often citing barriers such as a lack of time or motivation. Research shows that the pleasure and enjoyment derived from exercise play a crucial role in preventing people from giving up. This suggests that theories related to the emotional aspects of exercise, including an individual’s exercise intensity preference and tolerance, should be integrated into broader motivation theories such as Self-Determination Theory (SDT). This chapter aims to provide a theoretical framework for these theories, emphasised by empirical evidence and proposes potential avenues for future research.