Intrinsic and Extrinsic motivation in fitness : A quantitative study regarding motivational factors and its impact on wellbeing

Abstract: Motivation is what drives us to reach our goals and desires in life. As of today, we are witnessing a global movement that consists of fitness and social media. Both embodiments tend to fuel each other, paving the way for new forms of motivation to rise and influence us daily. Within this research, these forms of motivation will be analyzed through a quantitative method and shed light upon what motivates us to join the global fitness movement. The main purpose is to find out if people’s motivation comes from within or is being driven by external factors. These two differences, through the chosen theory of Self-Determination are intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. They will determine whether people exercise out of inner or outer motivation. By the usage of an online survey, it was shown that most people tend to exercise out of intrinsic motivation. Thus, being beneficial toward their wellbeing and long-term motivation. However, the minority that unfortunately is driven by extrinsic motivation, could potentially harm their motivation and wellbeing. This concludes a mixed combination of both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation but ultimately leans more towards inner motivation.