1 CEC

Presented by Ryan E. Rhodes, PhD

Dr. Rhodes discusses the physical activity intention-behavior gap, made popular by New Year’s resolutions that people struggle to enact every year. He will provide an overview of what we know about the gap between intentions and behavior, including the different processes that contribute to translating intentions into action. The talk will highlight that translating intentions into physical activity in early adoption may rely particularly on regulatory processes (self-regulation tactics), yet reflexive processes (stimulus-based associative motivation) are the largest predictors of a sustained physical activity profile. The session concludes with information about how best to bridge the intention-behavior gap and a call for increased focus on the study of reflexive processes such as habits and identity.

This course was developed using content from ACSM’s 2024 From Around the Field webinar series. 

Learning Objectives:  

1. Explore the history of intention in physical activity and evidence for intention the intention-behavior gap
2. Explain the role of multiple processes (reflective, regulatory, and reflexive) in predicting who translates their intentions into behavior
3. Summarize current intervention evidence on how to overcome the physical activity intention-behavior gap

All course content will be presented to you electronically after your purchase. To earn your CECs, you must view the course content and pass the quiz (earning a 70% or better).  

This course expires one year (365 days) from the date of purchase. All course content must be completed prior to the expiration date. ACSM will not offer refunds, transfers or course credits for uncompleted courses prior to their expiration date, or for duplicate purchases. ACSM does not allow substitutions, refunds or credits for this course.  

For questions related to your online CEC courses or purchases, email onlinelearning@acsm.org.