Exercise and Self-Esteem

It must be stressed that there have been few advances in understanding the relationship between exercise and self-esteem over the last fifteen years. Psychological theory, with its consideration of situational and transitory self-concept, would hold that a majority of the positive results can be explained by alternative interpretations and experimental limitations. At this time it is not known why or in what manner exercise programs affect self-esteem, or which people are responsive. Because of the pervasiveness of self-esteem in human functioning, it would seem that a rudimentary understanding of these interactions would lead to the delivery of more effective services. Exercise science has laid the foundation for various health advances over the past fifteen years. The early, extensive study of psychological variables when planning exercise studies is a way of enlarging those advances.