College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2025-05-06 06:37:54
Major
Exercise Science
Honors Course
EXER 430
Number of Credits
2
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2025
Abstract
Abstract
PURPOSE: Sustaining long-term motivation for exercise remains a challenge within health and fitness, particularly when extrinsic factors like weight loss dominate motivational strategies. This study investigates the role of behavioral SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goal-setting in fostering intrinsic motivation, a self-driven form of engagement, among participants in a structured fitness program. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of a SMART goal-setting curriculum in promoting intrinsic motivation and behavior-based goals over external outcomes like losing weight. METHODS: Participants (N = 24) were recruited from a fitness challenge program and selected one behavioral SMART goal from a list of seven options (e.g., attending weekly classes, increasing protein intake, staying active outside the studio). Baseline motivation and readiness to change were measured using the Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-E). Over six weeks, participants tracked their progress using a habit tracker, viewed an instructional video on goal setting, and received weekly motivational text messages. A post-study survey evaluated changes in motivation and intervention effectiveness. RESULTS: Data analysis revealed a modest increase in intrinsic motivation (+0.92%) and a meaningful improvement in the Relative Autonomy Index (RAI) (+2.11%). Controlled regulation decreased (-5.92%), indicating a shift away from external motivators. Participants favored behavior-driven metrics over outcome-based goals, reflecting a shift from external motivators toward intrinsic drive. CONCLUSION: The findings emphasize the significance of SMART goal-setting, accountability, and coaching in fostering intrinsic motivation, with the brief intervention showing promising effects, suggesting that future research explore longer interventions and incorporate objective data to assess sustained behavior change.
Research Sponsor
Melissa Smith
First Reader
Rachele Kappler
Second Reader
April Nicholson
Honors Faculty Advisor
Melissa Smith
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Relitz, Adam, "SMART Goal-Setting on Behaviors to Enhance Intrinsic Motivation for Exercise: A Pilot Study with Orangetheory Fitness Participants" (2025). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2006.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2006
Included in
Applied Behavior Analysis Commons, Community Health Commons, Public Health Education and Promotion Commons