Tip #23: Are you really ready to resume an active lifestyle?

For the past 35 years, health and wellness professionals have been guided by two theories of behavior change: the transtheoretical model of behavior change and the health belief model.

The Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change emphasizes the importance of viewing intentional behavior change as a process that occurs over time. According to this model, people who change their behavior go through several stages, from precontemplation (not thinking about changing), to contemplation (weighing the pros and cons of changing), to preparation (getting ready to make a change), to action (practicing the new behavior), and finally to maintenance (incorporating the new behavior into one’s lifestyle).

The Health Belief Model states that people’s ideas and underlying emotions about illnesses, prevention, and treatments may influence health behaviors and decisions about changing (or not changing) health behaviors. This model states that at least four variables influence a person’s decision to change. The first two involve a person’s beliefs about a health threat. The second two reflect the person’s belief about the health behavior that could reduce the threat.

If you recently received an order from your physician to “get active or else,” this model may be of particular relevance for you. Note, however, that these two models are not mutually exclusive. They are presented to show you that no one just jumps off the couch and gets back on their bike. It may take weeks, months, or years to progress through these distinct stages. So, how ready are you to resume an active lifestyle?

Just before the Pandemic, I started studying for the American Council on Exercise (ACE) Health and Wellness Coaching certification. The focus for this type of coaching is to empower individual transformation through lifestyle behavior change.

A Health & Wellness Coach (H&WC) partners with clients seeking self-directed, lasting changes, aligned with their values, which promote health and wellness and, thereby, enhance well-being. Unlike a personal trainer, a H&WC collaborates with clients to develop achievable and measurable goals, monitor success, and motivate ongoing health behavior change. A H&WC empowers clients to develop and leverage the individual’s strengths to support successful behavior changes.

If you have any questions about living an active lifestyle or about your cycling goals, training, racing, or gear, I’d like to hear from you. I may address your questions in a future tip. Just drop me a note.