Motivating yourself to go to the gym, psyching yourself up for a heavy lift or imagining a putt going in are all examples of exercise and sport psychology techniques. Sport and exercise psychology is a sub-discipline of physical education and sports studies.
Defined
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines sport and exercise psychology as scientific investigations of the psychological issues and influences involved in sports and physical activities. Sport and exercise psychology focuses on two main areas: how to use psychological skills and training to maximize performance or enjoyment and how participating in sports, physical activities and exercise affects people's health and psychological development and quality of life.
Research Areas
Exercise and sport psychology covers several research areas. According to the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, some of the major issues sport and exercise psychology covers are managing anxiety, focus, communication, team building, goal setting, visualization and self-talk.
Applied Vs. Theoretical Exercise
Exercise and sport psychology research have applied and theoretical elements. Applied research is focused on direct application of specific mental training techniques. Goal setting, using positive self-talk and arousal regulation are a few examples of applied sport and exercise psychology techniques. These are things that can be used to help people improve exercise and sporting performance or enjoyment. This is the area that coaches, athletes and exercisers would look to to help improve performance. Theoretical exercise and sport psychology research studies the underlying process and mechanisms that explain phenomenon in sport and exercise psychology. It does not directly apply to action but seeks to explain why certain techniques are effective.
Professional Organizations
Exercise and sport psychology has grown to include many professional organizations. These organizations tend to have specific missions but all seek to help promote the study of sport and exercise psychology and define the standards for future research and study. Some of these professional organizations are The Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), The American Psychological Association (APA) Division 47, The North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity (NASPSPA), and The International Society of Sport Psychology (ISSP).
Who Can Benefit
Almost anyone involved in sport and physical activity in some capacity can benefit from learning about exercise and sport psychology. Mental skills training and techniques are crucial to maximizing performance and enjoyment. According to AASP, coaches and personal trainers should be familiar with sport and exercise psychology principles. People who play sports and exercise regularly can get injured. Injuries can be difficult for the competitive athlete and everyday exerciser to deal with. A positive mental outlook is key to recovering from injury. According to AASP, physical therapists and athletic trainers can benefit from sport and exercise psychology training.
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