Why different colored weights at the gym? Because of a behavioral principle called STIMULUS CONTROL! Defined. Stimulus Control = the process by which stimuli (colors) are associated with different outcomes (weights) in the environments (the gym). This principle is important because it guides our current behaviors to make the best choice. Most bumper plates follow […]
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I had the privilege to join Olli Tikkanen of the Physical Activity (PA) Research Podcast. Olli and I had a lengthy conversation about behavior analysis applied to health and fitness and the role of technology. Olli broke our conversation down into two parts. Part I: Behavior analysis is such an important tool as… Dr Nicholas
BehaviorFit Guest Appearances on Physical Activity Researcher Podcast Read More »
At best, it is a label. “Motivation” labels our own behaviors. It is a verbal statement that correlates with a particular rate of responding, given a set of environmental variables. It is merely a prediction of our own behavior. (The say-do correspondence is separate issue itself. You may say that you are motivated given certain
Motivation is NOT Real Read More »
When the coach says rest every 2 minutes, do you? Weightlifting is all about Interresponse Time (IRT). Lift a little, then take the appropriate rest. Many smart coaches, physiotherapists and exercise scientists have figured this out. What is IRT? IRT = the duration between the offset of one exercise before the onset of the next;
Lift weights? Know About Rest and Interresponse Time Read More »
Resurgence is a behavioral principle that can account for switching of fitness behaviors. By definition, resurgence = When previously extinguished target behavior “resurges” when a more recently reinforced target behavior is extinguished. Loosely speaking, you get bored of one activity and go do something else. Resurgence Explained Phase 1 Running receives reinforcement and occurs at
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Sleep is often discussed as a meaningful health target. People always ask: How do I get more sleep? Am I fully recovered? What is the ideal amount of sleep for me? While answers to these questions are highly individualized—at the end of the day—any analysis of sleep, recovery, and related data should always come back
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Much of our health and fitness behavior is all about choice. Delay discounting is an important behavioral principle that tells us how our choices are affected by certain outcomes. We may be more “impulsive” and choose the immediate reinforcers (drugs, booze, donuts) because we can have them NOW. Choosing other reinforcers with delayed consequences (improved
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Following a postive COVID-19 test, I immediately felt the effects on my fitness performance. As any good scientist would do, I looked back at my data to discern any trends and gather a basic understanding of anything going on. (Before I review my findings, I’m thankful I’ve only had minor symptoms, my heart goes out
Analyzing Fitness and Heart Rate following a positive COVID-19 test Read More »
Behavior + Fitness = BehaviorFit We are what we do. How fit and healthy we are boils down to our fitness behaviors that repeat…every, single, day. Health and fitness are general categories, rather accumulations of these behaviors. We say that we have good health when certain metrics align (e.g., desired weight, normal blood pressure). Of
BehaviorFIt’s Pillars of Health: 5 Rules To Live By Read More »
2020 is over. I can’t even remember 2019. And it’s now 2021?!?! And, what does this mean? It’s time for New Year’s Resolutions! New Year’s Resolutions symbolize starting anew and improving one’s life. Great decisions, no doubt. But, they are arbitrary, and exist because of stimulus control. New Year’s Resolutions and Stimulus Control Stimulus control
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