“Operant conditioning is a
method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior. Through
operant conditioning, an individual makes an association between a particular
behavior and a consequence” (Skinner, 1938).
Many people have different views
and opinions on exercising, some enjoy it and most dread it. But we can all
agree that exercising leads to numerous health benefits. For instance,
exercising regularly can lead to a positive shift in your mental, physical, and
emotional health. Physical activity produces endorphins which are chemicals in
the brain that act as natural painkillers, which reduces stress and improves
sleep. Furthermore, the more one engages in physical activity, the easier it
will be to lose weight/ and or maintain their current weight!
How Does It Relate to Operant Conditioning?
All of the benefits that come
from exercising can be considered ‘rewards.’ Thus, exercising elicits a positive
response (you look better and feel better) which in return will encourage you to engage in the behavior (physical activity) once again to obtain those
positive feelings until exercising becomes a habit, or a learned behavior that generates
a healthier lifestyle.
Hi Aloni! I enjoyed your post because I think everyone should be exercising to maintain their overall health and wellbeing. It is hard with such a busy schedule to justify taking an hour out of my day to run, however when I do I instantly feel better. It is essential to raise your heart rate and train your muscles. Exercising is also a great alternative to anxiety medications for some people. I believe my mother was operantly conditioned to exercising through spin class. She hardly ever misses a class and when she does, she doesn't feel well at all!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking from personal experiences, exercise is an amazing motivator and helps aid in prioritizing your affairs. On all aspects of health, physical emotional, and mental, it truly helps improve all qualities of a individual life. Great post
ReplyDeleteThis was a topic that I am able to relate to. I definitely feel rewarded after working out. It makes me feel better throughout the day, and when I stick to exercising and eating right I feel so much better about myself. Seeing result and feeling more motivated and healthy has benefit my life in such a positive way. This is a lifestyle that is rewarding and can even be fun.
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