What’s up ya’ll. This is Jackie O., the First Lady of Fitness, Fashion,and Fun. When I was graduate student in public health, I remember learning the Transtheoretical model also called the Stages of Change Model. Now, you may be wondering what the heck does this have to do with working out or getting fit or perhaps you are thinking is she getting ready to go on some philosophical, metaphysical RANT! But as I have said and will continue to say on this website – becoming a better you is as much about a mental change as is is about a physical one.
Image by luigi diamanti
The Stages of Changes model speaks to me as I hope it will to you, because it is as its name suggest about understanding change.
The model is broken down into 5 stages:
- Precontemplation,
- Contemplation,
- Preparation,
- Action,
- and Maintenance
Precontemplation is the stage at which there is no intention to change behavior in the foreseeable future.
Nothing is Wrong! Image by FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
For example many individuals actually believe they have healthy eating habits when in reality their eating habits are far from healthy.
What Should I Do? Image by Andy Newson
Contemplation is the stage in which people are aware that a problem exists and are seriously thinking about overcoming it but have not yet made a commitment to take action. In this stage an individual may realize they are not eating well or that they are overweight, or that they just need to get into better shape, however this realization is only happening in the person’s head. The person is not taking any steps to challenge his/her behavior.
Preparation is a stage that combines intention and behavioral criteria. Individuals in this stage are intending to take action.
Change is Coming! Image by federico stevanin
This is the stage where perhaps you are – you understand that their is SOMETHING in your life that you are not happy with – perhaps its your weight, your overall fitness, the way you dress, your educational level – and you have decided that you want to do something about it. CONGRATULATIONS! Moving toward this step is a major accomplishment!
Action is the stage in which individuals modify their behavior, experiences, or environment in order to overcome their problems.
Image by federico stevanin
Action involves the most overt behavioral changes and requires considerable commitment of time and energy. In this stage, you my perhaps join a gym or sign up for a exercise class.
Maintenance is the stage in which people work to prevent relapse and consolidate the gains attained during action. This stage is all about following up on your desired change – you have joined the gym, now you have to go regularly.
I suggest you check out the following book to learn more about the Stages of Change:
Promoting Exercise and Behavior
Change in Older Adults: Interventions with the
Transtheoretical Model
by Patricia Burbank (Editor), Deborah Riebe (Editor)
