According to fitness psychology, which motivation is less likely to sustain long-term commitment?

Extrinsic motivation is deemed less likely to sustain long-term commitment to fitness activities compared to other forms of motivation. This type of motivation involves external rewards such as money, trophies, or praise from others. While these tangible rewards can be effective in initiating participation and providing an initial push towards engaging in exercise or fitness routines, they may not foster a lasting passion or dedication to the activity itself.

As individuals become accustomed to the rewards, the novelty can wear off, leading them to lose interest or motivation once those external incentives are removed. In contrast, intrinsic motivation, which comes from within and is driven by personal satisfaction, enjoyment, or a sense of achievement, tends to create a stronger and more enduring commitment. Similarly, social motivation and competitive motivation can also contribute positively to sustained engagement, as they often involve deeper connections and personal challenges that provide ongoing reasons to stay active.

Thus, while extrinsic motivation can be useful for initiation, it lacks the depth necessary to maintain long-term dedication, making it the least effective of the options listed for sustaining commitment to fitness activities.