0
0
BATH, UK – Combining the popular habit of step tracking with mindfulness training delivered via a mobile app could be a powerful tool for increasing the motivation to exercise, according to new research from the University of Bath.
The study, conducted by the university’s Center for Motivation and Behavior Change and published in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, suggests that while simply tracking steps can increase short-term physical activity, adding a mindfulness component significantly boosts a person’s intention to remain active – a crucial psychological factor for developing lasting exercise habits.
Researchers followed 109 adults in England who were not meeting recommended physical activity levels. Over a 30-day period, all participants used a basic tracker and aimed for 8,000 steps daily. Crucially, half of the participants also engaged in a daily mindfulness program using a mobile app. These short sessions, developed by the research team in collaboration with the non-profit Medito Foundation and available freely on the Medito app, focused on body awareness, movement, and exercise.
After one month, both groups showed an increase in physical activity compared to before the study began. Participants using both the step tracker and the mindfulness app increased their activity by an average of approximately 373 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Those solely tracking steps increased their activity by an average of 297 minutes per week.
However, the key difference emerged in participant motivation. Those who incorporated the daily mindfulness practices reported significantly stronger intentions to continue exercising regularly beyond the study period.
“Our findings show that even short-term mindfulness training combined with step-tracking can make people want to move more, which could have lasting benefits,” said lead researcher Dr. Masha Remskar from the Department of Psychology at the University of Bath. “Helping people build that internal drive towards behavior is essential—especially at a time when many people are struggling to stay active.”
Dr. Remskar highlighted the importance of these findings, noting, “Intentions are one of the strongest predictors of future behavior. What’s exciting is that adding a mindfulness component to step-tracking seems to help people mentally commit to being more active—laying the foundation for future behavior change.”
While the study demonstrated a clear boost in motivation within the mindfulness group, it did not include a longer follow-up period to confirm whether this increased intention translated into sustained activity levels over time.
“This is an exciting first study that combines mindfulness training with strategies designed to help people move more and internalize their motivation for physical activity,” added co-author Dr. Max Western from the Department for Health at the University of Bath. “There is a lot of potential here and we are keen to refine these tools to make them more engaging and effective.”
The research team plans future studies to investigate the long-term behavioral effects of this combined approach and explore ways to further enhance the appeal and effectiveness of mindfulness training for physical activity.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on the findings of a specific research study published in Mental Health and Physical Activity (DOI: 10.1016/j.mhpa.2025.100680). The information presented is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Individuals should consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions about their health or beginning a new exercise program.
