Are Images of Exercising Related to Feeling States?

This study examined the relationships between different types of exercise imagery and feeling states, and determined whether exercise behavior moderated these relationships. Following an exercise session, 162 participants (97 females, 65 male; Mage = 23.84, SD = 7.09) completed the Exercise Imagery Inventory (Giacobbi, Hausenblas, & Penfield, 2005), the Exercise-Induced Feeling Inventory (Gauvin & Rejeski, 1993), and the Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (Godin & Shephard, 1985). Positive feeling states were predicted by increased use of exercise feelings imagery. However, appearance-health imagery acted as a suppressor variable to enhance the magnitude of relationship with revitalization and tranquility. Moreover, technique imagery partially mediated the relationship with positive engagement. Finally, moderated hierarchical multiple regressions followed by simple slope analysis indicated that the positive relationship between exercise feelings imagery and revitalization was only significant for participants who exercised less. This study provides empirical evidence that the relationship between imagery and feeling states is moderated by exercise behavior and suggests that imagery interventions for enhancing the positive exercise-induced feeling states might yield the most pronounced benefits for less active individuals.