mirror or poster if present, and therefore
anticipate exercising in this situation. The
next study iteration should assess the mood
states outside of the exercise environment,
rendering the between-subjects changes in
emotional states more commensurate.
The implications of this study are not far
from the conclusions of other research
showing potential influence from
popularized, unattainable ideals (9); while
pictures of fit, ideal bodies are pervasive,
they are not only not inspiring, but could
decrease some mood-enhancing properties
that exercise can naturally bring. Practically
speaking, the results suggest exercisers
should consider their exercise environment
when choosing to optimize tension
reduction in their workouts. This could
have the side-effect of increased enjoyment
of exercise behaviors, which could
subsequently increase or decrease exercise
frequency. Also, gym owners may pay
more attention to decisions regarding
interior aesthetics knowing they could
affect both the physical performance and
the subjective experiences of clients, even
subconsciously. Perhaps health clubs
would do well to consider the clientele to
whom they cater while planning mirror and
poster placement, because, as this study
suggests, social and physical environmental
factors do seem to measurably affect
exercise performance and mood state.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to thank Melanie Lara,
Marissa Sia, Paul Moreno, and Emily
Monasterio for their assistance with the
project.