Abstract

To study the effect of moderate exercise on self-rated mood and other behaviors, 5-min brisk walks were taken by smokers before a desired cigarette (Experiment l; N = 16), or by frequent snackers before a sugar snack (Experiment 2; N = 18) on multiple occasions over 3-week periods. Self-ratings before and after exercise indicated that walks produced increased energy and reduced urge to smoke or snack. Also the walks approximately doubled the time before smoking the next cigarette or eating the next snack in free smoking and snacking conditions. This research provides some evidence for a self-regulation of mood model in which moderate exercise may sometimes be substituted for smoking or snacking on the basis of common mood effects.