Motive- and appearance awareness-based explanations for body (dis)satisfaction following exercise in daily life.

Collectively, the present findings offer some support for both motive- and appearance awareness-based explanations for the reduced benefits of exercise on body satisfaction exhibited in individuals with trait body dissatisfaction. Targeting the reasons for exercise and what one focuses on during exercise may be viable ways to overcome potential negative impacts of exercise on body image for these individuals. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? While the physical and psychological benefits of exercise are well established, recent findings suggest that these benefits for body satisfaction may be reduced (and possibly reversed) for individuals with elevated trait body dissatisfaction. The reasons for this moderating effect remain unclear. What does this study add? Trait body-dissatisfied individuals more often engaged in exercise for appearance-related reasons. Appearance motives for exercise are associated with smaller body satisfaction gains post-exercise. Reduced body satisfaction was also linked to increased appearance awareness post-exercise.