Subjective temporal proximity to future selves moderates the link between exercise intentions and behavior

This study investigated whether temporal distance to a future self in a year's time moderated the exercise intention- behavior relationship. Eighty adult regular cyclists, runners, and group exercisers completed an online survey that assessed exercise intentions and closeness to a future self, as well as a 4-week follow-up survey to report exercise behavior. Most notably, closeness to a future self moderated the intention- behavior relationship, whereby feeling closer to a future self was related to increased intention- behavior congruency. This research supports the contention that temporal distance to future selves is an important consideration in the exercise domain.