#46. Dr Nikita Rowley. The Gap Between Knowing & Doing

Why do so many of us struggle to become more active when we already know exercise is good for us?

In this episode, Andrew speaks with Dr Nikita Rowley, Chartered Psychologist and researcher at Coventry University, about the psychology of behaviour change, exercise referral schemes, physical activity pathways and which interventions help people move more.

Drawing on her PhD research evaluating exercise referral schemes across England, Nikita shares surprising findings about who these programmes are reaching, why confidence may be one of the most important outcomes we can measure, and why a gym membership isn't necessarily the answer for everyone.

The conversation explores the gap between intention and action, the importance of creating multiple pathways into movement, and how healthcare professionals, coaches and communities can better support people to become more active.

Towards the end of the episode, Andrew and Nikita discuss GLP-1 medications, sustainable behaviour change and why meaningful activities often matter more than fitness metrics.

If you’re a practitioner, this episode is a great listen.

Resources that came up:

• NICE PH54: Exercise Referral Schemes to Promote Physical Activity - NICE PH54 Exercise Referral Schemes Guidance
• Physical Activity Guidelines - World Health Organization (WHO) Physical Activity Guidelines - WHO Physical Activity Guidelines

• Susan Michie and the Behaviour Change Wheel - Nikita and Andrew discuss the challenge of turning intention into action. Behaviour Change Wheel
• International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - One of the tools discussed in relation to measuring physical activity levels within exercise referral schemes. ⁠International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)⁠

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