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Optimal Experience in Exercise: A Flow Perspective
Book chapter

Optimal Experience in Exercise: A Flow Perspective

Patricia C. Jackman, Rebecca M. Hawkins, Christian Swann and Scott G. Goddard
Physical Activity, Exercise, and Mental Health: an International Approach to Research and Practice, pp.176-195
International Perspectives on Key Issues in Sport and Exercise Psychology, Routledge, 1st
2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003517474-12
Appears in  Recent Faculty of Health Publications

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Abstract

Within the field of optimal experiences, flow is one of the most studied psychological states. Since it was first coined as a term in 1975 by Mihalyi Csikszentmihalyi, a steady stream of literature on flow has developed across many contexts. The first study on flow in exercise was published in the 1990s and since then, this evidence base has continued to develop. In recent reviews of research on flow in exercising populations, researchers have highlighted a range of conceptual, methodological, and practical issues with studies conducted in this field. Most research conducted to date on flow in exercise has adopted the nine-dimension framework of flow, but a small number of recent qualitative studies offer an alternative perspective on the experience of flow in exercise. Findings from these studies have implications for psychometric tools developed to assess flow based on the nine dimensions. In addition, while recent work has begun to address some issues with existing flow intervention designs, a range of challenges remain, highlighting the need for the ongoing development of robust intervention studies in the future. Despite critiques of the literature, recent findings offer avenues for research that could enhance understanding of how flow states can be facilitated in exercise. Based on the available evidence, suggested ways for exercisers and exercise psychologists, professionals, and organisations to promote flow include: having intrinsic, experiential motives for engaging in exercise activities; using non-specific goals and adopting a flexible approach to goal setting; not feeling under pressure or having (lofty) expectations during activities; engaging in exercise in a way that is optimally challenging; and avoiding cognitive control through distraction. Further high-quality studies on flow in exercise can enhance understanding in this area and help researchers to move closer towards fulfilling the suggested promise of flow states for exercisers.

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