Preface

Physical activity and exercise are important for a healthy life. However, how to become physically active or how to remain physically active through a lifetime comes with several challenges. Learning to like an activity or to be a sports athlete depends on several factors. How much does personality matter? What does it take to have a physically active life at any level, and what are the theories behind changing habits to become more physically active or to start to exercise?

This book introduces readers to some topics within sports psychology with a special focus on motivation, behavior change, personalities, and what an individual, whether a coach, leader or teacher, can contribute to getting more people to be active at every level and create a habit of being physically active throughout life.

I would like to thank the authors for their excellent contributions.

I am also grateful to the staff at IntechOpen for their support during the preparation and publication of this book.

Good reading!

**Hilde G. Nielsen** The Research Council of Norway Oslo, Norway

## **Chapter 1**
