ACE Group Fitness Instructor Practice Exam 2025 - Free Fitness Instructor Practice Questions and Study Guide

Intrinsic motivation refers to the drive to engage in an activity for its own sake, stemming from the enjoyment and satisfaction derived from the activity itself. This type of motivation is characterized by a personal interest in the task and a genuine pleasure in the process and outcomes, rather than a reliance on external rewards or pressures. For instance, someone who exercises because they love the feeling it gives them during and after the workout is intrinsically motivated.

In contrast, extrinsic motivation involves engaging in an activity due to external factors such as rewards, recognition, or the avoidance of negative consequences. Cognitive motivation relates to intellectual engagement and pursuit of knowledge, whereas affective motivation is associated with emotions and feelings connected to an activity or experience. These distinctions clarify why intrinsic motivation is recognized specifically for its internal drive and enjoyment of the activity itself.