Mirror, mirror on the wall ….

The motivation to exercise varies from woman to woman. Some work out to lose weight or to maintain their current weight, while others hit the gym to improve their health or increase their strength and flexibility.

And while your body is likely to benefit from exercise regardless of your motivation, a new study reveals that women with body-image issues benefit more from an exercise class when the instructor focuses on the health benefits of exercise, not on potential changes to the body.

The study, conducted by East Carolina University researchers Thomas Raedeke and Donna Scales, focused on 100 college-aged women with social physique anxiety. In other words, these women were chronically worried that others are critiquing their bodies.

The women took part in group exercise classes — the first class was led by an instructor who focused on appearance, and the second class focused on the health benefits of exercise. In the second group, the instructor wore loose-fitting clothing and sprinkled the class with phrases like “Work it, let’s get fit and healthy.”

The results of the study indicated that participants were more likely to return to the class that focused on improving their health, and that they disliked the first instructor’s focus on appearance.

This study, coupled with research that suggests mirrors in a gym can negatively affect how someone feels, shows the impact that your mind can have on exercise.

Ideally, exercising should be a personal endeavor, but working out in a crowded gym full of mirrors can often take the focus off of the health benefits of exercise. An exercise instructor emphasizing your appearance can do the same.

So the next time you’re at the gym, focus on your workout and not on your appearance or, perhaps more importantly, anyone else’s. Your body will thank you.