Coping With Unexpected Loss of Water Supply Among Regular Exercisers Tracey J. Devonport and Andrew M. Lane University of Wolverhampton, UK Diane Crone University of Gloucestershire, UK The present study explored the effects of unexpected loss of water supply on coping strat- egies used among a sample of habitual exercisers. Nine volunteer participants complet- ed semi-structured interviews within a week of resumed water supply. Results indicated that all participants reported modifying their exercise regimen during the period of wa- ter loss. Exercise modiications, resultant consequences and coping behaviors varied across the stages of loss of water supply and appeared to be inluenced by exercise be- liefs. Given exercise has been found to be an effective self-regulatory strategy; there is a need for sport and exercise practitioners to consider carefully the role of exercise beliefs in managing the potential impact of unexpected stressors. Practitioners are encour- aged to develop methods through which they can assist athletes’ maintenance of exercise. Address Correspondence to: Tracey J. Devonport, University of Wolverhampton, Gorway Road, Walsall, WS1 3BD UK. E-Mail: T.Devonport@wlv.ac.uk Tel: 01902 323113, Fax: 01902 323295