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The Effect of Gender on Fitness Motivational Factors: An Examination of St. John Fisher College Undergraduate Students
| Content Provider | Semantic Scholar |
|---|---|
| Author | Lippa, Daniel J. |
| Copyright Year | 2011 |
| Abstract | Gender and the effect it has on physical fitness motivational factors for St. John Fisher undergraduate students was examined, in the context of factors such as reasons for participation (health/functioning, appearance, achievement, social) factors that contribute to commitment (feeling in control, seeing physical changes, social) and qualities important in a fitness facility (location, staff and training aids, extra amenities, operating hours, quality/type of equipment, group classes offered, membership prices/packages). Significant gender differences were found in health and functioning, achievement, social reasons, location, and group classes. EXERCISE AND MOTIVATION AT ST. JOHN FISHER 3 The Effect of Fitness Motivational Factors on Gender: An Examination of St. John Fisher College Undergraduate Students Despite the many clear benefits of an active lifestyle, the lack of physical activity within Americans is concerning (Kilpatrick, Hebert, Bartholomew, 2005). Evidence shows that physical activity improves physiological and psychological health. Given this evidence one would expect that participation in fitness would be a normal activity (Kilpatrick et al., 2005). However evidence indicates that physical activity levels have decreased from high school to college and activity patterns in college populations are generally insufficient to improve health and fitness. Only 38% of college students participate in regular vigorous activity with only 20% participating in moderate physical activity (Kilpatrick et al., 2005). Fitness and exercise can take many forms. One of the forms that individuals can exercise through is fitness centers. There are a plethora of fitness centers around the United States ranging from major corporations like Gold’s Gym, World’s Gym, and Planet Fitness, but there are also locally owned fitness centers along with fitness centers located in most colleges and universities. “Over 41 million Americans belong to private and public health clubs and fitness centers; of those members, the attrition rate is 34.5% per year” (Mullen & Whaley, 2010, p. 24). In addition, Mullen and Whaley state that “50% of people who begin structured exercise programs drop out within six months” (2010, p. 24). It is possible that non-participation in a fitness center has been one factor in the rising obesity rates. During the past 20 years only Colorado and The District of Columbia had a prevalence of obesity less than 20 percent (“Overweight,” 2009). Also nine states have an obesity rate of equal or greater than 30 percent and the obesity rate in New York State is 24.2 percent (“Overweight,” 2009). These statistics are very interesting and serve as an EXERCISE AND MOTIVATION AT ST. JOHN FISHER 4 overall challenge for all fitness centers to not only increase the amount of new members, but to also increase their customer retention rate. To conceptualize this concept of self-determination one must understand the theory behind self-determination. Self-determination theory is an influential theory on human motivation (Chatzisarantis & Hagger, 2009). The theory explains motivation and psychological well-being on the basis of autonomy, competence, and relatedness (Chatzisarantis & Hagger, 2009). Autonomy refers to the need that a person needs to be the initiator of their actions. Competence refers to producing outcomes, but understanding how one reached those outcomes and relatedness refers to the need of having supportive relationships with others in order to better meet personal goals (Chatzisarantis & Hagger, 2009). |
| File Format | PDF HTM / HTML |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | http://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=sport_undergrad |
| Alternate Webpage(s) | https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=sport_undergrad&httpsredir=1&referer= |
| Language | English |
| Access Restriction | Open |
| Content Type | Text |
| Resource Type | Article |
