Date of Graduation

Fall 2014

Degree

Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management

Department

Public Health and Sports Medicine

Committee Chair

Melinda Novik

Abstract

Thirty-six women and 25 men were asked about their experiences, behaviors, and the benefits they experienced from engaging in a variety of exercise activities. Information gathered will help explain why individuals who engage in several different types of exercise, exercise more each week compared to individuals that engage in fewer activities. Interviews were recorded over the phone, transcribed, and used to create themes for analysis. Results showed that 67% of individuals initially learned of exercise activities through family and friends, while 39% also indicated school activities. Exercise activities were adopted 33% of the time based in part on enjoyment while 23% cited specific physical benefits. Individuals reporting involvement in a greater variety of exercise activities reported a higher exercise participation rate and a greater number of exercise variety benefits. Less active individuals reportedly participated in an average of 2.6 different types of exercise, and made 1.2 exercise benefit comments per participant while active participants participated in 3.5 types of exercise on average and made 1.6 exercise variety benefit comments per participant. These findings should encourage exercise activity leaders to promote the adoption of a variety of exercise activities. Community health advocates and leaders should evaluate and create health education resources and activity programs to ensure that a variety of exercise activities are taught.

Keywords

exercise variety, exercise participation, exercise adherence, exercise variety benefits, exercise adoption, physical activity

Subject Categories

Health and Medical Administration

Copyright

© James Paul Ritter

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