Body Dissatisfaction, Drive for Thinness, and Obligatoy Exercise Among Certified Fitness Instructors

Abstract

1554 Certified fitness instructors may be considered role models of fitness. Certified fitness instructors may experience an intense pressure related to body image and fitness. This pressure can lead to obsessive and unhealthy methods of training. PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness and obligatory exercise in certified fitness instructors. Methods: The subjects completed a questionnaire consisting of demographic questions, the Obligatory Exercise Questionnaire, the Body Dissatisfaction subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory 2, the Drive for Thinness Subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory 2, and the Body Contour Drawing Rating Scale. Subjects: A total of 325 subjects completed the questionnaire. The subjects included personal trainers, group exercise instructors, and strength and conditioning coaches. Results: A significant relationship (p<.05) was found between body dissatisfaction and obligatory exercise in female fitness instructors. The more dissatisfied a female instructor was with her body, the more she exercised. In addition, a significant relationship (p<.05) was found between drive for thinness and obligatory exercise. Forty three percent of the female instructors were obligatory exercisers. An instructor who has a high drive for thinness was more likely to be an obligatory exerciser. Seventeen percent of the female instructors wanted a body two sizes smaller than their current body size. Conclusion: The results demonstrate that certified fitness instructors experience significant body dissatisfaction and are preoccupied with their body size. This preoccupation may make these instructors more susceptible to obligatory exercise.