CHARACTERISTICS THAT DISCRIMINATE BETWEEN REGULAR EXERCISERS, MINIMAL EXERCISERS, AND NON-EXERCISERS 803

Abstract

The goal of this study was to better understand factors that discriminate between regular exercises (RE), minimal exercisers (ME), and those who at one time exercised but now do not (NE). A comprehensive and objective structured interview based on items incorporated in past research and designed to include variables previously related to exercise adherence was utilized. Specifically, social support for exercise, discomfort while exercising, distance from where exercise, cognitions while exercising, exercise self-efficacy, perception of time available for exercise, Type A behavior, and specific reasons (e.g., improved health) for exercise were assessed. Two hundred and fifty seven adults who had previously enrolled in Adult Fitness Programs at two universities were administered the structured interview. The time since their enrollment in the programs ranged from 1 to 20 years with a mean of 9.5 years. The subjects were divided into three groups (RE, ME, NE) based on their current exercise habits. The validity of these groupings was demonstrated by analysis of exercise behavior and body mass data. Discriminant analysis using exercise group as the independent variable and the interview responses as dependent variables yielded two significant functions (p<.001). The first was characterized by high levels of exercise self-efficacy and health motivation along with living close to where they exercise. RE scored highest on this function followed by ME and then NE. The second function was characterized only by health motivation. This function most described NE followed by RE and finally ME. These results demonstrate that all subjects recognized the health benefits of regular exercise, even those not currently exercising. However, the RE group distinguished itself as being characterized by high levels of exercise self-efficacy and being located within close proximity to where they exercise. This suggests that planning skills in terms of time and place of exercise along with the belief that they will exercise even when competing interests or emotions challenge their time are discriminating characteristics of RE.