Exercise Dependence and Body Image Concerns Amongst Group Fitness Instructors: A Self-Determination Theory Approach.

Michael S Reinboth,Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen,Solfrid Bratland-Sanda

doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.816287

Michael S Reinboth, Jorunn Sundgot-Borgen + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.816287

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Abstract

IntroductionDespite the fact that group fitness instructors serve as significant role models with potentially great impact on class participants' motivation for exercise, they are a very under-researched group. The aim of this study was therefore to examine group fitness instructors' motivational regulations for exercise, and how these motivational regulations can predict symptoms of exercise dependence and body image concerns.MethodsGroup fitness instructors from the largest fitness companies in Norway (n = 837, response rate: 57%) completed an online survey with reference to the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS), the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Eating Disorders Inventory subscales drive for thinness (EDI-DT) and body dissatisfaction (EDI-BD), and their weekly amount of exercise and instruction.ResultsThe instructors scored high on identified regulation and intrinsic regulation for exercise. EDS total score was positively correlated with all SIMS subscales and weekly instruction was positively correlated with Intrinsic regulation. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses found that both self-determined motivational regulations as well as external regulation positively predicted their EDS score. External regulation positively predicted EDI-DT, and EDI-BD.ConclusionGroup fitness instructors seem highly intrinsically motivated for exercise, which is hypothesized to have a positive impact on group fitness class participants. High self-determined exercise behavior does not seem to buffer against symptoms of exercise dependence within this specific population. There is a need for awareness of group fitness instructors who show high exercise dependency scores due to the link to body image concerns, amotivation and external regulated motivation.

Highlights

Despite the fact that group fitness instructors serve as significant role models with potentially great impact on class participants’ motivation for exercise, they are a very under-researched group
There is a need for awareness of group fitness instructors who show high exercise dependency scores due to the links between body image concerns and nonself-determined regulation of exercise motivation
Our study showed that group fitness instructors were highly intrinsically motivated for exercise, which is hypothesized to have a positive impact on their class participants

Summary

Introduction

Despite the fact that group fitness instructors serve as significant role models with potentially great impact on class participants’ motivation for exercise, they are a very under-researched group. The fitness center industry has grown rapidly over the past three decades; it is recognized to be an important arena for public health work (De Lyon et al, 2017), and group fitness instructors have been shown to be important role models with potentially great impact on their class participants’ exercise behaviors and attitudes (Carron et al, 1996; Thogersen-Ntoumani and Ntoumanis, 2007). The industry has shown extensive focus on body weight, shape and appearance in communication with its members (D’Abundo, 2007) and a high prevalence of disordered eating behavior has been reported among group fitness instructors (Hoglund and Normen, 2002; Bratland-Sanda et al, 2015). A qualitative study of female aerobics participants (Markula, 1995), showed that participants reported persistent body image dissatisfaction despite their high levels of physical activity participation

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