Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to examine aspects of personality and exercise enjoyment on physical activity levels in young adults. Fifty-three undergraduate students (22 males and 31 females) participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete surveys assessing exercise enjoyment, personality, and physical activity level. Participants were then asked to ride a bike for 30-minutes at a moderate intensity (at 65% maximal heart rate) to assess mood. Statistical analyses revealed that physical activity was strongly correlated with enjoyment of exercise. Highly physically active participants self-reported significantly less neuroticism and greater extraversion than less active participants. After the exercise bout, there was a significant improvement in mood, with more neurotic individuals reporting the greatest improvements. The findings observed in this study emphasize the need for mental health and fitness practitioners to develop exercise programs that address individual needs and encourage the enjoyment of exercise in order to promote well-being among young adults.
Highlights
The purpose of the present study was to examine aspects of personality and exercise enjoyment on physical activity levels in young adults
Research shows that physical activity levels decrease with age, and the greatest decline tends to occur between adolescence and young adulthood [11]
We focused on personality traits that can potentially affect exercise enjoyment and physical activity levels
Summary
The purpose of the present study was to examine aspects of personality and exercise enjoyment on physical activity levels in young adults. Participants were asked to complete surveys assessing exercise enjoyment, personality, and physical activity level. The findings observed in this study emphasize the need for mental health and fitness practitioners to develop exercise programs that address individual needs and encourage the enjoyment of exercise in order to promote well-being among young adults. Many individuals recognize the importance of participating regularly in an exercise program, compliance with public health recommendations for physical activity remains low [8, 9]. Research shows that physical activity levels decrease with age, and the greatest decline tends to occur between adolescence and young adulthood [11].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
