Long-term members\u2019 use of fitness centers: a qualitative study

Liv Riseth,Aslak Steinsbekk,Tom I L Nilsen,Torunn Hatlen Nøst

doi:10.1186/s13102-019-0114-z

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough the health benefits of physical activity are well documented, a large proportion of the population remains less active than recommended by current guidelines. Commercial fitness centers provide an opportunity to perform physical activity and exercise, but there has been little research focusing on ordinary members at commercial fitness centers. The aim of this study was therefore to explore what long-term members (> 2 years) wanted to achieve with their membership and to identify important factors that influenced them to use the fitness center as a means for physical activity.MethodThis was a qualitative study with 21 semi-structured individual interviews of adult long-term fitness center members in Trondheim, a city in Central Norway with approximately 190,000 inhabitants. The participants had been continuous fitness center members for more than two years and were asked about their experiences using a fitness center and what they wanted to achieve with the membership. The data was analyzed thematically with the method of systematic text condensation.ResultsThe results were categorized into three main themes: “Health benefits and physical appearance”; “Accessible, safe, and comfortable to use”; and “Variety, flexibility, and support.” The participants stated that they wanted to achieve health benefits, but they also talked about physical appearance. The fitness center was mainly described as easily accessible and a comfortable place for physical activity. Some female participants emphasized the feeling of safety compared to outdoor activity. Variation in activities, making commitments, and getting support from staff and other members were factors contributing to use of the fitness center for physical activity.ConclusionAchieving desired health benefits and improving physical appearance were the main drivers for long-term members’ use of the fitness center. The fitness center was preferred due to the comfort of the facilities and the possibility to commit to specific exercise times and activities.

Highlights

The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, a large proportion of the population remains less active than recommended by current guidelines
The participants stated that they wanted to achieve health benefits, but they talked about physical appearance
What long-term members wanted to achieve with their membership is described in the theme “Health benefits and physical appearance.”

Summary

Introduction

The health benefits of physical activity are well documented, a large proportion of the population remains less active than recommended by current guidelines. Physical activity behavior depends on a multitude of barriers and facilitators [5], such as accessibility [6,7,8], weather [9], and social support [10, 11]. There has been an increase in the proportion of people who attend commercial fitness centers, with 15% of the European adult population doing so in 2013 [23]. This number is higher in some countries; for instance, it is 19.4% in Norway [24]. Statistics show a steady increase in attendance at private fitness centers in European countries; the number of members was 56.4

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