Motivational regulations of users in unisex fitness centres

Abstract

ABSTRACT Motivational regulation is a determining factor for adherence to physical activity. Therefore, this study investigated the influence of sociodemographic variables, such as sex, age and educational level, as well as the duration and frequency of weekly physical activity, on the motivational regulations of fitness centre users. A total of 500 users (58.70% women and 41.30% men) from public and private fitness centres participated in the study. Motivational regulations were measured using the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire. This instrument obtained an adequate model fit and reliability after the calculation of the Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient, respectively. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was calculated to determinate the differences between groups, using the Bonferroni correction. The highest scores were recorded for identified (M = 3.50; SD = 0.64), intrinsic (M = 3.33; SD = 0.83) and integrated (M = 2.95; SD = 1.06) regulations. There were no significant differences in motivational regulations according to sex. However, there were significant differences according to age, educational level, seniority in physical activity practice and weekly practice time. Therefore, users who had been in the fitness centres longer scored higher in intrinsic, integrated and identified regulations. Moreover, integrated and identified regulations were greater when the frequency of weekly fitness increased. Fitness centres and trainers should be aware of users’ physical activity motives and guide them toward more self-determined regulation that promotes sport adherence and health, especially for newer users.