Physical Activity Status of Gyms and Outdoor Based Group Fitness Program Participants as A Sustainable Health Model

Abstract

Health benefits of being physically active are well documented and accepted as a remedy for many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Yet many people are reluctant to make lifestyle adjustments to adopt available fitness programs sustainably. The study assessed Physical Activity Status (PAS) among young adults in Nairobi County who participate in Gym Based Group Fitness Programs (GBGFPs) and Outdoor Based Group Fitness Programs (OBGFPs) to a sustainable health model guided by the 3rd SDG. The objective was to assess PAS between GBGFP and OBGFP participants and across socio-demographic characteristics. The study used a cross-sectional analytical survey research design and a GPAQ questionnaire. Tools used were; descriptive statistics, Cross tabulations, independent T-test and chi-square. The findings were gender distribution was 37.6% male and 62.4% female with 45.6% outdoor and 54.4% gym participants. PAS (Activity at work t(240)=-7.562,p<.000, Travel/cycle t(313)=-6.176,p<.000 and Recreational activity t(295)=-6.273,p<.000 showed a significant difference where outdoor had more participants than gym. However, Sedentary behavior t(338)=-109,p<.913 had more gym participants and showed no significant difference. There was a significant relationship between the mode of training and the social-demographic status age and marital status unlike gender. The conclusion of this study informed and advocated for more efficacious sustainable fitness programs and brought more knowledge to the different social classes on the need to indulge and sustain fitness for good health. They findings greatly assist design more appropriate programs in the world of fitness harnessing the benefits of outdoor and gym based programs.