“To Feel Better”

Abstract

Physical inactivity has been identified as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Worksites provide an ideal environment for physical activity (PA) interventions so understanding motives for physical activity participation of inactive employees could better inform worksite activity interventions. PURPOSE: To examine self-identified motivators for inactive faculty and staff to be more physically active. METHODS: Employees at a Midwestern mid-sized public university were recruited via employee email to participate in an 8-week pedometer-based physical activity intervention that included weekly behavioral education meetings the first four weeks of the program. Only employees currently not meeting minimum physical activity recommendations (<150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity/week) could enroll. At the start of the intervention, program participants (n=58) were asked to write down their top motivators for being physically active. They were then asked to rank their top three motives. The top three motives for each participant (n=174) were analyzed qualitatively by a content analysis. Motives were coded and organized into categories and sub-categories. RESULTS: The findings indicate that the top categories of motivators for being physically active were 1) weight related (n=40), 2) improve mental health (n=24), 3) impact future health (n=19), 4) improve health now (n=18), and, 5) family (n=17). Top motives identified were a mix of both short-term and long-term motives. There were only a scant number (n=3) of intrinsic motivators identified. CONCLUSION: Participants were encouraged to be specific in identifying their top motives (i.e. “decrease/eliminate prescription medicines” vs. “health benefits”). An interesting category emerged with many participants using the exact statement, “to feel better” considering the relative subjectivity of the statement. Furthermore, participants rarely identified enjoyment of physical activity itself as a motivator. Future interventions should focus on helping participants identify types of activities they enjoy to try to promote intrinsic motivation for physical activity adoption and adherence.