Exercise Motivation Inventory Research Articles

Sex difference in body image, exercise motivation and social comparison among Instagram users: a cross sectional study.

In the 21 st century, impact of social media, particularly Social Networking Sites (SNSs) has been linked to a wide range of human beliefs and expectations. Growing body of research has indicated that body image concerns along with exercise motivation and social comparison are on the rise among young adults. The present study aimed to examine the sex difference in body image, exercise motivation and social comparison among people who use Instagram in the age group 20-30. A total of 212 participants (men=106, women=106) aged 20-30 years, who are users of Instagram completed Body Self Image Questionnaire Short Form as a measure of Body image, Exercise Motivation Inventory - 2 as a measure of Exercise Motivation and Instagram as a Tool for Social Comparison as a measure of Social Comparison. Results showed that a significant difference in body image exist across gender with body image issues higher among females and significant difference in exercise motivation across gender with exercise motivation higher among males. No sex differences were seen in social comparison. It was concluded that body image concerns are higher among females and the drive for exercise is higher among males who used Instagram. It was found that body image concerns were higher among people who exercised regularly as well as among those who followed fitness related pages on Instagram as compared to those who did not. These results provide an insight into the sex differences between the variables and future directions can be aimed at conducting an in-depth analysis using body image, exercise motivation and social comparison.

Motivations to Engage in Physical Activity Among Non-traditional College Students at a Hispanic-serving Institution

Exercise motivations for undergraduate college students vary for numerous reasons. Regardless of those reasons, it is important for higher education administrators to understand these motivations to provide opportunities that increase exercise behavior. Undergraduate students attending a Hispanic-serving Institution (HSI) in a metro area in the northeast region of the United States were administered the Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) (N = 140) to ascertain their motivations to engage in physical activity (PA), particularly to compare the differences between traditional (TS) and non-traditional (NTS) college students. Three variations (i.e., age, children, and employment status) were used to compare the different motivations to engage in PA. NTS over 25 years old or having children scored significantly higher on the physical and psychological health-related motivations (e.g., ill-health avoidance, positive health, stress management, and revitalization). TS scored significantly higher on social-related motivations (e.g., affiliation and competition). There was no significant difference in motivation to engage in PA between students’ employment status. Results highlight different motivations to engage in PA between TS and NTS. This article presents tailored interventions for specific student cohorts to promote an increase in PA participation at HSI.Keywords: Exercise Motivation, Hispanic-Serving Institution, Non-Traditional College Students, Physical Activity, Traditional College Students

Analysis of Physical Activity Behavior and Motivation in Students

Background: Despite the many benefits of an active lifestyle, lack of physical activity is a significant health problem for students. Objective: This research uses a descriptive research design. The purpose of this descriptive research is to determine the basic level of physical activity behavior, motivational factors, in order to develop tailored or targeted physical activity programs and interventions for students. This research consisted of 20 male students and 20 female students. Method: The collection methods used in this research are: physical activity behavior using GLTEQ (Goding Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), physical activity motivation using EMI-2 (Exercise Motivation Inventory-2) and Ability to use Self three types (Task, Coping and scheduling). Results: The results show that the physical activity of 28% of women and 45% of men from the entire sample participated in 20 minutes of vigorous activity, while only 17% of women and 10% of men from all participants participated in 30 minutes of less physical activity and for 5-day 13% female and 18% male of all students. The conclusion shows that students' physical activity behavior is lacking in physical activity behavior with low physical activity with a description of motivation and self-efficacy in maintaining health and physical fitness. Conclusion: Recommendations for further research are that the parties concerned pay more attention to physical activity behavior, motivation and self-efficacy in students because the benefits of regular physical activity will make the body healthy and increase constructive physical activity behavior.

Extrapolating Pre-service Physical Educators’ Motives and Barriers to Exercise as Basis for the Development of a Physical Activity Plan

The need to examine whether existing constructs in motives and barriers are still relevant in contemporary times is both a challenge and a trend in research concerning school physical activity. Ergo, this study sought to extrapolate Filipino pre-service physical educators' present-day motives and barriers to exercise, with a valid physical activity plan as the end in mind. A free-listing methodology was utilized to document the motives and barriers of the participants (N = 269) coded using the subscales of the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) and Barriers to Physical Activity Scale, respectively. Motives and barriers not covered within the scales were initially coded as ‘other barriers’ and were subsequently coded in the light of existing literature. The subscales from the EMI-2 for coding the motives to exercise the PSPEs are still apparent in contemporary times which is led by ‘positive health’ and ‘appearance.’ Meanwhile, ‘lack of time’, ‘feeling too tired’, and ‘having an injury and/or disease’ are the three leading barriers for the respondents to exercise. Other motives and barriers were likewise reported in the study. A proposed physical activity plan was developed considering the results of the study, and inputs from the faculty implementers, and was validated by three expert physical educators using face validation. It is recommended that psychological and behavioral constructs such as motives and barriers be integrated into the planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating physical activity plans to foster healthy and active would-be physical educators.

Motivational variations in fitness: a population study of exercise modalities, gender and relationship status.

Motivation plays a crucial role in determining whether or not a person adheres to an exercise program. The present study aimed to determine the motivational differences between people exercising in fitness alone, in groups/aerobics and with a personal trainer by gender and relationship status. The Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) questionnaire was completed by 830 users of 20 largest fitness centers in Slovenia. The Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a Dunn post-hoc test revealed that health-related motives such as ill-health avoidance were most frequently associated with exercising with a personal trainer compared to other exercise modalities, especially among females (p = 0.032, M = 4.88) and people in a relationship (p = 0.020, M = 5.18). On the other hand, intrinsic motivations such as enjoyment and stress management were mostly associated with exercising alone (p = 0.002, M = 4.98 and p = 0.021, M = 4.68, respectively). These results were also transferred to females and to some extent to people in a relationship (for enjoyment only). It is expected that intrinsic motivation is related to sustained exercise behavior. Future studies could implement a longitudinal design to test this statement and examine the proposed relationships over a longer period to better understand whether there may be causal relationships between motivation and different exercise modalities depending on different characteristics of participants.

Sex difference in body image, exercise motivation and social comparison among Instagram users: a cross sectional study

In the 21st century, impact of social media, particularly Social Networking Sites (SNSs) has been linked to a wide range of human beliefs and expectations. Growing body of research has indicated that body image concerns along with exercise motivation and social comparison are on the rise among young adults. The present study aimed to examine the sex difference in body image, exercise motivation and social comparison among people who use Instagram in the age group 20-30. A total of 212 participants (men=106, women=106) aged 20-30 years, who are users of Instagram completed Body Self Image Questionnaire Short Form as a measure of Body image, Exercise Motivation Inventory – 2 as a measure of Exercise Motivation and Instagram as a Tool for Social Comparison as a measure of Social Comparison. Results showed that a significant difference in body image exist across gender with body image issues higher among females and significant difference in exercise motivation across gender with exercise motivation higher among males. No sex differences were seen in social comparison. It was concluded that body image concerns are higher among females and the drive for exercise is higher among males who used Instagram. It was found that body image concerns were higher among people who exercised regularly as well as among those who followed fitness related pages on Instagram as compared to those who did not. These results provide an insight into the sex differences between the variables and future directions can be aimed at conducting an in-depth analysis using body image, exercise motivation and social comparison.

Online physiotherapy for people with axial spondyloarthritis: quantitative and qualitative data from a cohort study

Life-long exercise is essential in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) management; however, long-term adherence is challenging. Online exercise programmes are an alternative to face-to-face physiotherapy. (1) To measure adherence to a 12-month, individualised, online physiotherapy programme for people with axSpA, and investigate the effects on disease activity, spinal mobility, work ability, quality of life and function. (2) To investigate associations between programme adherence and outcomes. (3) To explore participants’ views of the programme and factors affecting adherence. Participants were ‘non-exercisers’ recruited from rheumatology outpatient services. Adherence was measured using online diary entries. Outcomes included the BATH indices, health status (EQ5D), Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life (ASQOL), exercise capacity (6MWT), Work, Productivity and Activity Impairment in AS (WPAI), Exercise Attitude Questionnaire (EAQ) and Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Interviews determined views on the intervention and factors affecting adherence. Fifty participants were recruited. Over the 52-week intervention, adherence (five times/week) ranged from 19% (± 30%) to 44% (± 35%). Significant improvements were found in disease activity (BASDAI), spinal mobility (BASMI), 6MWT, AsQoL and EQ5D-VAS at 6 and 12 months. There were no associations between adherence and baseline variables or demographics. Interviews suggested support from others, routine, and feeling the benefit positively affected adherence. Conversely, lack of motivation, life events and symptoms negatively affected adherence. A 12-month online physiotherapy programme significantly improved symptoms in people with axSpA who were not regular exercisers. Adherence reduced over the intervention period. Online exercise programmes may benefit people with axSpA; however, strategies to improve adherence are required.

UNCOVERING THE MOTIVATIONAL STRUCTURE OF EXERCISE: A STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES

This study examined the relationship between demographic variables and exercise motivation. 764 exercisers from the 18 largest Slovenian fitness clubs completed the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 questionnaire, which was combined with other demographic questions. The analysis confirmed that men exercise different reasons than women. Young adults crave social recognition and exposure, but also want to get stronger and compete with others. Older adults exercise because they want to recover, stay healthy, control their weight, and stay mobile. Participants who played competitive sports in their youth now exercise because they enjoy exercise, feel challenged, and compete, but also because they want to be recognized socially more than non-competitors who exercise primarily for health reasons. Single people have statistically significantly different motivations to exercise than people who are in a relationship or married, mainly affiliation and social recognition. In contrast, married people exercise mainly for health reasons. Employment status also has an impact on exercise motivation, as does education. People with higher education levels exercise more for health reasons, while less educated people exercise for challenge, competition, and social recognition. These findings highlight the practical importance of motivational structure among athletes from different demographic backgrounds.

Is there a relationship between the motivation of female fitness practitioners and tobacco and alcohol consumption? Perspectives for improving lifestyle for health

The practice of PE has been associated with the adoption of healthy lifestyles. The objective of the study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between tobacco and alcohol consumption and the type of modality practiced; and if the reasons presented for the practice are somehow related to these habits. The sample consisted of 177 adult women, who practice Fitness, divided into 3 groups: 68 practitioners of high intensity modalities, 54 of Zen modalities, and 55 of modalities of both types. The Exercise Motivation Inventory 2 was used to assess the reasons for the practice of PE. Relating smoking and alcoholism habits with the reasons for the practice, significant positive correlations were found between: smoking habits/affiliation (p = .037); alcohol consumption/keeping healthy (p = .035). Significant inverse relationships between: number of cigarettes smoked per day/weight management (p = .000); number of cigarettes smoked per day/health (p = .048). Class 3 of women who quit smoking had statistically significant higher scores on disease (p = .012) and staying healthy (p = .001). Affiliation is a common reason for smoking and exercising; those who smoked for a longer period of time seem to resort to the practice for reasons relating to the onset of illness or to maintain their health. Women who don't drink seem to be more concerned about their health than women who do drink. Clarifying these relationships is essential for creating more effective intervention programs to eliminate/reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption and their harmful effects on health.

Motivation and Anxiety in adult strength training practitioners during the Covid-19 pandemic

The objective of this study was to analyze which motivational factors influenced the search for the practice of strength training (ST) and its relationship with anxiety in adults during the new coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Forty-three ST practitioners analyzed their motivational factors using the Exercise Motivations Inventory - 2 (EMI-2) and their anxiety level using the Depression and Stress Anxiety Scale (DASS-21). Friedman's tests were used to compare motivational factors, and Spearman's tests were used to relate the EMI-2 results with the DASS-21 anxiety subscale. The main motivational factors for the practice of ST were physical condition, disease prevention, fun and well-being, and stress control. Anxiety levels showed a negative relationship with the affiliation factor for older ST practitioners (≥26 years). It is concluded that health care is the biggest motivational aspect for the practice of ST during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Karate Practice Motives as Physical Exercise: A Study in Londrina, Brazil

Karate has changed over time, with consequent changes in the motives for its practice. As a general objective, this study sought to understand the reasons that lead an individual to practice Karate, as a form of physical exercise in Londrina (Brazil) gyms. As specific objectives, this study sought to investigate how these motives are manifested and from what sources. A validated portuguese version of the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) was applied, with questions related to the main motives that would lead people to practice Karate as physical exercise. The sample consisted of 97 individuals (81 male and 16 female), with ages ranging from 18 to 50 years old. The results showed that the most cited motives were Fun/Well-Being, Stress Control, Physical Condition and Disease Prevention. No significant differences were found between these motives and in relation to the domains, the most cited were psychological and physical conditions. The least cited motives were health rehabilitation and social recognition.

Relationship between Stress Severity and Motivation to Exercise among Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students in Malaysia

Introduction: Physiotherapy students are vulnerable to stress due to the challenging scope of study and the dynamic learning environment. Studies found out that physiotherapy students have inadequate physical activity. Thus, sufficient motivation is vital in promoting active lifestyle. This study was conducted to evaluate stress severity and exercise motivation among physiotherapy students in Malaysia. This study also aimed to investigate the relationship between stress and exercise motivation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 208 physiotherapy students in Malaysia. The Medical Student Stressor Questionnaire was used to evaluate stress severity while the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 was used to evaluate exercise motivation. Results: Academic-related stressors (2.66±0.66) have the highest score among all the stressors, followed by teaching and learning related stressors (2.47±0.76) and group activities related stressors (2.08±1.01). Top three exercise motivation with highest means were positive health (4.34±0.87), ill-health avoidance (4.19±0.95) and strength and endurance (4.08±1.00). Academic related stressors were not significantly correlated with any of the 14 domains of exercise motivations. Teaching and learning related stressors were significantly positively correlated with affiliation (rs=0.198, p<0.05) and competition (rs=0.209, p<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between group activities related stressors and competition (rs=0.166, p<0.05). However, group activities related stressors were significantly negatively correlated with health pressures (rs=-0.290, p<0.05), ill health avoidance (rs=-0.206, p<0.05), positive health (rs=-0.171, p<0.05), weight management (rs=-0.198, p<0.05) and strength and endurance (rs=-0.138, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study showed that moderate to high severity of stress exists among physiotherapy students in Malaysia, with academic stress as the top stressor. Positive health is the strongest motivation to exercise, followed by ill health avoidance and strength and endurance. This study can be utilized in planning a comprehensive approach to cope with stress and to enhance the exercise motivation among physiotherapy students in Malaysia.

Psychometric testing of the Maltese versions of the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale and Exercise Motivation Inventory - 2.

Consideration of psychological factors towards exercise participation is important, especially when placed within a cultural context. The aim of this study was to translate the Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale and Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 to Maltese and undertake psychometric testing. Maltese-speaking participants (n = 170) aged 18 to 69 years were recruited. 72% completed both questionnaires twice within an 8-to 48-hour period. Reliability was calculated using the Spearman correlation, intraclass correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman plots. Convergent construct validity was tested using Spearman correlation between theoretical variables. In total 155 participants completed the questionnaires at both time points. The test/re-test reliability of the two questionnaires was >0.7 for all analyses. Correlations for validity were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The translated tools have similar psychometric properties to the original version; the authors recommend that health care professionals and physical activity practitioners use these tools when examining population-level physical activity behaviour among Maltese-speaking individuals.

Physical Activity and Exercise Participation Motives as Correlates of Dance Skills Performance Among Grade 10 Students

This study aimed to determine the relationship of physical activity and exercise participation motives with that of the dance skills performance of students. This study utilized the descriptive- correlational research design with 40 of Cagbalete Island National High School Grade 10 students of the academic year 2021-2022 as the respondents. Participatory motives were measured using the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) of Markland (1997). The statistical tools used were the mean statistics standard deviation in determining the participation motives of the respondents and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient in determining the relationship between the participatory motives and dance skills performance of the respondents. Results show that enjoyment is the top motive of the students to participate in physical activity and exercises. They are very good in manifesting their physical, technical and skills performance. It was concluded that there is a significant relationship between the physical activity and exercise motives in terms of enjoyment with that of the dance skills performance of the students, which implies that enjoyment plays a crucial role in their physical activity participation. To ensure enjoyment in Physical Education (PE) it is suggested that teacher consider certain enjoyment processes particularly activity-related excitement when structuring PE activities and programs.

Exercise Motives of College Students after the COVID-19 Lockdown.

This study describes the physical activity of university students (PA) and their motives to exercise in the summer of 2021, after the COVID-19 lockdown in Slovenia. Adults over 18 years of age (n = 493; 72% women) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form and the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2) via an anonymous online survey. Since the EMI-2 has never been used with the Slovenian population, the measurement properties of the Slovenian version (EMI-2) were also determined in this study. A forward–backward translation was used for cross-cultural adaptation. The internal consistency of the EMI-2 subscales was high. The results of the study showed that male students spent more minutes per session on intense physical activity and performed this activity more frequently per week, whereas female students were more likely to walk for more than 10 min without a break. In addition, female participants were more likely than male participants to cite weight management as a motivator. Male participants were more likely than female participants to cite fun, challenge, social recognition, belonging, competition, and strength and endurance as motivations. Results showed that respondents with a history of competitive sports had higher scores for revitalization, fun, challenge, social recognition, affiliation, competition, positive health, appearance, strength and endurance, and flexibility. They also engaged in intense physical activity more frequently per week, and when they engaged in moderate or intense PA activity, they did so for longer periods of time. Compared to respondents who never exercised, more of them overcame COVID-19. The results also showed some correlation between motivation and physical activity. The motives of revitalization, enjoyment, challenge, competition, strength and endurance, and stress management were more important for individuals who exercised vigorously more often in the past 7 days. Total time spent in daily physical activity is also related to the enjoyment of exercise and challenge. In conclusion, understanding the motives for exercise is important for the behavior of PA, especially after a period of inactivity due to lockdown.

Changes in health-related quality of life, motivation for physical activity, and the levels of anxiety and depression after individualized aerobic training in subjects with metabolic syndrome

ObjectiveNumerous studies associate metabolic syndrome (MetS) with poor life quality, depression, and anxiety. Aerobic exercise training has proven its value in promoting health among subjects with MetS. We aimed to evaluate the changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL), motivation for physical activity, and the levels of anxiety and depression in subjects with MetS after individualized aerobic training. MethodsA total of 140 subjects with MetS (53.2 ± 6.8 years, 55% female) were analyzed after the random assignment to the intervention (n = 84) or the control group (n = 56). Only the intervention group participated in the 8-week HR targeted aerobic training program, which consisted of exercises on a cycle ergometer for 30‑40 min/day, 5 days/week. In all study participants HRQOL, motivation for physical activity, anxiety and depression levels were evaluated by the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, the Exercise Motivations Inventory-2, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale before and after 8 weeks. ResultsAfter 8 weeks, self-reported physical functioning significantly increased only in the intervention group (p = 0.01). The scores of mental health-summary and role limitations due to emotional problems also improved in subjects with MetS, who participated in the aerobic training program (p < 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). The scores for social engagement motive, enjoyment and revitalization motive, and fitness motive to exercise increased (p = 0.003, p < 0.001, p = 0.023, respectively), whereas the level of depression reduced only in the intervention group (p = 0.021). ConclusionsThe 8-week individualized aerobic training had a positive effect on HRQOL, motivation for physical activity, and the level of depression in subjects with MetS.

For Exercise, Relaxation, or Spirituality: Exploring Participation Motives and Conformity to Masculine Norms among Male and Female Yoga Participants.

Yoga is a traditional practice from India with the potential to promote physical activity and health. Participation worldwide remains low, particularly among men. To better understand yoga participation parameters, with a special focus on what influences male participation, this study examined gender differences in participation motives and conformity to masculine norms. It also explored these factors across three participant subgroups who differed in their engagement with the physical and the more psycho-spiritual aspects of yoga. A total of 546 yoga participants (138 males, 399 females, 9 others), 18–73 years old, completed an online survey that included an adapted version of the Exercise Motivation Inventory–2 and three subscales from the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory–46. Results showed significant gender differences in participation motives and conformity to masculine norms. Females were more motivated by positive affect, health/fitness, nimbleness, mind–body integration, and coping/stress management, whereas males were more motivated by supplementary activity and competition/social recognition. These differences should be considered in tailoring messages to promote uptake and continued participation. Furthermore, males were more likely than females to conform to emotional control and heterosexual self-presentation masculine norms. Future research may examine how differences in masculine norm adherence influences uptake, particularly among men.

Polne razlike u kvalitetu života i motivaciji za treningom kod adolescenata prosečne i suvišne telesne mase

The main aim of this transversal study was to examine the relevant differences between the constructs of quality of life and exercise motivation among male and female adolescents of average and increased body mass. The sample included high school students from Valjevo (N = 337). The average age of the participants was M = 16.53 years (SD = .38). Two measuring instruments were used: The Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) and The Kidscreen Questionnaire -27 (TKQ). The results of the Cronbach's alpha suggested that the questionnaires used in the research have satisfactory level of reliability and internal consistency, and are valid for assessing adolescent population in Serbia. The research has shown that there are internal and external motives for adolescents' exercise motivation, and that the male adolescents more favourably perceive the quality of life. Statistically significant gender differences were found, there was higher level of the evaluation of the TKQ construct among male adolescents than female adolescents which is the consequence of a more substantial view of physical well-being, pleasant feelings and moods, good family and social environment, as well as the ability to organize and arrange free time. It was also found that participants with average body mass prefer the perception of own physical activity and health more than their peers with increased body mass. Male adolescents do physical exercise for enjoyment, challenge, competition, strength and endurance, as well as for social reasons (factors such as belonging to a group, pressure, and acceptance), whereas female participants are more willing to exercise in order to control their body mass. The results of the Mann-Whitney U test revealed relevant gender differences: adolescents with average body mass are more likely to exercise because they enjoy the activity, while adolescents with increased body mass are more stimulated by the possibility of body mass regulation (p ≤ .01). This research discussed practical implications of the results on creating the motivation for exercise and quality of life among adolescents of both sexes with normal and increased body mass (BM).

What Motivates Patients with COPD to Be Physically Active? A Cross-Sectional Study.

Motivation can be broadly defined as what moves people to act. Low motivation is a frequently reported factor for the reduced physical activity (PA) levels observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study assessed patients’ motives to be physically active, according to three pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) participation groups (Never PR, Previous PR and Current PR) and explored whether these motives were related to the PA levels and clinical characteristics. The motives to be physically active were assessed with the Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 (EMI-2, 14 motivational factors, five dimensions) and PA with accelerometry (PA groups: <5000 steps/day vs. ≥5000 steps/day). The clinical variables included symptoms, impact of the disease, exercise capacity and comorbidities. Ninety-two patients (67.4 ± 8.1 years, 82.6% male, forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1) 48.3 ± 18.9% predicted; 30.4% Never PR, 51% Previous PR and 18.5% Current PR) participated. The motivational dimensions related to health/fitness presented the highest scores (3.8 ± 1.1; 3.4 ± 1.3). The motives to be active were not significantly different between PA groups (p > 0.05) but having less symptoms and ≥two comorbidities were associated with higher scores in psychological/health and body-related motives, respectively (p < 0.05). The findings may encourage health professionals to actively explore with patients their motives to be physically active to individualise PA promotion.

Role of Sociocultural Pressures and Internalization of Appearance Ideals in the Motivation for Exercise.

This study examined the mediating role of sociocultural pressures (i.e., parental, peer, significant others, and media) and the internalization of appearance ideals (i.e., thin, muscular, attractive) on the relationship of Body Mass Index (BMI) and exercise frequency to exercise motives (i.e., weight management, appearance, positive health). A total of 262 young women, age 18 to 29, participated in the study. Average BMI in this sample was 22.09 (SD = 2.69) and ranged from 18.03 to 31.51, with 15.3% of the sample having a BMI of 25 and above, which qualifies as overweight. Participants completed Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4-Revised and Exercise Motivations Inventory-2 (EMI-2) along with some demographic information and questions regarding their exercise habits. The results indicated that women with higher BMI are more motivated to exercise to lose weight, and women who exercise more frequently are motivated by the aspect of positive health. Also, women with higher BMI perceive more sociocultural pressures to obtain a culturally acceptable body. The sociocultural pressures and appearance internalization mediated the relationship between BMI and the frequency of exercise with motives for exercise. The implications and future directions of research are discussed.