Title
A Qualitative Exploration of Womens’ Experiences Who Belong to a “Fitness Community”
Publication Date
1-2-2020
Document Type
Article
Department
Public Health and Recreation
Publication Title
American Journal of Health Education
Volume
51
Issue
1
DOI
10.1080/19325037.2019.1687365
First Page
22
Last Page
30
Abstract
Background: A promising method for improving physical inactivity among women is to increase their engagement in group-based exercise programs. Fitness communities are exercise groups that practice the principles of group dynamics and promote a lifestyle of physical activity by engaging members through social media and hosting social event/hangouts outside of the gym or “fitness” setting. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of “fitness communities” as a mechanism for increasing engagement in physical activity. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews (N = 15) from women who were members of an established fitness community (i.e. Titan Fitness; the original name has been changed for purposes of anonymity) in Southern California. Results: Results suggested that the women’s experiences in Titan Fitness were encompassed by six sub-themes which were the following: Structured Exercise Classes with Group Dynamics: (1) personal and group accountability and (2) minimizing intimidation; Social Media Engagement: (3) empowerment and (4) accountability via online engagement; and Engagement Outside of the Physical Gym Setting: (5) in-group engagement and (6) out-group (extended) engagement. Discussion: Our findings illustrated that community members that were engaged in all three components of a fitness community described improved physical activity adherence. Translation to Health Practice: These findings may benefit fitness professionals, researchers, and Health Education practitioners who desire to develop innovative theoretically-based interventions for women having difficulty with physical activity adherence.
Recommended Citation
Andrew Carter and Adam C. Alexander. "A Qualitative Exploration of Womens’ Experiences Who Belong to a “Fitness Community”" American Journal of Health Education (2020): 22-30. https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2019.1687365