Motivational regulations of users in unisex fitness centres

ABSTRACTMotivational 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.KEYWORDS: Gymmotivationphysical activityself-determination theory AcknowledgementsThe authors thank the fitness centre managers and users for their participation in the study.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Informed consent statementWritten informed consent was obtained from fitness centre users who were involved in the study.Data availability statementData will be available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author.Additional informationFundingThis study has been partially subsidised by the Aid for Research Groups (GR21149) from the Regional Government of Extremadura (Department of Economy, Science and Digital Agenda), with a contribution from the European Union from the European Funds for Regional Development. The author Juan Manuel García-Ceberino was supported by a grant from the Universities Ministry of Spain and the European Union (NextGenerationUE) “Ayuda del Programa de Recualificación del Sistema Universitario Español, Modalidad de ayudas Margarita Salas para la formación de jóvenes doctores” (MS-01).