A Descriptive Study on the Exercise Behavior of College Students

Abstract

This study focused on the exercise behavior of college students. It aimed to determine the factors which influence exercise behavior, identify the regularity and variety of physical fitness activities the students engage in, and ascertain the reasons and motivations of people at various physical fitness levels. The variables taken into account were the person's gender, body image satisfaction and the benefits and barriers of exercise. The respondents were 153 college students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and the Philippine Women's University. Data was gathered through a survey questionnaire which included the second version of the Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2), developed by David Markland, Ph.D, adapted from the Exercise Motives and Stages of Change (1998). The gathered data was analyzed through the use of statistical measures such as frequencies, means and chi-square analysis. The results show that most of the college students exercise but they do not meet the recommended level of physical fitness. Positive health and fitness motivates them the most but enjoyment, along with a diverse exercise routine, are the factors that ensure physical fitness maintenance. Non-exercisers would also exercise for health, fitness and extrinsic reasons such as appearance and weight management but they do not due to the lack of time and inability to maintain an exercise program. Recommendations regarding the promotion of physical fitness were made on the basis of such results.