Attitudes towards physical exercise and body image dissatisfaction of individuals who frequently go to gyms

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the body image dissatisfaction, and negative attitudes towards physical exercise, and the correlation among these two factors in individuals who frequently go to gyms. A sample of 100 sportspeople (67 women and 33 men) has answered electronically the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Commitment Exercise Scale (CES). Participants also informed weight, height, time spent at the gym and their objectives in exercising. Pearson´s correlation analysis between BSQ and CES were evaluated, and CES scores were compared to BSQ classifications using Student's t-test. Differences between genders were evaluated using generalized linear model. Linear regression model tested predictors for body satisfaction and attitudes towards exercise. It was found that women have a higher level of body image dissatisfaction (p < 0,001). Moreover, there was not any difference between sex in relation to physical exercises. There was not found any correlation between body image dissatisfaction and the attitudes towards physical exercises, however, there was a positive correlation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and body image dissatisfaction (p = 0,001 to men; p = 0,002 to women). The time spent at the gym was predictor to negative attitudes towards physical exercises (R2 = 0,580), and the BMI and a smaller importance of leisure in the practice of physical exercise were predictors of body insatisfaction (R2 = 0,368). Similar studies evaluating other body image aspects, such as drive for muscularity are needed.