Exercise motives in college students and associated factors

Abstract

Purpose of this study was to identify the exercise motives in college students according to gender, age and economic status. A total of 2380 subjects (1213 females and 1167 males) aged 18 to 35 years-old were included in the study. To identify exercise motives we used version translated of the Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2). Males reported to give significantly more importance to exercise participation in terms of Physical Fitness and Competition, whereas females presented significantly higher ratings for Weight Management and Appearance. Exercise motives related to Disease Prevention, Weight Management and Health Rehabilitation significantly increased with increasing age. Motives exercise associated to Weight Management and Appearance were significantly higher in college students most economically privileged. In conclusion, these results will contribute to establish exercise promotion programs and to reduce exercise dropout rates among college students.