A Qualitative Inquiry of Motivations to Participate in Group Exercise Among Women

Authors

  • Sarah R. Blackstone, PhD, MPH
  • Dayana Reeves, MS
  • Robin Lizzo, MS
  • Kim C. Graber, ED.D.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.89

Keywords:

Exercise, motivation, group fitness

Abstract

The objective of the current study is to explore motivations for engaging in group fitness among
female participants. A total of 21 female group fitness participants were interviewed utilizing an interview
guide grounded in Self-Determination Theory. Four primary themes emerged from the data: external mo-
tivation (e.g. peers and appearance), introjected motivations (e.g. physical health), identified motivations
(e.g. achieving goals), and integrated motivations (e.g. empowerment, improved emotional health). The
results have implications for group fitness marketing, thus expanding class awareness and opportunities to
a wider audience.

Published

2017-04-01

How to Cite

Blackstone, S. R., Reeves, D., Lizzo, R., & Graber, K. C. (2017). A Qualitative Inquiry of Motivations to Participate in Group Exercise Among Women. American Journal of Health Studies, 32(2). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.89