Exercise behaviors and resource use among graduate students at a Canadian university: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective

Participation in regular exercise among post-secondary students is often low. Our cross-sectional study aimed to assess exercise levels, perceived barriers/motivators to exercise, and knowledge and use of exercise resources in graduate students.

Participants

We recruited graduate students across various disciplines at a large Canadian university.

Methods

Participants (n = 540) completed an anonymous mixed methods online survey.

Results

Approximately 11% of participants reported not participating in any form of weekly exercise, and only 9.4% met the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. The most common barrier and motivator to exercise was time commitment and improving physical health, respectively. Some participants were aware of available exercise services but most did not use them. Suggestions for improving services included having graduate-dedicated exercise space and resources.

Conclusions

Low exercise participation among graduate students may be due to a lack of education of available resources or a lack of existing resources that meet their specific needs.

Keywords:

• barriers
• cross-sectional
• exercise
• graduate students
• university

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from the Non-Medical Research Ethics Board of the University of Western Ontario.

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

Ethics

This study was approved by the University of Western Ontario Non-Medical Research Ethics Board (reference number 115751).

Data availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, JAF, upon reasonable request.