Using the Theories of Planned Behaviour and Leisure Constraints to study Fitness Club Members’ behaviour after Covid-19 Lockdown

ABSTRACT

This paper aimed to examine fitness club members’ willingness to start exercising in the clubs with the end of the lockdown. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) was used in order to explore which of its components can predict club members’ intention; furthermore, the degree to which leisure constraints can predict the formation of the elements of the TPB was tested. Three hundred and twenty three (N = 323) questionnaires were used; they were collected with an on-line survey, during the second lockdown in Greece. The results indicated that almost one out of three of the club members do not intend to return to the clubs when they are allowed to open. All the three elements of the TPB were contributed to the prediction of Intentions, with the Attitudes having the highest contribution. The Covid19, Hygienic and Financial constraint dimensions were the most influential on the formation of the elements of the TPB. The theoretical and applied implications of these results are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Covid19
• Theory of Planned Behavior
• Leisure Constraints
• Fitness

Additional information

Notes on contributors

K. Alexandris

Kostas Alexandris (MEd, MA, PhD) is a Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Has has published more than 70 research papers in leading international journals. His published work has received more than 9000 internationals citations, so far. He is Associate Editor of Managing Sport and Leisure, Regional Editor of Leisure Studies and participates in the editorial board of several journals (Sport Marketing Quarterly, Sport Management Review, Journal of Service Theory and Practice). His research interest is in the area of sport, tourism and leisure consumer behavior.

T. Karagiorgos

Thomas Karagiorgos (MBA, PhD) is a Lecturer in Sport Management at Hellenic Open University. He has an extensive experience in the fitness and sport outdoor industry. His research interest is in the area of sport and tourism consumer behavior.

A. Ntovoli

Apostolia Ntovoli (MSc, PhD) is a Lecturer in Sport Management at Frederick University and Hellenic Open University. She has an extensive experience in the fitness industry. Her research interest is in the area of sport consumer behavior.

S. Zourladani

Anastasia Zourladani (MS, PhD) is a Teaching and Research Member within the Department of PE and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She has an extensive teaching and consultancy experience in the fitness sector. Her research interest is in the area of fitness participation.