Exercise preferences among emerging adults: Do men and women want different things?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine exercise preferences of college students (CS), and explore potential gender differences to inform interventions. Participants (N = 187, 18–25 years) completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics were conducted to characterize preferences for exercise type and mode of delivery, followed by χ² tests to assess potential gender differences. CS preferred a combination of moderate intensity cardio and strength training. Most CS preferred exercising on their own with guidance from a program. Men preferred intense strength training at higher rates than women (p < .001). Findings can inform tailored recruitment messaging and lifestyle interventions for this high-risk population.

Keywords:

• College students
• exercise
• obesity
• physical activity
• weight loss

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 United States of America and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of Brown University.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part through funding from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (#K23DK083440 to JGL). The funder had no role in the analysis or interpretation of these data, and findings do not represent the views of National Institutes of Health (NIH) or NIDDK.