A Qualitative Exploration of Womens’ Experiences Who Belong to a “Fitness Community”

ABSTRACT

Background: A promising method for improving physical inactivity among women is to increase their engagement in group-based exercise programs. Fitness communities are exercise groups that practice the principles of group dynamics and promote a lifestyle of physical activity by engaging members through social media and hosting social event/hangouts outside of the gym or “fitness” setting. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the role of “fitness communities” as a mechanism for increasing engagement in physical activity. Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews (N = 15) from women who were members of an established fitness community (i.e. Titan Fitness; the original name has been changed for purposes of anonymity) in Southern California. Results: Results suggested that the women’s experiences in Titan Fitness were encompassed by six sub-themes which were the following: Structured Exercise Classes with Group Dynamics: (1) personal and group accountability and (2) minimizing intimidation; Social Media Engagement: (3) empowerment and (4) accountability via online engagement; and Engagement Outside of the Physical Gym Setting: (5) in-group engagement and (6) out-group (extended) engagement. Discussion: Our findings illustrated that community members that were engaged in all three components of a fitness community described improved physical activity adherence. Translation to Health Practice: These findings may benefit fitness professionals, researchers, and Health Education practitioners who desire to develop innovative theoretically-based interventions for women having difficulty with physical activity adherence.

Disclosure statement

The lead author in this article had a pre-existing working relationship with some of the participants in the interview pool. He was a certified personal trainer at the research site for 2 years prior to administering the study. The terms of this arrangement have been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Memphis in accordance with its policy on objectivity in research.