An Investigation of the Relation between Religion and Exercise Motivation

The present study sought to investigate whether traditional secular or faith-based program factors were more responsible for motivating women (N = 220, M age = 44.6 yr.) to participate in Christian exercise programs. Based on the results of a pilot study, the Christian Exercise Program Questionnaire...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Perceptual and motor skills 2003-12, Vol.97 (3_suppl), p.1043-1048
Main Authors: McLane, Stevyn L., Lox, Curt L., Butki, Brian, Stern, Lesa
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Christianity
Exercise
Faith
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Motivation
Physical fitness
Religion
Surveys and Questionnaires
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Summary:The present study sought to investigate whether traditional secular or faith-based program factors were more responsible for motivating women (N = 220, M age = 44.6 yr.) to participate in Christian exercise programs. Based on the results of a pilot study, the Christian Exercise Program Questionnaire was developed and mailed to the study participants. The internal reliability of the questionnaire was excellent as indicated by Cronbach coefficient alpha. As expected, those aspects of the exercise program that were faith-based, e.g., modest clothing, noncompetitive, and worshipful atmosphere, were considered more important than traditional secular factors, e.g., personal trainers and childcare, in the decision to enroll in the program (t219 = 9.23, p < .001). The findings suggest exercise programs that incorporate faith-based practices may appeal to a segment of the population and provide an alternative strategy for improving participation rates in physical activity.
ISSN:0031-5125
1558-688X
DOI:10.2466/pms.2003.97.3f.1043