Exercício físico em academias de Uberlândia – MG: um estudo transversal sobre barreiras, motivos e motivação

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify the barriers, reasons and level of motivation for the practice of exercise in gym goers. This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling of physical exercise practitioners, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 59 years, from two gyms in Uberlândia-MG. Data collection was performed by filling out an online form, containing an anamnesis with information on gender, age (in years), marital status, schooling and pre-existing diseases and specific questionnaires for the variables studied. The results were organized into 2 articles. In article 1, the sample consisted of 215 volunteers and the perceived barriers to physical exercise were investigated. The perceived barriers questionnaire by Martins and Petroski (2000) was applied. Associations were tested by Fisher's test and Poisson regression. The most frequently perceived were long working hours and lack of energy. The time of physical activity practice was associated with the barriers “family commitments”, and “lack of interest in the practice” and “lack of knowledge about physical activity”. Age was associated with the barrier “family commitments” and marital status with “housework”. In article 2, 142 volunteers participated in the study and the reasons and level of motivation were investigated. The Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) by Markland & Ingledew (1997) and Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3) by Guedes and Sofiati (2015) were applied. Data were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that the most reported reasons for physical exercise in private gym goers are "physical condition", "health reasons" and "aesthetic reasons". The male group had a higher score for interpersonal motives when compared to the female group. Regarding the regulation of motivation, men have greater intrinsic regulation for physical exercise, while women have a higher rate of self-determination. We concluded that there were no significant differences in the perception of barriers between gender and level of education. Married marital status was associated with the “household chores” barrier. The time of physical activity practice was associated with barriers to the practice itself (lack of knowledge and interest). Men have more interpersonal motives for and greater intrinsic regulation of physical exercise, while women are more self-determined. More studies on barriers, reasons and level of motivation to practice physical exercise can contribute to a better understanding of behavior change.