University students exercise behavioral regulation, motives, and physical fitness

Percept Mot Skills. 2013 Feb;116(1):322-39. doi: 10.2466/06.10.PMS.116.1.322-339.

Abstract

This study examined relationships between exercise motives, exercise behavioral regulations, and physical fitness in college students. It was hypothesized that more intrinsic motives and more self-determined regulations would be associated with better fitness. Exercise motives of students participating in physical activity classes (N = 194) were assessed using the Motives for Physical Activity Measure-Revised (MPAM-R) and behavioral regulations were assessed with the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2). Aerobic fitness was assessed using the PACER run test, and body composition was assessed using hand-held, bio-electric impedance analyzers. MPAM-R and BREQ-2 subscales were regressed onto the two fitness measures. For the MPAM-R, stronger competence and fitness motives predicted better fitness and stronger appearance motives predicted worse fitness. For the BREQ-2, higher intrinsic motivation predicted better aerobic fitness, and stronger, introjected regulation predicted higher body fat composition. These findings have implications for fitness professionals and physical educators.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Body Composition / physiology*
  • Exercise Test / instrumentation
  • Exercise Test / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motivation / physiology*
  • Physical Fitness / physiology
  • Physical Fitness / psychology*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Universities
  • Young Adult