Recreational Exercise Motives of Adolescents and Young Adults

TLDR

The study examined recreational exercise motives among Turkish adolescents and young adults, focusing on gender and age group differences. A convenience sample of 298 youth center members completed the Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure. Results showed significant gender and age effects, with females prioritizing health motives and young adults emphasizing health, appearance, and social/enjoyment motives.

Abstract

Recreational Exercise Motives of Adolescents and Young Adults This study examined the motives for taking part in recreational exercise/sporting activities based on a sample of Turkish young people. Secondly, gender and age group differences with motivational dimensions were investigated. A total of 298 members of 6 Youth Centers voluntarily participated in this study. The Recreational Exercise Motivation Measure (REMM) was administered to all participants. Two × two MANOVA revealed significant main effect for gender (p < 0.03) and age group (p < 0.01). Univariate follow-up tests revealed that the significant main effect for gender was attributable to health subscale, and age group differences were correlated with health, body/appearance, social/enjoyment, and skill development subscales (p < 0.01). It can be concluded that health motives were more important for females than males, and motives relating to health, appearance, and social/enjoyment were more important for young adults.