Physical Activity Patterns in Recent College Alumni

Abstract

Within this sample of recent college alumni, a high proportion indicated that they enjoy exercise (66.1%) and felt confident in setting their own fitness programs (79.4%). Yet, only 34.3% reported engaging in recommended levels of moderate or vigorous PA. In contrast to previous reports, rates of participation in vigorous, moderate, and strengthening-type PA did not differ between men and women. Alumni who reported that they engaged in adequate levels of moderate or vigorous PA had gained significantly less weight in the years following graduation than those who reported being insufficiently active (3.0 kg vs. 6.1 kg). Last, we noted a strong positive association between PA patterns as college seniors and current PA behavior as recent alumni.