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Aerobic Instructors and Class Participant Demographics
Source publication
The purpose of this study was to explore the health messages communicated by aerobics instructors in aerobics classes for women. A theoretical framework influenced by adult learning theory and feminist pedagogy was used in this qualitative study. Over a 3-month period, the practices of five aerobics instructors working at one nonprofit fitness cent...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... instructors who participated also completed a short demographic questionnaire. The backgrounds of the aerobics instructors and general descriptions of the class participants in each instructor's class are displayed on Table 1. The class participants who attended aerobics classes varied based on the type of aerobics class, date, and time. ...
Citations
... The fitness center industry has grown rapidly over the past three decades; it is recognized to be an important arena for public health work (De Lyon et al., 2017), and group fitness instructors have been shown to be important role models with potentially great impact on their class participants' exercise behaviors and attitudes (Carron et al., 1996;Thogersen-Ntoumani and Ntoumanis, 2007). The industry has also shown extensive focus on body weight, shape and appearance in communication with its members (D'Abundo, 2007) and a high prevalence of disordered eating behavior has been reported among group fitness instructors (Hoglund and Normen, 2002;Bratland-Sanda et al., 2015). A qualitative study of female aerobics participants (Markula, 1995), showed that participants reported persistent body image dissatisfaction despite their high levels of physical activity participation. ...
Introduction
Despite the fact that group fitness instructors serve as significant role models with potentially great impact on class participants' motivation for exercise, they are a very under-researched group. The aim of this study was therefore to examine group fitness instructors' motivational regulations for exercise, and how these motivational regulations can predict symptoms of exercise dependence and body image concerns.
Methods
Group fitness instructors from the largest fitness companies in Norway (n = 837, response rate: 57%) completed an online survey with reference to the Situational Motivation Scale (SIMS), the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS), the Eating Disorders Inventory subscales drive for thinness (EDI-DT) and body dissatisfaction (EDI-BD), and their weekly amount of exercise and instruction.
Results
The instructors scored high on identified regulation and intrinsic regulation for exercise. EDS total score was positively correlated with all SIMS subscales and weekly instruction was positively correlated with Intrinsic regulation. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses found that both self-determined motivational regulations as well as external regulation positively predicted their EDS score. External regulation positively predicted EDI-DT, and EDI-BD.
Conclusion
Group fitness instructors seem highly intrinsically motivated for exercise, which is hypothesized to have a positive impact on group fitness class participants. High self-determined exercise behavior does not seem to buffer against symptoms of exercise dependence within this specific population. There is a need for awareness of group fitness instructors who show high exercise dependency scores due to the link to body image concerns, amotivation and external regulated motivation.
... In order to engender inclusivity, certifying bodies recommend multi-level teaching, but the social process of group exercise delivery to older adults is more nuanced than training curricula suggest. Previous research has found that adapting exercises to support exercisers' limitations does indeed foster inclusivity (D'Abundo, 2007;Nau et al., 2021), but our research suggests that multi-level classes may not adapt enough to foster inclusivity. Pitfalls not overcome by multi-level teaching include: (a) when exercisers mirror what the instructor demonstrates and thus fail to modify or customise the exercise to their abilities; and (b) when the abilities of the exercisers comprising the group are exceedingly heterogeneous. ...
Older adults benefit greatly from being physically active yet they are the least active generation. To appeal to older consumers, to reduce barriers older adults experience to becoming physically active and to increase the number of physically active older adults, the exercise market has been divided into mainstream fitness and age-segregated programming that specifically targets older adults. This research employed an institutional ethnography approach to understand better the social discourses and material practices that shape socially (in/ex)clusive physical cultures for older exercisers in both mainstream and older-adult group exercise classes. Textual analyses, interviews and field observations revealed that the material and discursive work practices intended to promote inclusivity in group exercise physical cultures actually engendered age-exclusive markets. Herein, we discuss how the guidelines and policies put forth by these certifying bodies, and the training curricula they publish, govern group exercise practices in a manner that tends to align with dominant ideological discourses conflating age and ability. We conclude by arguing that in order to create more inclusive physical cultures, mainstream fitness providers need to embrace options that appeal to potential group exercise consumers of all abilities, regardless of age.
... But as they rightly highlight, leisure spaces are complex in that they offer both a space where male dominance is reinforced while also allowing for women to try out alternative subjectivities (Wearing, 1998). This is a sentiment reflected by O'Hara, Cox, and Amrose (2014, p. 110), who articulate physical activity is the "double edged sword for women" because it has been found to both improve women's self-conception (Cronan & Scott, 2008;Fullagar, 2008;Yarnal, Hutchinson, & Chow, 2006) and reinforce their objectification, poor body image, and body anxiety (D'abundo, 2007;Greenleaf, 2005;Slater & Tiggemann, 2011). We suggest it is because of such contested terrain that sport remains a site of the upmost importance in feminist studies, as Griffin (2010, p. 154) concludes: ...
We examine the potential unforeseen consequences from Sport England’s This Girl Can (2015) promotion program, specifically arguing that the campaign videos released in 2015 and 2017 take the previously narrow heteronormative gaze of desire, and inclusively apply it to all women, suggesting empowerment where there is only sexual subjectification. Overall, what prevails is a campaign that presents the female body – historically a locus of social control – as a body-as-object, despite being ‘in process’, and suggesting the attributes of female sexualisation – hips, lips, butts and breasts – are essential to attention and visibility, rather than action, movement, fitness or strength. Thus, it is the sexualisation of women posited as essential to agency and action that muddies a campaign of intended empowerment into being one of subjectification and self-surveillance.
... Group-exercise classes, such as aerobics, may be particularly problematic for women, as they can create an atmosphere that encourages more appearance-related rather than functional-related reasons for exercise (D'Abundo, 2009). Group-exercise classes often have an abundance of mirrors, posters that highlight thin and idealized female forms, instructors who wear tight and revealing clothing, and language that promotes a heightened awareness of how the body compares to others (D'Abundo, 2007;Ginis, Jung, & Gauvin, 2003;Prichard & Tiggemann, 2005. These strategies and tools create an atmosphere where normative comparisons are stressed. ...
... Even when group-fitness instructors think they are promoting the health benefits of exercising, they primarily focus on physical health with particular attention on the body. Rarely do they address the social, emotional, spiritual, or intellectual benefits of exercise (D'Abundo, 2007). The class names/descriptions assigned to a group-exercise format might be the only indication of what women can expect to gain from the class and thus serve to be influential. ...
The benefits of intrinsic exercise motivation are well recognized, yet extrinsically focused group-fitness class names/descriptions dominate the fitness industry. To explore the impact of how fitness classes are marketed, women (N = 389) were asked to indicate their preference for either intrinsically or extrinsically focused fitness classes based on title/description. Participants who favored intrinsic class names/descriptions were more likely to report greater interest/enjoyment, perceived competence, and greater effort and report exercising for health/fitness-related reasons. Those favoring extrinsic class names/descriptions were more likely to experience tension/pressure when exercising and report exercising for appearance/weight-related reasons. The results demonstrate the importance of wording when marketing fitness classes.
... 5 Yapılan araştırmalara göre, kadınların toplumsal yaşamdaki ikincil ve eşitsiz konumu spor, fiziksel aktivite ve egzersiz ortamlarında da mevcuttur ve kadınların erkeklere göre spor ve fiziksel aktiviteye katılma oranı daha düşüktür. 4,[6][7][8] Oysa araştırmalar fiziksel aktivite, egzersiz ve serbest zaman deneyimlerinin kadınların yaşamında önemli bir yere sahip olduğunu ve bu deneyimlerden kadınların hem fiziksel hem de psikolojik fayda sağladığını göstermektedir. Örneğin; yapılan çalışmalar fiziksel aktivite, egzersiz ve serbest zaman deneyimlerinin kadınların beden farkındalıklarının artmasına, kendilerini enerjik ve iyi hissetmelerine, öz güvenlerinin artmasına, kendine ait zaman yaratmaya, kendini ifade etmeye ve sosyalleşmeye katkı sağladığını göstermektedir. ...
... Bu sorunlara toplumsal cinsiyet açısından bakıldığında, patriyarkal bir toplumda erkeklerle bir arada bulunma, toplumsal cinsiyete dayalı iktidar ilişkilerinin alanda icrasını beraberinde getirdiğinden (örneğin; erkekler tarafından gözetlenme) kadınların bu ortamlardaki tercihleri değişebilmektedir. 1,6,7,11 Kadınlar özellikle son dönemde daha iyi hareket etme ve hissetme, eğlenme, rahatlama ve sosyalleşebilme gibi nedenlerle sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamlarda fiziksel aktiviteye yönelmektedirler. 4,7,8,10 Bu çalışma, kadınların sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamda egzersiz yapmasının nedenlerini, egzersiz ortamının oluşturduğu yapısal imkânların neler olduğunu; ortamın psikolojik, toplumsal ve çevresel faktörlerle olan ilişkisinin hangi yönde olduğunu ve toplumsal rol ve statünün, kültürel alışkanlıkların bu egzersiz ortamını tercih etmelerinde bir etkisinin olup olmadığını sosyal-ekolojik model çerçevesinde incelemiştir. ...
... 1,6,7,11 Kadınlar özellikle son dönemde daha iyi hareket etme ve hissetme, eğlenme, rahatlama ve sosyalleşebilme gibi nedenlerle sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamlarda fiziksel aktiviteye yönelmektedirler. 4,7,8,10 Bu çalışma, kadınların sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamda egzersiz yapmasının nedenlerini, egzersiz ortamının oluşturduğu yapısal imkânların neler olduğunu; ortamın psikolojik, toplumsal ve çevresel faktörlerle olan ilişkisinin hangi yönde olduğunu ve toplumsal rol ve statünün, kültürel alışkanlıkların bu egzersiz ortamını tercih etmelerinde bir etkisinin olup olmadığını sosyal-ekolojik model çerçevesinde incelemiştir. Stokols'e göre sosyalekolojik model tek boyutlu değil, geniş ve kapsayıcı bir paradigmadır ve birçok farklı değişkenin etkileşimiyle bir bütünü oluşturmaktadır. ...
ABSTRACT
Objective: Nowadays, important and positive changes have occurred in women's physical activity and exercise participation in comparison to the last quarter of the previous century. Physical activity and exercise programs for women have been developed and promotive policies have been applied in many different countries. Studies regarding the preferences of women to these settings have been found in literature. This study aims to examine women's physical activity experiences from the gender perspective and within the frame of social-ecological model in women-only sport centers. In this place, which is named 'X', is focused on distinctive structure of the center and how women's exercise experiences affect each other. Material and Methods: Seventeen women who do exercise in three different X centers voluntarily participated in this study. Qualitative research method was used to understand individuals' experiences deeply and multiple. Three focus group interviews were conducted as the main data gathering techniques and tape recorder was used. Data was analyzed by qualitative content analyze and codes were formed subsequently. Results: Four different themes were obtained: 1. Psychological development support, 2. The effect of social relations, 3. Encouragement of physical environment, 4. The effect of social and cultural factors. Conclusion: In conjunction with the effect of psychological, social, physical and cultural factors, it was determined that if exercise environment is women-only, it affects women's participating in physical activity and this supports continuity of women?s exercise participating.
Keywords: Physical activity; social-ecological model; woman; gender
ÖZET
Amaç: Günümüzde kadınların fiziksel aktiviteye ve egzersize katılımlarında önceki yüzyılın son çeyreği ile kıyaslandığında önemli ve olumlu değişiklikler meydana gelmiştir. Birçok farklı ülkede kadınlara yönelik fiziksel aktivite ve egzersiz programları geliştirilmekte ve kadınlara yönelik teşvik edici politikalar uygulanmaktadır. Kadınların bu ortamları tercih ettiğine dair çalışmalar literatürde mevcuttur. Kadınlara özel spor merkezlerinde, kadınların fiziksel aktivite deneyimlerini toplumsal cinsiyet perspektifi ve sosyal-ekolojik model çerçevesinde incelemektedir. Takma ismiyle 'X' spor merkezinde gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmada, kadınların fiziksel aktivite deneyimleri incelenir iken, bu kurumun kendine özgü yapısı ve kadınların egzersiz deneyimlerinin birbirini nasıl etkilediği üzerine odaklanılmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmanın araştırma grubunu, İstanbul'daki üç farklı X merkezinde fiziksel aktiviteye katılan 17 kadın oluşturmaktadır. Veriler, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden olan odak grup görüşme tekniği ile ve ses kayıt cihazı kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Veri analizi sürecinde içerik analizi yöntemi uygulanmış ve kodlar oluşturulmuştur. Yapılan içerik analizi sonucunda dört farklı temaya ulaşılmıştır. Bulgular: 1. Psikolojik gelişim desteği, 2. Sosyal ilişkilerin etkisi, 3. Fiziksel çevrenin teşviki ve 4. Toplumsal ve kültürel faktörlerin etkisi temaları etrafında bir çerçeve ortaya çıkmıştır. Sonuç: Çalışmadan elde edilen bulgular doğrultusunda psikolojik, sosyal, fiziksel ve kültürel faktörlerin etkisiyle beraber, egzersiz ortamlarının kadınlara özgü olmasının, kadınların fiziksel aktiviteye katılımını etkilediği ve devamlılıklarını desteklediği saptanmıştır.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Fiziksel aktivite; sosyal-ekolojik model; kadın; toplumsal cinsiyet
... 5 Yapılan araştırmalara göre, kadınların toplumsal yaşamdaki ikincil ve eşitsiz konumu spor, fiziksel aktivite ve egzersiz ortamlarında da mevcuttur ve kadınların erkeklere göre spor ve fiziksel aktiviteye katılma oranı daha düşüktür. 4,[6][7][8] Oysa araştırmalar fiziksel aktivite, egzersiz ve serbest zaman deneyimlerinin kadınların yaşamında önemli bir yere sahip olduğunu ve bu deneyimlerden kadınların hem fiziksel hem de psikolojik fayda sağladığını göstermektedir. Örneğin; yapılan çalışmalar fiziksel aktivite, egzersiz ve serbest zaman deneyimlerinin kadınların beden farkındalıklarının artmasına, kendilerini enerjik ve iyi hissetmelerine, öz güvenlerinin artmasına, kendine ait zaman yaratmaya, kendini ifade etmeye ve sosyalleşmeye katkı sağladığını göstermektedir. ...
... Bu sorunlara toplumsal cinsiyet açısından bakıldığında, patriyarkal bir toplumda erkeklerle bir arada bulunma, toplumsal cinsiyete dayalı iktidar ilişkilerinin alanda icrasını beraberinde getirdiğinden (örneğin; erkekler tarafından gözetlenme) kadınların bu ortamlardaki tercihleri değişebilmektedir. 1,6,7,11 Kadınlar özellikle son dönemde daha iyi hareket etme ve hissetme, eğlenme, rahatlama ve sosyalleşebilme gibi nedenlerle sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamlarda fiziksel aktiviteye yönelmektedirler. 4,7,8,10 Bu çalışma, kadınların sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamda egzersiz yapmasının nedenlerini, egzersiz ortamının oluşturduğu yapısal imkânların neler olduğunu; ortamın psikolojik, toplumsal ve çevresel faktörlerle olan ilişkisinin hangi yönde olduğunu ve toplumsal rol ve statünün, kültürel alışkanlıkların bu egzersiz ortamını tercih etmelerinde bir etkisinin olup olmadığını sosyal-ekolojik model çerçevesinde incelemiştir. ...
... 1,6,7,11 Kadınlar özellikle son dönemde daha iyi hareket etme ve hissetme, eğlenme, rahatlama ve sosyalleşebilme gibi nedenlerle sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamlarda fiziksel aktiviteye yönelmektedirler. 4,7,8,10 Bu çalışma, kadınların sadece kadınlardan oluşan ortamda egzersiz yapmasının nedenlerini, egzersiz ortamının oluşturduğu yapısal imkânların neler olduğunu; ortamın psikolojik, toplumsal ve çevresel faktörlerle olan ilişkisinin hangi yönde olduğunu ve toplumsal rol ve statünün, kültürel alışkanlıkların bu egzersiz ortamını tercih etmelerinde bir etkisinin olup olmadığını sosyal-ekolojik model çerçevesinde incelemiştir. Stokols'e göre sosyalekolojik model tek boyutlu değil, geniş ve kapsayıcı bir paradigmadır ve birçok farklı değişkenin etkileşimiyle bir bütünü oluşturmaktadır. ...
Nowadays, important and positive changes have occurred in women's physical activity and exercise participation in comparison to the last quarter of the previous century. Physical activity and exercise programs for women have been developed and promotive policies have been applied in many different countries. Studies regarding the preferences of women to these settings have been found in literature. Objective: This study aims to examine women's physical activity experiences from the gender perspective and within the frame of social-ecological model in women-only sport centers. In this place, which is named 'X', is focused on distinctive structure of the center and how women's exercise experiences affect each other. Material and Method: Seventeen women who do exercise in three different X centers voluntarily participated in this study. Qualitative research method was used to understand individuals experiences deeply and multiple. Three focus group interviews were conducted as the main data gathering techniques and tape recorder was used. Data was analyzed by qualitative content analyze and codes were formed subsequently. Results: Four different themes were obtained: 1) psychological development support, 2) the effect of social relations, 3) encouragement of physical environment, 4) the effect of social and cultural factors. Conclusion: In conjunction with the effect of psychological, social, physical and cultural factors, it was determined that if exercise environment is women-only, it affects women's participating in physical activity and this supports continuity of women's exercise participating.
Keywords: Physical activity; social-ecological model; woman; gender
... Studies have shown that especially female exercise class participants prefer instructors that look fit and have a slim body type [2]. Furthermore, a study found aerobics instructors to focus greatly upon weight loss and calorie burning, instead of enjoyment in their communication with the participants at their classes [3]. ...
... As previously mentioned, the group fitness instructors serve as role models and authorities on health and fitness. If they communicate unhealthy and/or extreme exercise, eating and dieting behavior to class attendants, especially the vulnerable attendants can be inspired to adopt such unhealthy and extreme behavior [3,13]. The findings of this study are based on self-report. ...
The present study aimed to examine disordered eating behavior (DE) and self-reported eating disorders (ED) among Norwegian group fitness instructors.
Group fitness instructors from Norway (n = 685 females and 152 males, response rate: 57 %) completed an online survey. The survey included the instruments Eating Disorders Inventory (EDI) and the Exercise Dependence Scale (EDS).
A total of 22 % of the male and 59 % of the female respondents were classified with DE. The respondents classified with DE had higher BMI, more weight loss attempts, and higher total EDI score compared to the respondents with no DE. A correlation between EDI total score and EDS total score was found among both male and female group fitness instructors. No males and four percent of the females reported having a current ED. The instructors with self-reported current ED had higher weekly volume of instructing classes compared to the other instructors. None of the respondents with self-reported ED had informed their center manager about it.
The high prevalence of DE behavior calls for concern. The reported secrecy regarding self-reported ED might decrease the possibility for early recognition and intervention. The findings reveal implications for the instructors' physical and mental health, for their reputation and impact as important healthy role models and health/fitness authorities, and for the importance of prevention, identification and management of such behavior in fitness center settings.
... With the key tenets of objectification theory in mind, researchers have focused on identifying factors that contribute to objectification and ways to reduce it. Participation in physical activity has been called "a double edged sword for women" (O'Hara, Cox, & Amorose, 2014, p. 110) because some research has found it to improve the way women feel about their bodies (Hausenblas & Fallon, 2006); other research has found it to reinforce self-objectification and reduce body image (D'abundo, 2007;Greenleaf, 2005). Therefore, some researchers have begun to explore the specific features of physical activity environments that promote or reduce objectification. ...
The purpose of this study was explore the body image experiences of women who play tackle football. Data included semi-structured interviews with 15 players on a women's tackle football team in Western Canada. Data were analyzed thematically and objectification theory was used to interpret the findings. Themes that emerged included: a) improved body image through physical change, appreciation of function over appearance and shifting ideals of beauty; b) importance of a social atmosphere that celebrated diverse bodies; and c) negotiation of body image on and off the field. Research has documented a connection between body image and physically active leisure, but much about the nature of the relationship is still unclear. The findings of this study provide insight into elements of physically active leisure (e.g., social atmosphere or nature of the activity) which can be used to promote positive body image, health, and wellness in leisure settings.
... Aerobics training's influence on improvement of health level are described in the works by N.A. Bryuhanova [11], Duncan L.R., Hall C.R., Wilson P.M. [12], Highstreet V.D. [13], Li C-L., Chang H-Y., Hsu C-C., Lu J.R., Fang H-L. [14], Sutherland R., Wilson J., Aitchison T., Grant S. [15]. ...
The purpose of experiment was an exposure of reaction of heart rate of students on the increase of rate of musical accompaniment. 89 students of the first course took part in experimental employments. Height of step platform 15-20 centimetre. The large reaction of heart rate is exposed considerably on the increase of height of step platform (on 18,3 %), what at growth of music rate (on 8,5 %). Also appeared, that 14 from 89 students have weak functional preparedness: already at the rate of music of 138-142 shots in a minute and height of step platform 15 centimetre, heart rate for them attained an age-dependent maximum (on the average 207 shots in a minute). It is recommended to utillize in employments the increase of intensity only in the limited volume: increase of music rate to 142-45 shots in a minute or heights of step platform to 20 centimetre.
... It is easy to recognize that the dominant messaging about exercise and physical activity, for both women and men, has promoted physical activity primarily for the health and/or weight control benefits [33,35,36]. Furthermore, exercise is typically prescribed to patients for its medical and health value rather than as a good way to enhance mood or quality of life [38]. ...
... When exercise is written about in the popular media, body sculpting and weight loss are usually the benefits emphasized (e.g., see "Rachael Ray Shares Her Exercise Secrets - BodyWatch") [34]. In aerobics classes, the predominant messages relate to the physical body with only limited emphasis on promoting well-being [35]. This is also evident in how leading organizations promote exercise. ...
Behavior can only be understood by identifying the goals to which it is attached. Superordinate-level goals are linked to individuals' values, and may offer insights into how to connect exercise with their core values and increase participation in sustainable ways.
A random sample of healthy midlife women (aged 40-60y) was selected to participate in a year-long mixed-method study (n = 226). Superordinate goals were measured inductively and analyzed using grounded theory analysis. Attainment Value and Exercise Participation were quantitatively measured. An ANOVA and pairwise comparisons were conducted to investigate the differences between superordinate exercise goals in attainment value. This study fit a Linear Mixed Model to the data to investigate the fixed effects of superordinate goals on exercise participation, controlling for BMI and social support.
Participants mainly exercised to achieve Healthy-Aging, Quality-of-Life, Current-Health, and Appearance/Weight superordinate goals. Despite equally valuing Healthy-Aging, Quality-of-Life, and Current-Health goals, participants with Quality-of-Life goals reported participating in more exercise than those with Current-Health (p < 0.01), and Healthy-Aging (p = 0.06) goals.
Superordinate exercise goals related to health and healthy aging are associated with less exercise than those related to enhancing daily quality of life, despite being equally valued. While important, pursuing distant benefits from exercise such as health promotion, disease prevention, and longevity might not be as compelling to busy individuals compared to their other daily priorities and responsibilities. By shifting our paradigm from medicine to marketing, we can glean insights into how we can better market and "sell" exercise. Because immediate payoffs motivate behavior better than distant goals, a more effective "hook" for promoting sustainable participation might be to rebrand exercise as a primary way individuals can enhance the quality of their daily lives. These findings have important implications for how we as a culture, especially those in fitness-related businesses, health promotion, health care, and public health, prescribe and market exercise on individual and population levels.
