Who We Are And What We Do: An Exploration Of Individual Differences For Exercise Behavior

Abstract

RESULTS:The mean SPS score was 50.5 (±15.2). A majority of participants (77.5%) were classified as active. Most participants preferred to engage in moderate-intensity exercise (60.3%), preferred to exercise outdoors (46.9%), and preferred to exercise alone (61.3%). Increasing SPS was associated with an increased likelihood of being classified as insufficiently active/sedentary (p = .047; OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07). Increasing SPS was also associated with a decreased likelihood of preferring vigorous-intensity exercise (p = .017; OR = .95; 95% CI: .92, .99). SPS was not associated with other exercise-related preferences. CONCLUSION: Individuals who score higher in SPS may be less likely to exercise, and if they do exercise, they may prefer to avoid vigorous-intensity activities. More research is needed to:(1) examine additional factors associated with exercise among individuals with high SPS; (2) determine whether associations between SPS and exercise vary according to cardiorespiratory and/or muscular fitness; and (3) develop and evaluate exercise interventions for individuals high in SPS.