This study examines the factors that lead to a better understanding of the intention-behavior gap in exercise in gyms and dropout rates. The results from the study of 237 subjects from nine gyms in Portugal suggest that the assessment and adaptation of exercise planning and monitoring of exercise intensity and load should be considered in order to improve exercise behavior and retention. The study encourages reflection on exercise evaluation processes and methods of monitoring exercisers to improve guidance and adaptation of activities at an individual level.
This study is based on recent approaches that highlight pleasure and enjoyment as relevant factors to explain exercise behavior in fitness clubs. Enjoyment appears to be an important predictor for the intention to continue exercising and for exercise habits and exercise adherence. Thus, the focus of this study is the finding on exercise intensity: an increase in exercise intensity is generally associated with more enjoyable experiences, up to the point where intensity tends to lead to less enjoyment and more discomfort. Furthermore, the point at which exercise intensity negatively affects enjoyment appears to vary widely across individuals, highlighting the need to better understand how this tipping point can be influenced by enjoyable experiences.
Exercise supervision and training plans should focus on promoting the pleasurable component of enjoyment and have positive associations with exercise, according to the authors. This can help beginners to develop a more appropriate relationship between exercise and body sensations, which can affect the development of enjoyment, habit and intention to continue exercising. Conversely, this also applies to more experienced exercisers and adapted high intensities. It is postulated that dropping out of the gym in the first few months can be attributed to inadequate professional supervision and monitoring. Understanding intensity characteristics in training practice and appropriate professional supervision may be relevant to the intended promotion of exercise adherence.
