REASONS FOR THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE AMONG OF SEVILLIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Carolina Castañeda, Mª Luisa Zagalaz, Víctor Arufe, Mª Carmen Campos-Mesa

The present research was carried out to study in depth the exercise motives in students from Seville university. For this purpose, a transversal study (sample of 1085 students: 569 women; average age 21 years, σ = 3,05), with a randomized design and stratified by faculty and gender, was carried out by applying an ad hoc questionnaire that considered all study variables. The main motives for participation in physical activity are related to be in good health, satisfaction and enjoyment. Men feel more motivated by enjoyment and competition, whereas women mainly practice because of health and beauty aspects. The main motives to have not ever practiced physical activity or have given it up, are both related to time availability or lack of time, and interest in physical activity.