Predicting Exercise Adherence in Women: The Role of Psychological and Physiological Factors

Background. A large percentage of the normal population does not adhere to a regular exercise program. Little is known about the factors that predict exercise initiation or adherence. This study provides data on the role of psychological, physical, and biological factors in exercise adherence among women. Methods. Twenty-three women participated in a free aerobics program in which they could attend as many exercise sessions as they chose. Psychological and physical measures as well as serum β-endorphin levels pre- and post-exercise were taken and used to predict total number of exercise sessions attended. Results. Endorphin levels did not change as a function of exercise and did not predict the number of sessions attended. Rather, women who were overweight, shorter, had several physical complaints, and felt somewhat anxious were most likely to attend the exercise sessions, and these variables accounted for 73% of the variance in sessions attended. Conclusions. Because psychological and physical discomfort predicted exercise adherence, these results suggest that emphasizing the immediate symptom-relief benefits of exercise might increase initiation and adherence in the general population.