Characteristics of Users and Nonusers of a Campus Recreation Center

Abstract

College students' physical activity provides protection against weight gain and chronic disease. Convenient exercise facilities have been correlated with physical activity. This study examined use of a college recreational facility among a sample of undergraduates, personal and demographic factors related to facility use, and factors predictive of facility use. A sample of 1,700 undergraduates was randomly selected and mailed a survey about health behaviors and recreation-center use. Facility users were more likely to be freshman or sophomore unmarried men who live on campus. Users of the facility had a slightly lower average body mass index, yet were more likely to use alcohol. Significant predictors of facility use included sex, class standing, living situation, belonging to a fraternity or sorority, and the desire to change one's weight. This study contributes to the research on college students' physical activity in that it identifies those likely to use or not use the recreational facility.

Factors That Affect the Usage of Fitness and Recreation Centers by Students on College Campuses

“…In response to this issue, colleges and universities have been prompted to take considerable interest in their fitness and recreational facilities and programs (Miller, et al, 2008). The U.S. Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009) reported that numerous college students engage in frequent sedentary behavior including spending hours in classrooms, time on school work and studying, using computers, and using video gaming systems.…”

“…Results of a study by Miller et al (2008), assessing characteristics of users and nonusers revealed that males were more likely to use the recreational facilities as opposed to females. Students participating were more likely to be lower-standing students (freshman and sophomores), and more likely to live on campus.…”

“…Specifically for college students, involvement in physical activity helps protect against weight gain, prevents possible chronic disease, and provides a mechanism for managing stress in college life (Miller et al, 2008). Particularly, "only 38% of college students participate in regular vigorous activity, and only 20% participate in regular moderate activity" (Kilpatrick et al, 2005, p.87).…”

“…They identify eight reasons for joining including socialization, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, aquatic-related facilities, recreational facilities, resistance equipment, aerobic equipment, and amenities. Several of these characteristics overlap with usage patterns found in that of students on college campuses.In a study by Miller et al (2008), researchers aimed to determine demographic, psychosocial, and environmental characteristics associated with physical activity. Sallis, Bauman, and Pratt (1998) stated that the convenience of exercise facilities is significantly associated with physical activity.…”

“…In response to the rise in obesity rates, society is looking toward fitness and recreation centers as a contributing factor in trying to combat this nationwide problem, which is affecting millions of young adults (Watson, Ayers, Zizzi, & Naoi, 2006). The construction of student fitness and recreation centers on college campuses has become a massive business over the last several years (Miller, Noland, Rayens, & Staten, 2008).…”