The relationship between past exercise behavior and future exercise adherence: A sequential mediation analysis

Abstract

The present study explored the mediation role of past exercise adherence, self-reported frequency and intentions in the association between past experience and future exercise adherence. In total, 431 exercisers (female = 216; male = 215) aged 18 and 64 years, engaged in fitness activities such as group fitness classes and resistance training, were included in the analysis. Serial mediation procedures were employed to examine the direct, indirect, and total indirect effects among variables. The predictor variable and all mediators displayed a positive and significant association with future six-month adherence. Past six-month exercise adherence displayed the most significant association with future six-month adherence. The sequential indirect path from exercise experience → past six-months adherence → selfreported frequency → intentions future six-months adherence displayed a positive and significant effect (β = .19 [CI95% = .09, .31]), presenting a partial mediation effect. Past behaviour is the most significant predictor of future adherence, and thus interventions should be based on promoting consistent exercise frequency. Professionals working in the fitness centre context can identify possible dropouts based on their past behaviour and intentions to be physically active in the future.

The contribution and interplay of implicit and explicit processes on physical activity behavior: empirical testing of the physical activity adoption and maintenance (PAAM) model

“…Consistent with the assumptions of the PAAM model, our findings provide empirical evidence for the predictive role of past PA, intention, and habit on PA behavior (hypotheses 1–3). Past PA has been widely recognized as a strong predictor of future PA [ 83 , 84 ], although it is not necessarily a stable behavior [ 85 ]. Intention, which reflects the motivation to engage in PA, is a crucial factor in predicting PA, as demonstrated by previous research [ 34 ].…”

Effect of Elderly People’s Perceived Value on their Adherence to Outdoor Exercise: The Intermediary Role of Motivation for Active Social Adaptation

“…As mentioned above, older adults are likely to consider the time, place, and companions when choosing to continue to participate in a sport. 11 , 38 Hence, 3 items were used to collect data on adherence to exercise: Will participate again if have the chance (EA1), Choose the correct route to experience (EA2), and Organize friends to participate (EA3).…”

“… 10 It is generally accepted that adherence to exercise is influenced by 3 kinds of factors, namely, past and present personal factors, past and present environmental factors, and the self-factor of physical activity. 11 Research of the effect of individuals’ personal factors on their adherence to exercise has mainly included demographic characteristics, biomedical conditions, past and present behavior, personal activity history, personal psychological characteristics, and states related to physical activity. 12 …”

Testing Assumptions of the Physical Activity Adoption and Maintenance Model: A Longitudinal Perspective of the Relationships Between Intentions and Habits on Exercise Adherence

“…Considering the intention-behavior gap ( Rhodes et al, 2022 ), while exercise initiation is difficult, those individuals that are currently active tend to display their intentions to maintain the behavior for the medium-term future ( Rodrigues et al, 2022 ). However, intentions may have less weight in explaining future exercise adherence once habit formation occurs.…”

“…Theoretically, novice exercisers should display high intentions to be physically active, based on different logical thought and motivations (e.g., to achieve aesthetics, health, social recognition, physical fitness, etc.). This explicit intention process, while predominant, motivates novice exercisers to continue to exercise ( Rodrigues et al, 2022 ). For these exercisers, habit should be close to zero, as the behavior has only been adopted recently.…”