Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of collaboration behaviors within interactive exercise groups.
Design: Qualitative study.
Main Outcome Measures: Using semi-structured interviews, 16 individuals who exercise in small groups (e.g., workout partners, participants of interactive fitness classes) were recruited to (a) reflect on their experiences of collaboration within this context, and (b) identify behaviors that members demonstrate that help each other perform exercise tasks and achieve their exerciserelated goals. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: We identified three overarching themes (and 14 subthemes) reflecting participants’ perceptions and experiences of
collaboration in exercise groups including ‘motivation building’, ‘intragroup coaching’, and ‘personal support’. These collaboration
behaviors were noted by participants as important in shaping their continued exercise adherence, enjoyment, and relatedness.
Conclusion: This study advances knowledge of the specific ways in which individuals can work together effectively within interactive
exercise groups and provides a novel means of understanding how the group environment might best be leveraged to
support exercise behavior.
Design: Qualitative study.
Main Outcome Measures: Using semi-structured interviews, 16 individuals who exercise in small groups (e.g., workout partners, participants of interactive fitness classes) were recruited to (a) reflect on their experiences of collaboration within this context, and (b) identify behaviors that members demonstrate that help each other perform exercise tasks and achieve their exerciserelated goals. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: We identified three overarching themes (and 14 subthemes) reflecting participants’ perceptions and experiences of
collaboration in exercise groups including ‘motivation building’, ‘intragroup coaching’, and ‘personal support’. These collaboration
behaviors were noted by participants as important in shaping their continued exercise adherence, enjoyment, and relatedness.
Conclusion: This study advances knowledge of the specific ways in which individuals can work together effectively within interactive
exercise groups and provides a novel means of understanding how the group environment might best be leveraged to
support exercise behavior.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1066-1087 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Journal | Psychology and Health |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Early online date | 22 Oct 2020 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 2020 |