Use of a Community Trail Among New and Habitual Exercisers: A Preliminary Assessment

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated physical activity patterns and trail use among new and habitually active exercisers using onsite trail interviews. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study design, 414 adults who accessed two new trails that bisect a rural community of 26,809 residents were interviewed during the first summer of the trails' official operation (2001). The trails comprise 12 miles of level and paved surface and run parallel to adjacent water sheds, businesses, and neighborhoods. Recent trail activity patterns were obtained, including the following: frequency of use, mode of activity, duration, distance traveled on trail, access points, time of day used, use of exercise companions, and distance traveled to get to trail. Perceived enablers and barriers related to trail use were also obtained. Data were compared between newly adopted exercisers (new exercisers) and individuals active prior to development of the trails (habitually active exercisers). RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of the trail users were new exercisers. New exercisers were more dependent on the trails as a primary outlet for physical activity than were habitually active exercisers (P < .001). New exercisers traveled shorter distances to access the trails and rated convenience as a primary reason for using them. Both safety and terrain issues emerged as enablers for trail use, and unsafe conditions emerged as a concern among new exercisers. CONCLUSION: A community trail may be an important vehicle for promoting physically active lifestyles. However, new exercisers must overcome issues of proximal and safe access from residential areas in addition to other safety concerns to achieve regular physical activity

Psychological Factors Related to Exercise Behaviors Among College Students

With the prevalence of obesity steadily increasing throughout the United States, promotion of healthy behavior is as important as ever. Positive exercise and dietary habits promoted during the years an individual is in college can perpetuate a lifestyle change that ideally prolongs an entire lifespan. Researchers gathered data from 108 full time students, 18 years of age or older from the West Virginia University Student Recreation Center. Participants were recruited using convenient sampling and completed a 74-item questionnaire comprised of both qualitative and quantitative questions. The collected data, in collaboration with previous literature, has empowered the research team with suitable information to identify motives and barriers of exercise among the sample population. One significant finding suggests there is a moderate relationship between exerciser efficacy and how enjoyable exercise is perceived. These findings are in line with previous research, and propose that individuals will enjoy exercise more if they are more confident in their abilities to properly and effectively exercise