Prevalence And Indicators Of Gym Intimidation Levels In Female College Students

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine indicators of and measure gym intimidation in female college students. METHODS: A survey was emailed to female college students at a large, public university in the southeastern US (n=357). Class standing, academic college, major, gym frequency, gym equipment used, and sports participation were assessed. Gym intimidation was measured using the Social Exercise and Anxiety Measure (SEAM) subscales: social exercise self-efficacy (SES: 5-items, 0-100 scale, assesses confidence in the ability to exercise in various environments), gym avoidance (GA: 4 items, 0-7 scale, assesses gym avoidant behavior), and exercise importance (EI: 3 items, 0-7 scale, assesses priority of exercise). Pearson’s correlations, t-tests, and ANOVAs were used to identify significant relationships. RESULTS: Respondents were 50% confident in exercising at a crowded gym compared to 95% confident at a private gym. The GA item with the strongest score was “I think people are judging me”. Pearson’s correlations revealed a relationship (p < 0.01) between frequency of gym attendance and all SEAM questions. Self-predicted success is correlated with exercise importance and ability to use a gym. Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found for all SEAM scores between exercise science majors and non-exercise science majors; between those who use strength equipment and those who do not. SES and GA scores were lower in freshmen than other class standings. CONCLUSIONS: Gym intimidation is prevalent in the female college students and is a barrier to participation in exercise. Most concerns focused on perceived judgment as opposed to exercise itself. Combating intimidation from perceived judgment is critical.