Physical Activity Behaviors among College Students Enrolled in Online Fitness Courses: An Application of Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior

Despite numerous studies linking physical and emotional well-being to exercise, more than 50% of U.S. adults and approximately 37% of college students are physically inactive. As college demographics shift to include more non-traditional students (ages 25 and older), it becomes significant to understand their physical activity behaviors. In addition, the surge in online education due to the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need to study physical activity behaviors among diverse populations, including both traditional and non-traditional students in online settings. This study examines the physical activity behaviors among college students enrolled in an online fitness course at a historically black college and university (HBCU). Participants included twenty non-traditional and twenty traditional college students from a southeastern HBCU, who completed the Theory of Planned Behavior and Godin Leisure-Time questionnaires over two semesters. One-way ANOVA analysis found a significant difference between non-traditional and traditional college students in their intentions (p = .003) and attitudes (p = .003) toward engaging in physical activity. Specifically, non-traditional students demonstrated higher intentions and more positive attitudes compared to traditional peers, even though both groups showed similar levels of actual physical activity participation. Universities should consider revising Physical Activity curricula to enhance the motivation of non-traditional students and foster greater participation through targeted interventions and ongoing research. This approach aims to bridge the gap between students' intentions and their actual physical activity participation and create a supportive environment that fosters sustained physical activity among diverse college populations.