Research on the Difference of Exercise Motivation Between College Students Who Choose Outdoor Exercise and Gym Exercise

Under the strategic framework of “Healthy China 2030”, the physical health of college students has garnered significant attention. This study investigates the differences in exercise motivations (health management, appearance/body management, social interaction, and emotion/stress management) between university students choosing outdoor exercise and gym-based exercise, with a focus on demographic variables. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 243 students from a university in Wuhan, utilizing the Revised Exercise Inventory (REI) scale. Independent sample T-tests were employed for data analysis. Key findings include: (1) Exercise environments significantly correlate with motivations. Gym users prioritize appearance/body management (M=5.42±1.09 vs. M=4.65±1.19, p<0.001), while outdoor exercisers show higher potential in emotion regulation. However, no significant differences exist in health and social motivations between the two groups. (2) Demographic variables selectively influence motivations: males score higher in appearance management than females (p=0.024); rural students exhibit stronger emotion regulation needs (p=0.035); and non-only children emphasize health management more (p=0.019). (3) Environmental features align with psychological needs. Gyms, through equipment design (e.g., mirrors), may amplify body image anxiety, whereas outdoor settings leverage natural elements (e.g., greenery) to enhance emotional well-being, though social interaction remains underdeveloped. This study highlights the interaction between environment and motivation, offering theoretical support for optimizing university sports resources and designing targeted exercise promotion strategies. Future research should integrate longitudinal and experimental designs to explore the dynamic effects of environmental features on motivation, fostering sustainable exercise behaviors among college students.