Constant Daily Exercise to Keep the Doctor Away: A Study of Adherence to Physical Exercise Using a Gym in Individuals Older Than 55 Years

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of using a gym as a mechanism for adherence to regular physical exercise among individuals with aged 55 and over. This was a grounded theory research design. Data were collected from face-to-face interviews and observations among 15 people who attended the gym regularly and then analysed via content analysis. Three categories emerged from the present study regarding the adherence to regular physical exercise: (1) meaningful starting points, (2) reinforcement by motivators, and (3) adherence through positive changes. Results of this study can help health policymakers, managers of gyms/fitness centres, and gym instructors to design and implement programs.