Formative Evaluation of a Pilot Study of a University Exercise Class for Female Muslims

Abstract

Young adult Muslim women in western societies encounter barriers to exercise participation due in part to a lack of gyms offering women-only classes. Among university students, exercise might be further compromised by competing demands on time due to academics/work. We piloted a women-only exercise program (Sisters Exercising Together) for Muslims at one university in the southwest United States during the 2016-2017 academic year. We used attendance rosters (n = 6 participants), and focus group interview (n = 3) and informal interview (n = 47) techniques to assess the feasibility of and satisfaction with the program and to determine reasons for (low) attendance. Although conceptually well-received, intrapersonal factors related to perception of time, personal preferences, and motivation were most responsible for non-attendance. Potential courses of action for improving attendance should focus on improving self-regulation skills and enhancing social support.