ABSTRACT
Online exercise programming has surged in popularity; however, little is known about older adults' perceptions and experiences of online exercise. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine older adults' (aged 59-82 years) experiences and perceptions of an online exercise program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nineteen individuals (individuals who used the online exercise program and those who did not) completed a semistructured interview. Three main themes were generated from the data using reflexive thematic analysis: (a) can online exercise really work for older adults? (b) technology attitudes and experiences influence online participation, and (c) barriers and advantages of the online exercise program and the home environment. Most participants who took part were able to overcome initial barriers through technical support and experience. Our findings highlight ways to promote advantages and address barriers of online exercise for older adults and emphasize the importance of fostering social experiences and training online exercise instructors.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Pandemics , Humans , Aged , Exercise , Attitude , Exercise TherapyABSTRACT
The use of appearance (versus functionality) cues in group exercise has been linked to negative body image outcomes in young women. This study examined the impact of appearance versus functionality-focused cues during an exercise class on state body image, enjoyment, and intentions to return to a future class, in older adults (60+ years). Participants (N = 107, Mage = 69 years) completed demographic and trait body image measures at a first session and attended either an appearance or functionality-focused full-body strength-based circuit class. Participants completed pre-and post-state body image measures, and measures of enjoyment and intention to return post-class. A General Linear Model approach to a repeated measures multivariate ANCOVA was used to examine pre-to-post-class differences between conditions for state body image; trait body satisfaction with appearance and functionality, BMI, and previous group exercise experience were entered as covariates. ANCOVAs were conducted to examine differences for enjoyment, (gender, BMI, and previous group exercise experience entered as covariates) and intention to return to a similar class, (previous group exercise experience as covariate). No significant differences were found across analyses (ps > .05). These findings contrast with similar studies conducted in younger populations. Future studies should continue to examine body image in aging populations.
Subject(s)
Body Image , Intention , Aged , Body Image/psychology , Cues , Exercise , Female , Humans , PleasureABSTRACT
Self-objectification negatively impacts body image, mental health, and cognitive performance outcomes in women and has been correlated with poorer physical performance. The purpose of this study was to determine if trying on a swimsuit (versus a sweater) impacted state self-objectification, body shame, social physique anxiety, intrinsic motivation, bodily awareness, and physical performance in university women. Female undergraduate students (N = 52) were randomly assigned to try on either a swimsuit (objectification condition) or sweater (control condition) and complete measures of self-objectification, body shame, appearance anxiety, intrinsic motivation, and interoceptive awareness, and perform a series of balance tasks. Women in the swimsuit condition reported higher state self-objectification, body-related shame and appearance anxiety, and lower intrinsic motivation compared to women in the sweater condition. In addition, women in the swimsuit condition restricted body movements during a 1-legged stand balance task. Consistent with objectification theory, women may have made smaller physical movements in an attempt to hide or cover up the body. Findings could have implications for promoting positive experiences during physical activity for women, such as in sport, exercise or rehabilitation settings.
