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Date of Graduation
Spring 2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Kinesiology
Abstract
An exploratory study of group exercise participants was conducted to link group cohesion theory and perceived effects of social support to the retention of fitness club membership through building relationships. The study explored the level of group cohesion and social support experienced by participants in public group fitness exercise classes. In addition, participant loyalty was reviewed to understand membership retention based on group participation. A literature review was conducted to study previous research of group cohesive factors, social support and the role group exercise classes play in adherence to programs. Literature was also reviewed to understand effective membership retention efforts deemed successful by public, private and non-profit fitness centers. A case study was conducted at a medical non-profit fitness center. Data was collected to explore participants’ beliefs about their specific exercise class experiences. Participants had an opportunity to describe whether or not group activity is a retention factor in membership retention. Six group exercise participants were interviewed and asked about factors that affect participation in particular classes. Interviews were administered to six facility members from six specific classes. Six group fitness instructors from those specific classes interviewed were asked to journal their perception of the group interactions amongst each other as well as with the instructor. The results were used to aid in the retention efforts of the host facility and to train the group fitness instructors on the factors that influence their participants both positively and negatively.
Recommended Citation
Stiteler, Sharon Newcomer, "An exploratory study of group exercise participants: Factors contributing to retention in a medical non-profit fitness setting" (2012). Masters Theses, 2010-2019. 341.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/master201019/341
