Characteristics of Users and Nonusers of a Campus Recreation Center

Kim H. Miller, Melody Noland, Mary Kay Rayens, Ruth Staten

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

College students' physical activity provides protection against weight gain and chronic disease. Convenient exercise facilities have been correlated with physical activity. This study examined use of a college recreational facility among a sample of undergraduates, personal and demographic factors related to facility use, and factors predictive of facility use. A sample of 1,700 undergraduates was randomly selected and mailed a survey about health behaviors and recreation-center use. Facility users were more likely to be freshman or sophomore unmarried men who live on campus. Users of the facility had a slightly lower average body mass index, yet were more likely to use alcohol. Significant predictors of facility use included sex, class standing, living situation, belonging to a fraternity or sorority, and the desire to change one's weight. This study contributes to the research on college students' physical activity in that it identifies those likely to use or not use the recreational facility.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)87-96
Number of pages10
JournalRecreational Sports Journal
Volume32
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2008

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2008 The NIRSA Foundation.

Keywords

  • college students
  • physical activity
  • recreation centers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Education
  • Tourism, Leisure and Hospitality Management
  • Social Sciences (miscellaneous)

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