Motivational factors of the practice of fitness jump by women in the Olympic Village in the city of Maringá - PR

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the most popular physical activities among women is gym-based fitness. Among the various modalities within gym-based fitness, jump training has attracted significant interest, as it involves movements performed on a mini-trampoline, which helps reduce impact.
OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the motivations that lead women to engage in jump training at the Olympic Village in the city of Maringá, PR, Brazil.
METHODS: Fifteen women who regularly practice jump in Maringá, aged between 21 and 53 years, were investigated using the Exercise Motivations Inventory (EMI-2), developed by Markland and Ingledew (1997). The questionnaire was made available online (Google Forms), and the responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics in Excel.
RESULTS: The main motivations for the participants to practice jump training are related to stress management, social recognition, health rehabilitation, strength/endurance, and physical appearance, whereas the least significant factors are related to pleasure, weight control, disease prevention, competition, agility, and challenge. Understanding the main reasons that lead specific population groups to engage in physical exercise is essential to promote adherence and minimize the likelihood of dropout, as the continuity of practice is essential for attaining long-term physical, psychological, and social benefits.
CONCLUSION: The results indicate that jump training is predominantly perceived as a strategy for physical and emotional well-being, reinforcing the importance of designing physical activity programs that address psychosocial as well as physical aspects.