Motivation for physical activity practice in conventional gyms: a comparative study in Brasil

This study investigated the motivational factors that prompt individuals to participate in physical activities in conventional gyms in the cities of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and Juiz de Fora (MG). A total of 302 practitioners from 18 gyms participated in the research, using the Motives for Physical Activities Measure – Revised (MPAM-R) scale, adapted and validated for Portuguese as Medida de Motivação para a Atividade Física – Revisada (MMAF-R). Results indicated that the Health factor had the highest overall mean (6.39), followed by Competence (5.28) and Appearance (5.19), while the Social factor (3.46) had the lowest mean. Univariate analyses showed significant associations between motivational factors and variables such as sex, age, educational level, and childhood sports participation. Women tended to attribute greater importance to Competence and Appearance, whereas elderly individuals demonstrated predominantly Health-related motivation. The results support existing literature and provide subsidies for gym managers to formulate more effective relationship marketing strategies for customer attraction, retention, and loyalty.

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