Fatores motivacionais de adesão e permanência para praticantes de musculação de uma academia da cidade de João Pessoa

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an increase in the demand for weightlifting practice due to various motivational factors. The objective of the present study was to analyze the motivational factors for adherence and continuity in weightlifting practice at a gym in the city of João Pessoa. Methodological aspects: The research is cross-sectional and descriptive, with a quantitative approach. The sample consisted of 40 individuals of both genders, aged between 19 and 54 years (28.70±9.3 years), who practice weightlifting at a gym in João Pessoa. The variables investigated were the motivational factors for adherence and continuity in weightlifting practice at a gym, through a questionnaire containing questions about sociodemographic aspects and the characteristics of physical activity practice, and a reduced and adapted questionnaire from the "Inventory of Motivation for Regular Physical Activity Practice (IMPRAF-132)" by Balbinotti and Barbosa (2006), with questions related to motivations for adherence or continuity in regular physical activity practice. The data were quantitatively analyzed through descriptive statistics, including mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution. Results: Regarding sociodemographic characteristics, the majority were single (55.0%), had an income above R$ 2,000.00 (52.5%), were of White ethnicity (47.5%), and had completed higher education (40.0%). Regarding weightlifting practice, most individuals trained for 6 months to 1 year (37.5%), 4 to 5 times per week (67.5%), with a training duration of 61 to 90 minutes (50.0%). 97.5% reported that tracking progress during training is an important motivational factor, and 90.0% said that professional guidance is an important motivational factor. The main motivational factors were: maintaining and/or improving health (100%), aging healthily (100%), experiencing a sense of well-being (97.5%), achieving healthy fitness levels (95.0%), having a defined body (87.5%), reducing anxiety (85.0%), feeling attractive (82.5%). The most prevalent low motivation factors were: competing with others (87.5%), winning competitions (82.5%), and obtaining financial returns (80.0%). Conclusion: It was found that the main factors for adherence and continuity in weightlifting practice were health, aesthetics, pleasure, and stress control. The dimensions with lower motivating potential for weightlifting practice were sociability and competition.