Abstract
Strong exercise identity (EI) and habit formation (HF) have been shown to be related to consistent exercise behavior and perceptions within exercise programs. However, little is known about factors associated with the magnitude of change in EI and HF throughout an exercise program. PURPOSE: Evaluate whether changes in EI and HF over a 12-week exercise program are associated with changes in exercise, frequency of exercise, program adherence, and theory-informed determinants of exercise behavior. METHODS: Participants (n=29; age 53.6±11.6 years, BMI 31.5±6.6 kg/m², 55.2% female, 79.3% non-Hispanic White) who were inactive (/wk of self-reported physical activity [PA] over the past 3 months) received a 12-week automated Internet program for increasing moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). Weekly, participants were asked to achieve a prescribed exercise goal, submit an exercise plan, watch a video lesson, complete a homework assignment, and report their exercise minutes. Assessments were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Bouted (≥10 min) MVPA was assessed via accelerometer over a 7-day period. Adherence to the program was assessed by videos viewed, exercise plans submitted, exercise minutes logged, and homework completed. Exercise identity and HF were evaluated using the Exercise Identity Scale and Self-Report Habit Index questionnaires, respectively. Theory-informed constructs (exercise enjoyment, intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy for exercise) were also assessed via questionnaire. RESULTS: Among those who completed the study (n=26), the mean EI score at baseline was 2.4±1.2 (1-7 scale), and the mean HF score was 2.0±.8 (1-7 scale). At 12 weeks, there was improvement in bouted MVPA (40.7±97.1 min/wk, p=0.042), EI (1.1±1.6.6, p=0.003), and HF (1.3±1.1, p0.05), but was associated with exercise plans submitted (EI: r=.467, p=.016; HF: r=.452, p=.021). Change in EI was significantly associated with the change in intrinsic motivation (r=.413, p=.036) and trended toward significance with exercise enjoyment (r=.384, p=.053). Change in HF was significantly associated with exercise enjoyment (r=.540, p=.004). No other program adherence or questionnaire findings were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise identity and HF were shown to be correlated with some, but not all, measures of adherence and theory-informed determinants of exercise behavior. These findings support the current literature that EI and HF are associated with factors other than total exercise minutes. Understanding how these factors impact EI and HF is a potential area for future research.
Recommended Citation
Antonelli, Olivia F.; Webster, Jennifer; and Unick, Jessica L.
(2026)
"Examination of Factors Associated With Exercise Identity and Habit Formation Among Inactive Adults Over a 12-week Exercise Program,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 2:
Iss.
18, Article 177.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol2/iss18/177