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Pursuing leisure during leisure-time physical activity
Kindal A Shores1, Stephanie T West
1Dept of Recreation & Leisure Studies, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|September 25, 2010
Summary
College students perceive leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) as leisure when it is social and enjoyable. Social activities like dancing and exercising with companions enhance LTPA adherence.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Science
- Behavioral Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Limited research quantifies the perception of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) as leisure.
- Understanding enjoyment in LTPA is crucial for participation and adherence.
- This study examines leisure experiences during LTPA among college students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of leisure-like experiences during LTPA in college students.
- To identify social contexts and activity settings that foster enjoyment of LTPA.
- To explore factors influencing the perception of LTPA as leisure.
Main Methods:
- 192 undergraduate students participated.
- Data collected via a short questionnaire and 2-day time diaries.
- Analysis focused on discretionary time allocation and LTPA perception.
Main Results:
- Students reported 77 minutes of daily LTPA, with 68% classified as leisure.
- Most frequent LTPA included sports, exercise, walking, and dancing.
- LTPA with companions and in social settings (parks, clubs) were more likely perceived as leisure.
Conclusions:
- Social and enjoyable activities, rather than traditional exercise, may drive LTPA participation in college students.
- Dancing emerged as a significant LTPA perceived as leisure in this population.
- Findings suggest leveraging social contexts to promote physical activity in young adults.
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