A Longitudinal Theory-Based Investigation of How Environmental Aesthetics Predicts Home-Based Exercise

Environmental aesthetics is a recognized macro environmental correlate of physical activity participation. Extrapolating this effect, we hypothesize this variable to also function as a determinant of exercise participation in the microenvironment , such as the home. Specifically, we predict that the environmental aesthetics of the location of cardio and resistance training equipment will predict determinants of exercise participation within the integrated behavior change model.

Adult owners of exercise equipment ( N = 231) completed measures on the environmental aesthetics of their cardio and resistance training equipment, exercise time, and constructs from the integrated behavior change model across three consecutive monthly surveys. Study hypotheses were tested using multilevel structural equation modeling with participants (level 2) nested within time (level 1).

The model revealed predictive effects of intention, habit, and planning on exercise participation over time. The findings indicated a total effect of autonomous motivation on intention and habit. In addition, environmental aesthetics of cardio and strength training equipment predicted autonomous motivation, along with habit and intention when accounting for indirect effects. Finally, planning moderated the intention-behavior relationship, indicating that participants who scored higher on planning were more likely to translate their intentions to behavior.

These findings provide informative notes for designing effective home-based exercise programs, which have increased in popularity over the past recent years. Specifically, experimental studies that provide exercise equipment should ensure that the location of the equipment is appealing to the participant to increase the likelihood equipment use and exercise engagement.