"I needed something to hook me." A narrative study on adherence to Pilates

Area of Science:

• Mind-Body Practices
• Exercise Science
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Long-term exercise adherence is crucial for sustained health benefits.
• Narratives and storytelling are increasingly recognized as factors influencing behavior change.
• Pilates, a holistic exercise modality, offers a unique context to study adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of stories and narratives in promoting adherence to Pilates.
• To understand how personal narratives shape practitioners' long-term engagement with Pilates.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with 8 long-term Pilates practitioners (≥6 years).
• Thematic narrative analysis focused on story components (whats).
• Holistic narrative analysis examined the impact of narratives on adherence.

Main Results:

• Key narrative elements include pain experiences, Pilates as a health method, and social relationships.
• Practitioners' adherence is reinforced by narratives of 'exercise as medicine' and eudaimonic well-being.
• These narratives help practitioners internalize Pilates as a significant health commitment.

Conclusions:

• Stories and narratives provide meaning and context for Pilates adherence.
• Incorporating narrative-focused strategies can enhance adherence to Pilates.
• Understanding the subjective experience through narratives is vital for promoting sustained physical activity.