Motivation and Gender Differences in Gym Activity - Essay Example

Motivation and Gender Differences in Gym Activity Table of contents Abstract: Modern man is keen in keeping his physical strength and beauty. It is the thought of his physical health that leads him to engage in gym activities which he believes as essential for keeping him physically and mentally strong. It is common knowledge that female also depend on gym for the same purposes though there are slight variations. The proposed research paper is an attempt to find out the gender differences in gym activities. It also studies about the attitude of male and female towards gym activities. The paper has designed with two hypothesises, one aims to explore the gender differences in gym activities and the other about the perception of gym activities, that is, whether the males and females attend gym with social pressure or is it really an attempt form their part to keep the personal physical health. To have the desired effect, the paper has been arranged in different headings. The researcher has adopted a quantitative research in which survey results are based on the questionnaire prepared to understand the involvement of male and female in gym. With the help of the survey results, researcher has formed diagrams that make an easier overview on the gender differences and the motivation of male and female in the gym activities. The paper ends with a conclusion that justifies hypotheses. 1. Introduction: Attending gym and maintaining health and physical vigour has now emerged as a serious matter that needs solemn discussion. It is common knowledge that many are attracted to gym activities and they give greater concern to it and they consider it equal to any other activities or part of their daily routine. Regardless of age or gender, one can see people attending gym, motivated by different reasons. While some attend gym activities for maintaining physical health/fitness, some others attend it for competence. Some people attend gym activities for performance or for getting noticed in social spheres. The study is based on the role of motivation on exercise in gym and also the preference of activities on the gender differences in gym. In the modern world, people are suffering from various health problems leading to many diseases; so nowadays people take initiative to prevent health problems themselves. There are many benefits to people who are engaging in physical activities, including relief from heart disease, diabetics, obesity, cancer and such other diseases. Majority of the people realise the need for exercise from their own experiences and also by observing from others; but yet some others will not do any exercises until they get external motivation. Some physical activities like jogging, walking, and so on help people to relax their mind as well as help to meet new people and build new relationships. Incentives play an important role in motivating people for doing exercises. Nowadays people consider the gym as an important aid to build and maintain a good body. In the past, the gym was considered as a place only for men but now women also take part in gym activities. Women concentrate on the activities like yoga, cycling, and dancing whereas the males focus on the shaping and building of their body. This study includes the two types of hypothesis; firstly, majority of males engage in anaerobic activities whereas the females concentrate on aerobic activities and secondly, the motives of the participants are based on personal interest. Through the proposed research, the researcher attempts to prove mainly two things. Analysing the different literature and the previous studies conducted with regard to this topic, one can see that male generally engage in anaerobic and female in aerobic. This paper also analyses the fact that personal interest to maintain a healthy personal health assumes predominant role in gym activities, rather than social pressure. The literature review of the paper analyses some of the previous literature with regard to the participation of male and female in gym activities. Having compared and contrasted some of the literature in relation to the role of motivation on exercise in the gym and also the preference of activities on the gender differences in the gym, it is clear that a range of perspectives are examinable. To make the study effective, the researcher has arranged the facts under different questions which help to reach to the conclusions supported with the hypothesis. In the book named “The complete holistic guide to working out in the gym” published by the “University of Calgary Press, 2007” the author ‘Yigal Pinchas’ says that people like gym because it is socially fashionable. The people are mainly motivated only for the social approval, well shaped physique, and digital feedback from the machines; so the people do not perform exercises for the right reasons. “The problem is lack of intrinsic motivation for the exercise that arises from recognition of the importance and contribution of physical activity to one’s life. As a result, exercises may find it difficult to appreciate and enjoy the many benefits of working out” (Pinchas, 2007, p.13). The book, “Foundations of sport and exercise psychology” by ‘Robert Stephen Weinberg, Daniel Gould’ starts with the idea of motivation. The book says about the importance and need for motivation. Everything depends upon the exercise leader who can change the reinforcement pattern. In motivation, a trainer has to consider the individual differences in motivation. “Professionals need to consider what motivational factors they can influence and how much time (and money) it will take to change them” (Weinberg & Gould, 2007, p.53). In the article entitled “With the Right Motivation, That Home Gym Makes Sense” written by Tara Parker-pope and published on 5th January 2009 Dr. Williams says that there are simple ways to increase the chance that you will keep exercising. “Working out with friends or family members, mastering an exercise (like the proper way to use gym equipment), and working with someone who motivates you, like a personal trainer, all build confidence and bolster the chances of sticking with it” (Parker-Pope, 2009, para.11). In his book, ‘biophysical foundations of human movement,’ Bruce Abernethy says that some people start physical activity to build a better body but drop out within the first six months. “These people had exercise participation motivation but lacked exercise adherence motivation, the persistence ankle of motivation” (Abernethy, 2005, p.292). There are also some other research findings related to preference of activities in the gender differences in the gym. In the article entitled “Gender Differences in Endurance Performance and Training”, the author says men have more endurance and capacity than women in case of physical activities like gym and so on. “On an absolute basis, and per kg bodyweight, women have lower sweat rates than men. However, because of their higher body surface area to volume ratio, they dissipate heat equally well. Men have an advantage in evaporative cooling, but women have an advantage in radiant cooling, so they come out even” (Gender differences in endurance performance and training, 1996, Are men sweatier than women, para.1). In the article named “For Texans Exercise can have gender differences” written by Precremix, the author is of the opinion that men show some competitiveness and they can also make challenges to themselves to build a muscular and strong body whereas women do exercises to look better. Women training include a mix of cardio, strength training, and yoga and so on. There is a hostile approach among women towards fitness. A remarkable quotation from this article shows the attitude of women and men towards fitness. “They feel more comfortable in a gym when they're with other people. While men often participate in classes such as spinning or "boot camp" workouts, women dominate other classes, especially those that touch on mind/body techniques”. There are some other quotations also which show women’s physical activities in the gym. “They may perform a slightly modified squat to protect their lower backs. This might involve turning the feet outward a bit, standing with the legs slightly wider apart, and not going down so low”. In a gym, women can only use lighter weights as compared to men as one can distinctly realise it from this quote. “Women also have less muscle than men, and therefore often use lighter weights to avoid the injuries that come from "too much, too often” (Precremix, 2009, para.9). Both men and women are partaking in aerobics; people seem to seek to various goals such as a prevention method for increasing body weight. Majority of men practice gym activities for shaping their body size. Women always prefer to shape their body rather than showing muscles like men; so they prefer aerobic exercises whereas men like anaerobic exercises because they enjoy building and showing muscles. Analyzing the rate of attending gym activities one can see the rate of motivation for initial participation and continued participation. Marie-Celine Chery, Barbara Borysewicz and Marylouise Caldwell comment that “These included enjoyment; psychological well being; self-identity; a means of staying fit and slim; and “addiction” (Chery, Borysewicz, & Caldwell, n. d., p.2, Motivation, para.1). Various studies prove that consumption experiences are an influencing factor in the attitudinal changes of the consumer in gym activities. Personal needs, gender differences, motivation level, mood, health condition and family background play a significant role for engaging in gym activities. Comparing to male candidates, female candidates may get less social support and feedback. Social comparison of performance is an important tool for assessing the rate of motivation. In their book entitled Issues in physical education Susan Capel and Susan Piotrowski give relevant comments. They say; “They also suggested that the teachers should be aware of potential gender differences in the way pupils perceive the learning environment and recognize that some teaching strategies may be particularly applicable for girls” (Capel & Piotrowski, 2000, p.155, Reaction of boys and girls to competitive and co-operative activities, para.2). The motives of the participants are based on the personal interest. The social pressure influences the gym activities to certain extent but a majority of the people go to gym only for their own personal interest. In the article entitled ‘Bodies At Rest, Bodies In Motion’ the author Carol–Ann Farkas says that people go to gym just for their own personal interest. “Gym staff and members will say, and mean it, that they are there to promote wellness: healthy heart and lungs to avoid disease; good muscular development and flexibility, which allow one to have the strength and balance to perform daily tasks, or which lays the foundation for further fitness challenges” (Farkas, 2007, para.18). Studies prove that gym activities can provide enough support to alleviate tension and mental depression in case of both male and female. Popular gym activities such as kick boxing, aerobics and cycling will help to relieve tensions. Regular practicing of yoga has a significant role in alleviating tension. In his journal article entitled ‘How to Improve Your Posture, Relieve Back Tension and Eliminate Back Pain’, Fifileigh gives suitable comments about yoga activities. The author says; “These classes are good for the mind, body and soul by helping you relax as you stretch your lower back and relieve lower back tension” (Fifileigh, 2009, Instructions, para.1). Different studies have identified the role of gym activities in alleviating the personal stress of a person. It is very easy for one to understand it through the analysis of one’s regular activities. It has often been inferred that one has to undertake continuous physical exercises to maintain his/her physical health; otherwise it may lead him/her to many diseases and pain. An analysis of the given diagram (see appendix-3, Your Regular Activities), makes the things crystal clear. The diagram shows that decreased activity will cause muscles shorten and become weak. Later, the fear of pain and the reluctance to physical exercises lead to pain. Similarly, back pain and other physical problems are usually due to bad bearing, slouching and weak stomach muscles. While engaging physical activities and yoga one can stretch lower back and relive his/her back pain. Walking and cycling reduce breath problem and accelerate the movement of muscles. Carpel tunnel syndrome is a painful disease which affects the hands and is also cause for the loss of functionality of hands. Some physical exercise can reduce Carpel tunnel syndrome and the journal article entitled ‘Hand & Wrist Positions for Relieving Carpal Tunnel Symptoms Pain Link to Article E-mail Article Republish Article’ By: Tom Nicholson, remarks; “Aside from those things, try to do some stretches and loosening of the wrist to keep things loose. It even helps to shake your hands every once in a while to get the circulation flowing” (Nicholson, 2009, para.6). Smooth functioning of internal and external organs need blood circulation. Both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations are stimuli that force a person to follow a physically demanding activity. The role of internal motivators is very crucial for engaging in various physical activities or exercise. Improved health, structured personal ability and skills, increased energy and decreased stress are significant motivating factors. Intrinsic motivation provides the opportunity for the participants to amplify their mastery and the sense of personal control. Successful completion of physical activities promotes positive feelings and happiness. (Lesson 3: Understanding your personal motivation for physical activity, n. d.). Analyzing the article ‘Motivation for Physical Activity’ one can easily find that 11.3 is the index which reveals a large number of people were internally motivated. Comparing intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation is not a sufficient way to maintain continuous physical activities and exercises. The web article named, Factors affecting compliance to chiropractic prescribed home exercise: A review of the literature gives relevant comments about extrinsic motivation. It says; “Extrinsic motivation is when a person performs a physical activity solely to obtain some external reward” (Milroy & O’Neil, 2003, Extrinsic motivation, p.1). Excessive body weight and making better body shape often affect the regular participation in gym activities. The problem is that people who concentrate only in reducing their weight are affected by other physical problems. Here the participants follow various gym activities for getting immediate outcome and they deviate to other activities. 8.5 is the index of extrinsic motivation. Some specific type of beliefs and thoughts that are related to motivation, promote self-perceptions of competence, self-efficiency beliefs, casual attributions and achievement of goals. Steven Wayne Lee states that “Self-perceptions of competence refer to people’s estimates of their ability” (Lee, 2005, p.332, Cognitive, para.2). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the proposed research is to explore the major differences between male and female gym activities by evaluating the different factors that exert their predominant influence in this sector. This paper aims to find out how gender difference affect gym activities and why male engage more in anaerobic activities and female in aerobic activities. The core aspects of the dissertation will critically analyse dominant factors that make gym activity a “male thing.” To have the desired effect the dissertation will seek to address the following questions to help explain the real reasons behind the gender difference in gym activity. What are the gender differences in preferences of gym activities? Which are the motivating factors that lead one to gym activities? Why do male engage in anaerobic and female in aerobic activities? How does social pressure exert its influence in gym activities and the role of personal interest in gym activities? Does it have any role in alleviating tension and other physical problems? What intrinsic and extrinsic factors motivate one to exercise and to be active? Method Design Researcher adopts a quantitative study for the proposed research with the help of questionnaires and survey reports and statistical data. The two sets of questionnaires used in this study are aimed to find out the motivation and gender differences in gym activities. As it is not possible for the researcher to achieve the desired effect only through the questionnaires and the survey, he resorts to books, magazine articles, survey results and online resources. To have the desired outcome, the research has been designed to suit the situation. A quantitative approach is maintained for the purpose of the research as it best suits the topic under study. Various methods have been adopted to gather information and data for the research. The research tries to determine the extent to which response from participants can help in evaluating the impact of the new methodologies as also decide whether feedback surveys actually reflect the effectiveness of the new methodology. The designing and sampling have direct relations to the topic and it leads to measurement and analysis which become the elite part of the research. The study includes the independent variables such as gender, ethnicity and physical activity. The dependent variable would be calculated by 1) Motives for Physical Activities Measures (MPAM) which consist of 30 items, 2) Exercise Self Regulating Questionnaire (SRQ-E) including 12 items. The participants are required to fill their details and they will be thanked for their participation. Participants A total of 70 participants includes in this study. Among the 70 participants there are 35 male and 35 female aged between 18 and 30 and are engaging in gym activities at the time of the study. Material The questionnaires are used as helping factor in order to get right answers in the survey. It promotes questions which analyse various gender problems and motivation techniques in gym activity. Questionnaires are used as the helping factor in order to get right answers in the proposed survey. The statistical data are employed in the research to see whether they supplement the findings of the literature review. The questionnaire will also be helpful in identifying the real problem, whether it is the selection of gym activities, method of practicing or lack of motivation of the learners. As the aim is to get authenticity for the research, the researcher has collected different samples such as, survey reports, quotations of great personalities and images in support to topic discussed. The questionnaire will be capable of checking out the existing gym activities and motivation, whether it suits a person who lived in west or it promotes the anticipated outcome. The questionnaire for the participants contains questions based on various motivational strategies in gym activities, the outcome of current gym activities, difficulty level of the activities, and gender differences and motivation problems. Materials The main features of the study include survey, naturalistic observation, and secondary data analysis. The research has attempted to focus on the main problem discussed in the topic, that is, Motivation and Gender Differences in Gym Activity. Procedure The participants who work with the study must actively participate. All the information collected will be kept highly confidential. An official document will be prepared for all participants. The study will ensure that the participants are aware of their right to withdraw from the research anytime. The official document will be useful for all participants. The whole study will ensure the right of the people to involve without any interruption. Researcher will promise to the participants that all data will remain confidential and will not turn out to be public document. Throughout the study the learner must explain the actual purpose and aims of the research and it must be explained how the information will be used and who will have access to the research papers. Results While going through the present study about how this gym activity inspires both male. The reasons for their interest are different from one another. The differences of preferences in engaging gym activity regarding male and female are crystal clear. Majority of them prefer this only for an enjoyment in life but some others prefer it for competence, to maintain fine appearance or just to have a social interaction. The major differences in the male and female participation have been illustrated in the following tables. Table-1 Percentage of female participation in gym activities Interest/Enjoyment 29% Competence 26% Appearance 26% Fitness 25% Social 20% Table-2 Percentage of male participation in gym activities Interest/Enjoyment 49% Competence 49% Appearance 40% Fitness 35% Social 26% While comparing the participation of male and female in the context of their interest/ enjoyment, competence, fitness and social interaction it is found that there is a great difference in their numbers. The diagram (see appendix-1), represents the ratio of male participation in gym activities. The percentage of male candidates who participate in gym activities is 29. 49 and it is considered as a competence boosting factor. The percentage of those who take part in gym activities for polishing appearance is 40. Those who do it for physical fitness is 35% while 27% consider it as a social prestige. The analysis of the diagram (see appendix-2), makes clear the motives behind female participation in gym activities. 29% of the female participate in gym activities because of their own interest and for enjoyment. 27% of them take it as a competency oriented activity. Appearance is another motive of the female for participating in gym activities and they are 27%. 25% participate for physical fitness and only 20% consider it as a social status. When comparing the ratio between female and male participation in gym activities, one can find that there is considerable difference in their attitude towards it. Enjoyment and interest is the prime motive for most of the female candidates while the male participation is mainly contrived through their wish for participating in contests. When reaching the conclusion of the paper, the researcher comes across with the following matters. Regarding the two hypotheses of the study, one can assert that engaging in gym activities has now become a socially fashionable element that attracts the attention of a large public. Some of the writers have viewed that engaging in gym activities helps one to enhance one’s physical and social appearance. In order to develop a well-built culture of gym activities, one needs motivation. Lack of proper motivation is capable of creating many problems. Research has proved the fact that there should be good intrinsic motivation which enables the participant to imbibe the physical exercises genuinely. The intrinsic motivation includes recognition, importance and social activities. After conducting the research, the researcher has understood that motivation has an elite role in gym activities and it should be personal, especially for avoiding midway dropouts. Researches have identified that the number of men participating in the gym activities are higher that the number of women. There are different reasons for the increase in male participation. The study leads the researcher to the following conclusion that male engages mostly in aerobic activities and female in anaerobic activities. One of the reasons for this difference is that men have more endurance than women, especially in physical activities. And there are also notable differences in the body weight, body surface area and in body heat. Also men show competitiveness in physical activities and possess a muscular body which enable them feel confidence comparing with those having less muscle. Evaluating the gender differences in gym activities, researcher has understood that there are notable differences in male and female gym activities. It is possible for one to identify the different factors that attract male and female to gym activities, namely, personal interest/enjoyment, competence, appearance, fitness and for social recognition. But what the researcher has understood is that there are significant differences in the percentage of male and female using gym as shown in the two diagrams (see appendix 1 and 2.). The analysis of the diagram clearly leads one to the conclusion that female participate in gym activities mainly for enjoyment while most male attend gym for competence. Both male and female give equal importance for keeping fitness that leads the researcher to the final conclusions, that is, though there are differences in the percentage of male and female attending gym, their ultimate aim is to keep a good personal physical health devoid of any social pressure. Discussion The discussion and analysis attempted here is based on the above literature review, as well as the researcher’s study assumed in a group of university students. It is focussed on the studies that whether gender differences and motivation have the significant role in practicing gym activities. What is the current status of gender attitudes towards gym activities? The discussion is mainly based on the question, in what way gender differences and motivation affect the gym activities. After the analysis of the literature review and the questionnaire, one can easily find the significant role of gender differences and motivation in gym activities. Both male and female participate in various physical activities in order to get various outcomes. Majority of female participants engage in aerobic gym activities than male participants. Like male candidates, women candidates also show their willingness to join gym activities as a part of their body building. Both the people from East and West prefer this activity in order for an enjoyment. The young males are of the view that out of this activity they find fun, physical inspiration, happiness and a sort of excitement. In this research it is found that those people between the ages of 20-27 focus their attention and participate in this activity in order to gain mental satisfaction. Female in the age group of 18-25 show good approach towards this physical activity and it is noticed that male prefer these activities more than the female. The number of male and female who take interest in physical activity in order to gain competence is somewhat similar. Females in the age group of 22 - 27 give much importance to this, as from this period onwards they have the awareness of both mental and physical capability, and to achieve this they take active participation in this bustle. On the other side, the case of male is different. From the age of 19 onwards they take active participation in gym activity. It is found that it is males who take more participation in this activity than females as they want to improve their existing skills and obtain new skills, like to participate in physically challenging activities and also to acquire better achievements. Both male and female show much interest in gym activities especially to maintain their fine appearance as they prefer healthy appearance more than anything else. The research shows that it is female who show more interest in gym activities than male to maintain physical appearance. The reason why female prefer this is they want to improve their physical appearance; shape and also they want to look better. Though males are much concerned about their weight and muscles it is females who are active in the participation of gym activities as they care more for their beauty. Males start to prefer this activity only at the age of 20-22 in order to maintain physical appearance but females begin it at the age 19 as the research shows. The research shows that generally younger people choose this in order to be physically fit, and of which males seem to be more attracted towards this than females. From the age of 19 onwards they start to engage in these activities so as to keep their body fit and strong. The main purpose is to keep physically fit, healthy and strong so as to give good impression to others. They start to actively participate in these activities from the age of 19 and continue it as they wish to lead a healthy life. The research shows that generally young people do not have much consideration to social interactions and the number of people who participate in the gym activities for social interactions are less. While analyzing the participation of males and females in this activity for social interactions, the research shows that the numbers of females are less than males. 7. Reference List Abernethy, B. (2005). The biophysical foundations of human movement (2nd ed.). Human Kinetics. Capel, S., & Piotrowski, S. (2000). Issues in physical education: Reaction of boys and girls to competitive and co-operative activities. Routledge. Chery, M C., Borysewicz, B., & Caldwell, M. (n.d.). Shaping presentation of self in everyday life: Gym bunnies and musclemen: Motivation. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://smib.vuw.ac.nz:8081/WWW/ANZMAC2001/anzmac/AUTHORS/pdfs/Chery.pdf Farkas, C A. (2007). Bodies at rest, bodies in motion. Genders: Presenting Innovative Work in the Arts, Humanities and Social Theories. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.genders.org/g45/g45_farkas.html Fifileigh. (2009). How to improve your posture, relieve back tension and eliminate back pain: Instructions. EHow: How To Do Just About Everything. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.ehow.com/how_4839635_back-tension-eliminate-back-pain.html Gender differences in endurance performance and training: Are men sweatier than women?. (1996). Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://home.hia.no/~stephens/gender.htm Lee, S W. (2005). Encyclopedia of school psychology: Cognitive. Sage. Lesson 3: Understanding your personal motivation for physical activity. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.plpsd.mb.ca/pci/Sports/ModuleBLesson3.pdf Milroy, P., & O’Neil, G. (2003). Health care industry: Factors affecting compliance to chiropractic prescribed home exercise: A review of the literature: Extrinsic motivation. Journal of the American Chiropractic Association. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3841/is_200301/ai_n9186950/#comment Nicholson, T. (2009). Hand & wrist positions for relieving carpal tunnel symptoms pain. Popular Articles.com. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.populararticles.com/article167341.html Pain. (n.d.). Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.healthyalberta.com/Images/Pain_diagram.jpg Parker-Pope, T. (2009, January 5). Fitness & nutrition: With the right motivation, that home gym makes sense. The New York Times. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/06/health/nutrition/06well.html Pinchas, Y. (2007). The complete holistic guide to working out in the gym. University of Calgary Press. Precremix. (2009). For Texans exercise can have gender differences. Streetdirectory.com: Singapore Guide. Retrieved August 25, 2009, from http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/205034/fitness/for_texans_exercise_can_have_gender_differences.html Weinberg, R S., & Gould, D. (2007). Foundations of sport and exercise psychology (4th ed.). Human Kinetics. . 8. Appendices: Appendix-1 Ratio of male participation in gym activities Appendix-2 Ratio of female participation in gym activities Appendix-3 Your regular activities (Pain, n.d.). Read More