Table 9: Ranking of statements associated with gym culture (1, strongly disagree; 5, strongly agree).

 

Southern Ontario

Ages 18-34

Southern Ontario

Ages 35-64

South Carolina

Ages 18-34

South Carolina

Ages 35-64

 

I think there is a negative culture in the gym with too much concern over physical appearance

 

Male 2.9

Female 3.3

 

Male 3.7

Female 3.0

 

Male 3.1

Female 3.1

 

Male 2.9

Female 3.0

 

I prefer physical activities (walking, hiking, raking leaves, playing with children, etc.) outside the gym environment

Male 3.2

Female 3.8

 

Male 4.5

Female 3.8

 

Male 3.8

Female 3.9

 

Male 3.7

Female 3.9

 

Using the equipment in the gym can be intimidating

Male 3.3

Female 3.5

 

Male 3.3

Female 3.3

 

Male 2.8

Female 2.9

 

Male 2.6

Female 3.6

 

I feel judged in a gym environment

Male 2.6

Female 3.1

 

Male 2.9

Female 2.8

 

Male 2.6

Female 2.9

 

Male 2.8

Female 3.2

 

The gym environment is intimidating

Male 3.0

Female 3.0

 

Male 3.2

Female 3.3

 

Male 2.6

Female 2.7

 

Male 2.7

Female 3.1

 

I feel a disconnect with “fit” gym members because they are so far ahead of me

Male 2.8

Female 2.8

 

Male 3.0

Female 3.1

 

Male 2.7

Female 2.6

 

Male 2.8

Female 3.3

 

The gym makes me feel vulnerable and exposed

Male 2.3

Female 2.6

 

Male 2.8

Female 3.0

 

Male 2.5

Female 2.5

 

Male 3.2

Female 3.2

 

I am too embarrassed to go to the gym

Male 1.9

Female 1.9

 

Male 2.5

Female 2.1

 

Male 2.2

Female 1.9

 

Male 2.6

Female 2.5

 

I don’t want to join a gym because I associate it with exercise

Male 1.6

Female 1.6

 

Male 2.8

Female 2.0

 

Male 2.2

Female 1.6

 

Male 2.3

Female 2.2

 

Women are more likely than men to exercise to look good

Male 2.3

Female 2.4

 

Male 3.1

Female 2.7

 

Male 2.6

Female 2.3

 

Male 2.8

Female 3.1

 

Number of respondents:

South Carolina males: 18-34 years, n = 62-64; 35-64 years, n = 77-79

South Carolina females: 18-34 years, n = 41-42; 35-64 years, n = 50-51

Southern Ontario males: 18-34 years, n = 21; 35-64 years, n = 42-45

Southern Ontario females: 18-34 years, n = 59-64; 35-64 years, n = 36-38