Table 4: Male responses to survey questions related to perception of the gym environment.

 

Ages 18-342A 2B

Ages 35-643A 3B

Ages 65 and older4A 4B

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

Male 2.95

Male 3.74

Male 3.03

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

Male 3.24

Male 4.18

Male 3.97

Using the equipment in the gym can be intimidating

Male 3.33

Male 3.26

Male 2.93

I feel judged in a gym environment

Male 2.62

Male 3.26

Male 2.62

The gym environment is intimidating

Male 2.95

Male 3.26

Male 2.59

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

Male 2.86

Male 3.08

Male 2.52

The gym makes me feel vulnerable and exposed

Male 2.29

Male 2.87

Male 2.41

I am too embarrassed to go to the gym

Male 1.86

Male 2.41

Male 2.14

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

Male 1.62

Male 2.71

Male 2.38

Numbers represent the mean Likert scale response to each question using the scale 1=strongly disagree, 2=disagree, 3=neutral, 4=agree, 5=strongly agree.

Male

2AN ages 18-34= 21; 3AN ages 35-65= 37-39; 4AN ages 65 and above = 92-110