Exercise Behavior among Navy Runners and Non-Runners.
Abstract
It is generally believed that running is the royal road to fitness. While this may be true for cardiorespiratory fitness, data are unavailable on whether this statement applies to overall fitness. The present study examined physical fitness classifications and the self-reported exercise patterns, weekly kilocalorie expenditure, and social support scores of Navy personnel who either ran, walked, did both or did neither for exercise. Results indicated that runners not only fell into higher fitness categories and expended more kilocalories each week in exercise, but reported higher frequency and duration of exercise, longer involvement in all types of exercise and greater social support. It is possible that the runners represented a select group of highly motivated fitness-oriented individuals who ascribed to the physical concepts promulgated by the Navy. However, the number of individuals failing the physical readiness test and receiving satisfactory fitness classification remains a physical readiness concern. Consequently, research on short-term and long-term exercise adherence strategies and the role of specific exercise support and general support in facilitating exercise behavior is warranted. Navy, Runners, Physical Fitness, Exercise Behavior, Cardiorespiratory Fitness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA250651
Entities
People
- John Pleas
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center