Reasons for doing physical activity and sports in women: The differences between practitioners and non -practitioners

Abstract

To advance the understanding of the practical reasons for women engaged in physical activity and help to reduce the high rates of sedentary women, this article examines the reasons behind physically active women versus non-physically active women, with a sample of 197 and 164 women, respectively. With a sample of 328 women, the psychometric properties of the Goal Content for Exercise Questionnaire (GCEQ) of Sebire, Standage, and Vansteeskiste (2008) showed that the scale was a valid and reliable measure of practical motives for women. As a reason, health showed higher average values, followed by image and skills development. Physically active women valued the health and skills development aspects, while nonphysically active women said they would do sports to be part of a group and for social recognition. These results are discussed with respect to the optimisation of programmes aimed at women.