Recreational physical activity participation among women in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background. Despite that Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places emphasizes on importance of protecting female population, with the absence of physical education for girls in schools that only ceased till very recently, limited number of fitness centres and gyms for women, a particular body image and prevalence of women staying at home and having rather passive or static life have created a somewhat unhealthy lifestyle among women. Methods. Participating women (161; ages 17–44), from Saudi Arabia, completed the survey that assessing fitness environment in the physical centre which are layout, aesthetics and personnel as well the intangible like social interaction and gym experience can be positively influence attendees’ motivation and increase the numbers of the fitness clubs. Therefore, motivation factors could have positive influence on willingness to come back to the gym among females. Results. SPSS showed tangible attributes of the fitness were not significant while social factors were significantly affected motivation to attend the female centres (p< 0.001). On the other hand, the influence of motivation is showing to be significant in willingness to come back to the centre (p< 0.001).