Perception of exercise behaviour and stability of psychological factors: a study across time and gender

Abstract
Introduction
This study observed the variables that predict the perception of current exercise frequency across two time points of exercise practice, and tested the stability of some psychological factors associated with exercise, controlling participants’ gender differences.
Methods
The study included 102 participants (70 females, 68.6%, and 32 males, 31.4%). All participants were evaluated in terms of personal and exercise information, perception of current exercise frequency, exercise attitudes, perceived behavioural control, behavioural regulation, satisfaction with body shape and physical appearance, and weight-related instructor pressure.
Results
The explained variance for the perception of current exercise frequency was relatively low, but similar across the two time points of data collection. The predictor variables were also stable across time. However, some dimensions varied across time, pointing out that exercise practice is less motivating and gratifying for women.
Discussion
This study confirmed and highlighted the difficulties to explain exercise behaviour (Mohiyeddini, Pauli, & Bauer, 2009; Sheeran, 2002), becoming necessary to integrate more variables in the explanation of factors related to exercise.
Conclusions
The predictor variables for the perception of current exercise frequency do not change significantly across time. Moreover, gender differences become important when observing psychological changes in exercisers.