Physical activity patterns of young women post-college graduation

College Student Journal, March, 2008 by LuAnn Soliah, Janelle Walter, Deeanna Antosh

Americans need more physical activity in their daily routines. There are numerous physical as well as psychological benefits that can be credited to regular physical activity. The purpose of this research was to examine the physical activity patterns of young women, post-college graduation. The average woman in this study exercised 22 minutes per day; the range was 0 to 90 minutes per day. Only 31% of the women exercised the recommended amount, 30 minutes or more each day. Only 17% of the sample engaged in daily exercise. The data from this study indicated that regular exercise participation was not curative regarding weight control problems. Exercise participation was not associated with any distinctions in actual body weight, desired body weight, or an improved psychological relationship with food compared to the non-exercisers in this sample.

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Americans need more physical activity in their daily routines. The benefits of physical activity are well established and include improved heart function, increased muscle mass, healthier bones and joints, and enhanced glucose uptake. The psychological benefits of regular, moderate exercise are also promising; they include reduced anxiety, depression, and stress. (1) Secondary benefits of a consistent exercise program include a healthier self-image, improved sleep patterns, and enhanced mental well-being.

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles resulting in energy expenditure. (2) In 2005, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published a new set of Dietary Guidelines for Americans. (1) Three specific recommendations addressed physical activity requirements for adults. They were: 1) to reduce the risk of chronic disease, at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise should be performed on most, preferably all, days of the week, 2) to help manage body weight and prevent gradual, unhealthy weight gain, 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activities are encouraged on most days of the week, and 3) to sustain weight loss, 60 to 90 minutes of daily, moderate-intensity activity was recommended.

Clearly, these are ambitious exercise goals. The reason often stated for insufficient physical activity is lack of time. (1) Setting aside 30-90 minutes each day for physical activity can be difficult to achieve. Lack of time, however, is not the only barrier to physical activity. A negative attitude toward exercise, lack of motivation, and increased enjoyment from sedentary activities contribute to our time management decisions. (3)

Unfortunately, most Americans have sedentary habits. In fact, only 15% of adults engage in moderate physical activity on a consistent basis, and approximately half of all adults quit an exercise program within three months of onset. (4,5)

According to some reports, 40% of the adult population in the United States is completely sedentary and participate in no leisure-time physical activity whatsoever. (1,4)

Employment is another causative factor which negatively influences health decisions. At the present time, 70% of women in the United States are employed outside the home. (6,7) Women who work frequently state that they have insufficient time or energy for exercise after they finish their typical commute and work day. The majority of women in the United States also report that they have no leisure time for physical activity. (6-9) It is clear that reduced physical activity and sedentary leisure choices are common among adult women. These collective decisions adversely influence both health and weight status among this group. (8,9)

The American Dietetic Association (3) endorses lifestyle changes, including a permanent commitment to daily exercise. A healthful diet and an exercise plan are closely linked in the management of chronic conditions and diseases, including obesity. When young adults graduate from college, and leave a structured educational environment (one that they have become familiar with for many years), they gain increased autonomy over their lifestyle choices. Do young, professional women in their 20's and 30's terminate their previously established exercise routines? Or, does exercise become more important to them? To what extent does exercise contribute to weight management and mental well-being among this group?

Few studies have focused on the inevitable transition from college life (18 to 23 years of age) to adulthood (post-graduation) regarding physical activity and weight management. Additionally, more information needs to be collected about the connection between physical activity and the psychological association with food.

Purpose

The general purpose of this research was to examine the physical activity patterns of young women, post-college graduation. The specific objectives were to collect information on: 1) the relationship among exercise and weight management and the psychological affinity for food, and 2) to quantify the frequency, duration, and intensity of the exercise sessions.