Promoting Strength Training Among Baby Boomers: Message Framing Effects on Motivation and Behavior

BACKGROUND

Regular participation in strength training significantly enhances older adults' physical and functional health, yet only 14% of adults over age 50 report engaging in strength training at least twice per week. Exercise messages about why and how older adults should engage in strength training could influence their perceptions of and participation in the behavior. This study was designed to promote strength training among adults aged 50-70 and to determine whether the message frame accompanying a brief workout would have an impact on participants' motivation, self-efficacy, and/or physical activity behavior.

METHODS

Participants (N = 308) were randomly assigned to one of four message conditions: Easy Intrinsic, Hard Intrinsic, Easy Extrinsic, or Hard Extrinsic. Immediately after completing baseline measures of motivation and physical activity, participants received the recommended strength training workout and corresponding motivational message. They completed follow-up measures of motivation and physical activity 2 weeks later.

RESULTS

Controlled regulation was higher at follow-up among participants exposed to an extrinsic message relative to an intrinsic message (F(3,208) = 3.08, p = .03). Strength training (Z = - 5.95, p < .001) and moderate physical activity (Z = - 3.23, p = .001) increased among participants not engaging in regular strength training at baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest message framing may have a short-term impact on Baby Boomers' physical activity motivation, such that emphasizing extrinsic goals (i.e., weight loss and appearance) may contribute to controlled motivation. However, repeated measurements are needed to determine the longer-term maintenance and influence of these effects.

Why and How Should I Exercise? A Content Analysis of Popular Magazines

Objectives: In this study, we investigated how exercise is portrayed in popular, non-fitness focused magazines targeting various audiences. Methods: Ten popular magazines were selected based on target audience (Teens, Young Adults, Family, Middle-Aged Adults, Older Adults). Ten digital articles from each magazine's health/fitness section were coded for the primary reason to exercise, the frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise recommended, and whether their recommendations were evidence-based. Frequencies were calculated by target audience. Results: The primary reason for exercise differed by audience, with appearance and fitness empha- sized by magazines targeting younger audiences, and mental health/quality of life emphasized in magazines targeting older adults. Over half of the articles described exercises that should be completed 2x-3x/week for <10 minutes. Articles frequently recommended circuit workouts that could be completed at moderate or self-selected intensity. Only 10% of articles cited peer- reviewed evidence. Conclusions: Results showed popular magazines often represent exercise as something that can be completed in a short time frame with meaningful benefits. However, an overemphasis on appearance in young adults is apparent, which could undermine intrinsic mo- tivation and behavior. Improved communication between researchers and popular magazines is needed to promote sharing of credible, evidence-based exercise content with the public.