Individually prescribed fitness programs and their effects on self-concept

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the implementation of individualized physical fitness programs and the effect this would have on self-concept. Previous research in this area has used a multitude of formats as well as sample populations to examine the correlation between these two areas. However, most studies have used either clinical populations or college based populations. It appears as though little research has been done in the public health club sector.;Fifty members of a private fitness club were placed into two groups based on their length of membership within the health club. Individuals who had been members of the fitness club for over a one year period and actively participated in their individually prescribed fitness program at least three times per week were placed into one group. Those individuals who had joined the health club within the past two months and had not been involved in another fitness program were placed into another group. Each group consisted of 25 members with each sex being equally represented. Upon joining the fitness club, each member engaged in physical fitness testing. The scores of individuals in each group were compared by using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) to determine if a significant difference was present. Each member was also given the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS) as a measure of self-concept. The two groups were compared in terms of their respective scores on the TSCS through an ANOVA.;Results of the statistical analyses showed no significant difference in levels of physical fitness between the two groups or between the members of each sex in each group. Results of the TSCS statistical analyses showed a significant difference between the two groups in physical self-concept and the three subscales of the concept of physical fitness. The members of the group who had been exercising for at least one year achieved higher self-concept scores than did the newer members that comprised group two. However, when data was analyzed to compare the two groups in regards to personal self-concept, no significant difference was found.;Results indicated that those individuals who have participated in an individualized fitness program for at least one year scored higher on the TSCS physical-self concept than those just starting an exercise program. However, there was no difference in the measurement of personal self-concept between the two groups.;Future research needs to continue by conducting studies that use sufficient sample population as well as a true experimental design.