The Effects of Zumba Fitness on Adherence to Exercise

By Kaitlyn Greiner

Introduction

Most Americans lead sedentary lifestyle

70% lack minimum amount exercise No motivation therefore no adherence Theories on motivation to promote

adherence Few studies on popular Zumba Fitness

Physical Effects of Exercise Obesity

› Measurements: BMI, waist-hip ratio› Risk of chronic health ailments› Prevent through health behavior

modifications Fitness Levels

› Effect chronic diseases also› Exercise intensity levels vary› Measured: self perceived exertion scale

Psychological Effects

Depression and Anxiety› Effects 18% American adults› Exercise treatment of anxiety› Aerobic exercise particularly beneficial

Happiness Levels› Exercise increases happiness levels› Through increasing self confidence › Produces positive self image› Creates opportunity for social contact

Motivation to Exercise

Attitudes Toward Exercise› Most common motivators:

Health and physical fitness Enjoyment, socializing Improve mental health

› Reasons not exercising No time No energy No self-control No exercise facility

Intrinsic Motivations

Motivations Predict Exercise Participation› Intrinsic:

Enjoyment/competency gained Interest in activity Necessary for adherence

Extrinsic Motivations

› Extrinsic: Associated with outcome of activity Improving appearance, weight Improve fitness levels Initial motive for exercise program

Zumba Fitness

Latest trend in exercise Latin dance aerobic workout Exercise in disguise Emphasizes enjoyment Creation of Zumba Fitness

› Alberto Perez › Colombia, South America› 7.5 million participants worldwide› 1000% growth since 2008

Significance

Americans need to exercise Motivation is key to adherence Motivation studies needed Study proven popular program: Zumba Could show motivation for exercise

Governing Question:

What are the physical and psychological responses to the Zumba Dance Fitness program in relationship to exercise adherence?

Methodology

Zumba classes in Chas Area MPAM-R survey 52 Vitality Scale before 30 and after class

41 Perceived Exertion scale 41 Case Studies

› BMI and Waist-to-Hip ratio › 6 week exercise adherence log› interviews

Findings:

Greatest Motivation: Fitness Decrease in difference between

extrinsic and intrinsic motivations Positive emotional response after a

class Perceived Exertion: 7.66 = Moderate to Hard Case study participants reported

intention for future adherence

MPAM-R Results

Inte

rest

/Enj

oym

ent

Compe

tenc

e

Appe

aran

ce

Fitn

ess

Social

3.504.004.505.005.506.006.507.00

First TimeOccasionalRegular

Motivational Categories

Moti-vation Scores

MPAM-R Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivations

First Time Occasional Regular5.2

5.4

5.6

5.8

6

6.2

6.4

6.6

6.8

IntrinsicExtrinsic

Frequency of Participation

Motivation Score

Weight of MPAM-R Participants

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

First TimeOccasionalRegular

Frequency of Participation

Weight in Lbs.

BMI of MPAM-R Participants

20

22

24

26

28

30

32

34

First TimeOccasionalRegular

Frequency of Participation

BMI

Age of MPAM-R Participants

0 10 20 30 40 50 600

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Age

Participant Number

Age

Vitality Scale Scores Before and After Class

Before After0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Vitality Score

Before and After Class

Vitality Scale

Scores

Perceived Exertion

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 450

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Perceived Exertion

Participant Number

Perceived Exertion

Score

Case Study Participation over Six Week Period

Case Study 1

Case Study 2

Case Study 3

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Zumba HoursOther Exercise Hours

Case Study Participants

Hours

Change in Case Study BMI over 6 Week Period

Case Study 1 Case Study 2 Case Study 30

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

BMI BeforeBMI After

Case Study Participants

BMI

Change in Case Study Waist to Hip Ratio over a Six Week Period

Case Study 1

Case Study 2

Case Study 3

00.10.20.30.40.50.60.70.80.9

1

Waist to Hip Ratio BeforeWaist to Hip Ratio After

Case Study Participants

Waist to Hip Ratio

Conclusion

Extrinsic motivation-primary reason to begin and adhere to exercise

As participation increases, intrinsic motivations became more prominent

Positive psychological effect after single class

Perceived Exertion: Moderate to Hard Adherence: Intrinsic and Extrinsic

required

Applicability

Zumba Validated as Fitness Program Extrinsic motivations demanded by

today’s exercise participants Intrinsic motivations required for

adherence Future Successful Exercise Programs

Require: - positive psychological effect -moderate to hard perceived

exertion

Limitations:

Only included willing participants from Charleston area

Beginning fitness level of regular participants not established

Before and After class Vitality Scales sample not the same group/number

Not enough time for case studies to show significance

Special Thanks to:

Jody Ruff Mrs. Benton Mrs. Novinger Zumba Instructors in Charleston Area Mrs. Cornehl

Questions?