Attitudes, motivations and interests toward the physical activities of college students of physical education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to analyze the motivations of college students in practing physical activity. One hundred and nineteen students (67 males and 52 females), between 18 and 49 years old answered a Questionnaire of attitudes, motivations and interests toward the physical activities (CA MI AF). After the analysis and interpretation of the data it is evident that the main motivations are those related to health, adventure, personal image and personal capacitation with little differences between sex and age. Some differences detected were that males between 22 and 27 years old give more importance to aspects related to personal development and competition than females of the same age range. Similarly, women aged between 22 and 27 years old give more importance to personal image than men. No differences were detected in the other age segments between genders. The youngest students (18 and 21 years), give more importance to social relations during physical practice than older students. In conclusion, college students of both geneders find motivations for practicing sports in aspects related to health, personal image, adventure and personal capacitation.