Why and How Should I Exercise? A Content Analysis of Popular Magazines
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 15330414 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Emily L Mailey (0000-0001-7672-445X, Associate Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS;, Email: [email protected], corresponding author), Rebecca Gasper (Kansas State University), Deirdre Dlugonski (0000-0002-7030-8348, East Carolina University) |
| Year | 2019 |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 349-360 |
| Publication date | 2019-02-27 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Journal of Health Behavior (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1087-3244 • E-ISSN: 1945-7359 |
| Publisher | PNG Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.5993/ajhb.43.2.11 |
| PMID | 30808474 |
| OpenAlex | W2916858967 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
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 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
Advertising · Content analysis · Medical education · Multimedia · Physical activity · Physical fitness · Physical therapy · Screen time · Sociology · Target audience · Asian Culture and Media Studies · Computer Science · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Media Influence and Health · Medicine · Psychology · Gerontology
| Citations per year | 0.25 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2022 - 2022 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |