Table 3.
Motivators for older adults participating in resistance training (Adapted from Burton et al.[5]).
| Motivating factor | No. of studies | |
|---|---|---|
| Individual-level | ||
| Physical | Physical fitness benefits including strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination | 7 |
| Health benefits including revitalization (feel younger), improved energy, sleep, appetite, pleasurable body sensations, increased longevity | 6 | |
| Physical functioning benefits including walking ability, ease of daily activities, independence, prevent deterioration, disability prevention, decreased risk/fear of falling | 5 | |
| Reduce and/or control pain/injury/illness including arthritis, preventing osteoporosis, strengthening the heart, no pain/limitations | 3 | |
| Weight management, and build/tone muscles | 2 | |
| Good health | 1 | |
| Health scare | 1 | |
| Appearance benefits | 1 | |
| Psychological | Mental function benefits including improved alertness, concentration, stimulates the mind, and relieves stress/relaxing | 5 |
| Mental health benefits including mood, positive outlook, confidence, self-esteem, ‘feel good’, sense of accomplishment/satisfaction, reduced feeling of isolation, emotional problems not interfering with daily activities, maintaining independence, and ability to maintain relationships | 4 | |
| Exercise self-efficacy | 2 | |
| Enjoy exercising | 2 | |
| Increased knowledge, awareness and efficacy using gym equipment | 1 | |
| Improved wellbeing | 1 | |
| Readiness for exercise | 1 | |
| Other | Scheduled time for exercise; creates routine; means of getting out; level of prior exercise; past experience with exercise (lengthy history); suitable when unable to do other forms of exercise; learn more about strength training; challenge to improve; aid in research; inancial reimbursement; given incentive gift; enough time; right time/time to focus on self; improved spirituality. | 1-2 per factor |
| Social | ||
| Social benefits including social support and encouragement from peers and staff, spouse, family, friends, and health professional | 6 | |
| Sense of belonging | 4 | |
| Increase social activity | 2 | |
| Observing others being active | 1 | |
| Environmental | ||
| Exercise matches/tailored to individual needs | 12 | |
| Staff/instructor characteristics including access to staff; staff knowledge; interaction; competence; supervision; attention | 6 | |
| Access to exercise facility and/or equipment/convenient location | 5 | |
| Organized exercise opportunity | 4 | |