Abstract
Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology Volume 4: Issue 1, Article 10, 2023. While traditionally considered a male-dominated activity, women have increasingly embraced strength training. Although strength training has numerous physical and mental benefits to women, their subjective decision-making about using strength training have not been investigated thoroughly, especially using a unique methodology, Q, that is designed specifically to study subjectivity such as viewpoints and decision-making. There is limited research focused on females’ viewpoints about strength training. Capturing feelings and perceptions females have towards resistance training in an objective manner requires a specialized, mixed method called Q methodology [Q] that was created 90 years ago to scientifically study subjectivity. In Q, participants sort subjective statements about the topic into a grid to offer their internal viewpoints. Statistical analyses group similar sorts and provide empirical evidence to describe divergent viewpoints at a level usually reserved for qualitative studies. In this study, analyses revealed two distinct views: The Equipped Exercisers, who purposefully seek the benefits of exercise, and Road-blockers, who value exercise but implement constraints upon their participation. Understanding these views can facilitate expanding female participation in strength training through interventions.
Repository Citation
Richardson, Laura A.; Kanel, Victoria R.; Rellinger, Alexandria L.; Ramlo, Susan E.; and Fister, Carrie L.
(2023)
"Strength Training: An Inquiry of Females Perceptions,"
Topics in Exercise Science and Kinesiology: Vol. 4:
Iss.
1, Article 10.
Available at:
https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/scholarship_kin/vol4/iss1/10
Included in
Exercise Science Commons, Other Kinesiology Commons, Psychology of Movement Commons, Sports Sciences Commons