




































    

 American Journal of Medical and Physical Education 
Vol.7, Issue 5; September-October 2022; 

1252 Columbia Rd NW, Washington DC, United States 

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FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF FITNESS AND RECREATION CENTERS 

BY COLLEGE STUDENTS 

 

John L. Castle, Susan M. Smith and David A. Jones 

 

Abstract: The rising rates of obesity and other chronic diseases among college students have led to a growing 

demand for fitness and recreation centers on college campuses. These centers offer a variety of services, such as 

exercise classes, intramural sports, and health and wellness programming, to help students improve their overall 

health and well-being. 

Keywords: fitness and recreation centers, college students, obesity, chronic diseases, health and wellness 

 

 

 

Introduction 

Over the past several years, factors relating to the overall health and wellness of college students have caused 

colleges and universities to adapt their recreational services to the student population.   

These services include student recreation centers and/or fitness centers, exercise classes, intramural programs, 

and health and wellness programming to enhance opportunities for physical fitness and an overall improvement 

in health status of college students. In response to the rise in obesity rates, society is looking toward fitness and 

recreation centers as a contributing factor in trying to combat this nationwide problem, which is affecting millions 

of young adults (Watson, Ayers, Zizzi, & Naoi, 2006). The construction of student fitness and recreation centers 

on college campuses has become a massive business over the last several years (Miller, Noland, Rayens, & Staten, 

2008).  

Although society has recognized the need for recreational facilities in improving overall quality of life in the 

student body, it is reported that college age students are not getting an adequate amount of physical activity. 

Kilpatrick, Hebert, & Bartholomew (2005) state that the level of physical activity declines from high school to 

college, and activity patterns in college populations are generally insufficient to improve health and fitness. 

Specifically, only 38% of college students participate in regular vigorous activity. Only 20% participate in regular 

moderate activity.  Estimates suggest that up to 50% of college students do not use their student recreation centers 

(SRC) (NIRSA, 2002). More seriously, it is also reported that almost half of college students report a decrease in 

physical activity after graduation. Many students are already sedentary upon entering college and physical activity 

levels further decline during the college years (Caspersen, Pereira, & Curran, 2000). Sedentary behavior is related 

to increased risk of death as a result of the development of chronic disease as well as depression and anxiety-

related problems (Camacho, Roberts, Lazarus, Kaplan & Cohen, 1991).  

“For college students in particular, physical activity protects against unhealthy weight gain, a means to manage 

the effects of the stresses of college life, and early prevention against future chronic disease” (Miller et al., 2008, 

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p.87). Bryant, Banta & Bradley (1995) suggest that the primary reasons for students leaving schools (lack of fit, 

inadequate social opportunities, and poor grades) may all be reduced through the use of a SRC.  

To improve the effectiveness of these on-campus fitness and recreation centers, administrators, directors, and 

managers need to be aware of factors related to fitness and recreation center usage within the college setting. For 

this reason, it is important for fitness and recreation center managers and directors at colleges and universities to 

implement a campus facility with adequate health and wellness programs to ensure effective recruitment and 

retention of their students as well as overall health and wellness.  This will serve as an outlet for students to create 

healthy behaviors during college, so they may continue them into their personal and professional lives after 

graduating.  

Problem Statement  

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors related to usage of fitness and recreation centers on 

college campuses. This study will analyze specific demographics and the reasoning behind their pattern of usage.   

Research Questions  

1. What are the factors that influence fitness and recreation center participation?  

2. Do specific demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, alcohol and tobacco consumption have an 

effect on fitness and recreation center participation?  

3. What are the primary factors that contribute to male and female non-usage in college fitness and recreation 

centers?  

4. What are the primary factors behind male and female motivation to use college fitness and recreation 

centers?  

5. Does motivation in relation to on-campus, off-campus, and commuter living situations have an effect on 

usage of fitness and recreation centers?   

Limitations  

1. This study assessed only one institution in western Pennsylvania, so data cannot be used to generalize 

college students as a whole.  

2. This research does not take into great detail the adequacy or inadequacy of the campus recreational 

facilities or their programs.  

3. Knowledge of existing facilities may affect participants’ responses to the survey.  

Review of Literature  

The purpose of this study is to assess factors related to usage of campus fitness and recreation centers by college 

students. The review of literature will examine a.) The prevalence of obesity in society coupled with a lack of 

physical activity in college students, b.) How colleges and universities are using recreational facilities as a 

recruitment and retention mechanism, and c.) The primary reasons behind students’ use of fitness and recreation 

centers.  

Obesity and Lack of Physical Activity  

The prevalence of obesity in America over the past several decades has been and continues to be a nationwide 

issue. In response to this issue, colleges and universities have been prompted to take considerable interest in their 

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fitness and recreational facilities and programs (Miller, et al., 2008). The U.S. Department of Labor and the 

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2009) reported that numerous college students engage in frequent sedentary behavior 

including spending hours in classrooms, time on school work and studying, using computers, and using video 

gaming systems. The importance of physical health within the student body is a concern for university 

administrators in attempting to tackle the obesity issue. Providing adequate health and wellness facilities and 

programs is pivotal in enhancing student wellness. Ogden and Carroll (2010) indicated that an estimated 34.2% 

of U.S. adults age 20 and older are overweight, 33.8% are obese, and 5.7% are extremely obese. Body mass index 

(BMI) is frequently used when categorizing extreme weight conditions such as: overweight, with a BMI of 25.0–

29.9, obesity, with a BMI greater than or equal to 30.0, and extreme obesity, with a BMI greater than or equal to 

40.0 (Ogden and Carroll, 2010). 

Sax (1997) determined that a student’s health and wellness in college years are paramount in determining healthy 

behavioral lifestyles throughout adulthood. This period of time in a student’s life is when he or she develops 

behaviors that will either improve or discourage their overall quality of life in the future. The years a student 

spends in college are a period of time when primary causes of death and disease are significantly linked to the 

risky behavior choices of the individual (Sax, 1997).  

Enhancing student wellness has been a point of emphasis for colleges and universities over the past several 

decades (Keating, Guan, Pinero, & Bridges, 2005).   

In 2006, the National College Health Assessment was distributed and results from 94,806 students were obtained. 

Five health problems were identified, including (1) alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, (2) sexual health, (3) 

weight, nutrition, and exercise, (4) mental health, and (5) personal safety and violence (ACHA, 2006). Addressing 

these issues is a very important step in promoting health and wellness to college students.  

Benefits of physical activity have been rigorously documented in the literature. Specifically for college students, 

involvement in physical activity helps protect against weight gain, prevents possible chronic disease, and provides 

a mechanism for managing stress in college life (Miller et al., 2008). Particularly, “only 38% of college students 

participate in regular vigorous activity, and only 20% participate in regular moderate activity” (Kilpatrick et al., 

2005, p.87). A cross-sectional study by Jones, Ainsworth, Croft, Macera, Lloyd, and Yusuf (1998, p. 285) reported 

that “65% of college-age women and 61% of college-age men do not meet the Centers for Disease Control and 

Prevention-American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines for moderate physical activity.”  

This excessive display of sedentary behavior is closely associated with risk of death from the development of 

chronic diseases (Blair, Kampert, Kohl, Barlow, Macera, Paffenbarger, & Gibbons, 1996) as well as depression 

and anxiety issues (Camacho et al., 1991). These illnesses are currently present in 20-30% of the adult population 

within the United States (Kessler, McGonagle, Zhao, Nelson, Hughes, Eshleman, Wittchen, & Kendler, 1994). 

These numbers represent a dramatic drop in physical activity within the transition period from high school to 

college life. In a recent study on the impact of new campus recreation centers by Zizzi, Ayers, Watson, & Keeler 

(2004), it was reported that rates of physical activity in the United States have not improved over the last 20 years 

regardless of significant funds spent on educational and informational programming (Buckworth, 2000; Dishman, 

1994; USDHHS, 2000).   

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Usage Patterns  

Students’ initial decision to begin attending fitness and recreation centers as well as their decision on sustained 

usage involves many different factors. Willis and Campbell (1992) discuss five motivations- fitness, appearance, 

pleasure, social factors, and mental recreation- for engaging in physical activity. It has also been reported that age 

is the most significant factor in influencing involvement and adherence in sport and physical activity (Rudman, 

1989).   

In a study by Bryant et al. (1991), it was determined that 30% of initial enrollment decisions were a result of the 

quality of the campus recreational facilities. Adequacy or inadequacy of facilities, therefore, is suggested to play 

a factor in usage or non-usage.In a study on characteristics of users and non-users, participants completed an 

internet survey which yielded results that high-users had higher GPAs, lower fat intake, lower BMIs, and smoked 

less when compared with the moderate and non-user groups. The non-user group had significantly more time 

invested in electronic media as compared to the high-user group. This data suggests that the association between 

student academics and health measures is positively correlated with campus recreational facilities (Todd et al., 

2009). 

In an extensive study completed in 2004, Zizzi et al. assessed the impact of new student recreation centers. The 

researchers obtained results from two surveys. One was developed as a “user” survey meant for students who 

reported using their recreational facility or recreational programs on campus. The other was a “non-user” survey 

for students who reported not using these facilities or programs. Their results revealed similar results in that more 

users lived on campus, were non-smokers, had been high school athletes, and currently categorized themselves 

as regular exercisers as compared with non-users. Three main characteristics were determined to be motivating 

factors in users of student recreation centers. These motivations included staying in shape, aiding in fat loss, and 

increasing self-esteem. In regards to exercise barriers, lack of time, feeling too tired, other time commitments, 

and inconvenience prevented non-users from using the recreational facilities. The study also provided data to 

suggest that the construction of recreation centers on college campuses may promote regular physical activity 

from previously sedentary students. In this particular study, 40% of users reported that they were not exercising 

on a regular basis prior to the construction of the recreation center on their campus. 

Drummond and Lenes (1997) take a broader look at the fitness industry and factors for initial involvement and 

sustained participation. They identify eight reasons for joining including socialization, intrinsic motivation, 

extrinsic motivation, aquatic-related facilities, recreational facilities, resistance equipment, aerobic equipment, 

and amenities. Several of these characteristics overlap with usage patterns found in that of students on college 

campuses.In a study by Miller et al. (2008), researchers aimed to determine demographic, psychosocial, and 

environmental characteristics associated with physical activity. Sallis, Bauman, and Pratt (1998) stated that the 

convenience of exercise facilities is significantly associated with physical activity. This supports the idea that 

students who live on campus are more likely to take advantage of the student recreation centers and fitness centers 

as opposed to students living off campus. Huston, Evenson, Bors & Gizlice (2003) have stated that individuals 

who have convenient access to facilities for physical activity are nearly twice as likely to take advantage of these 

facilities when compared with individuals without this access.  

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A study done by Haines (2001) also supported this idea of convenience in relation to living arrangement and 

fitness facility location. Results from NIRSA’s Quality and Importance of Recreational Sports instrument taken 

by students at a large mid-western university indicated that 75% of males and 62% of females reported that the 

accessibility of recreational facilities and programs on campus was a significant predictor of initial enrollment at 

a specific college or university as well as their decision to stay at that university.  

Results of a study by Miller et al. (2008), assessing characteristics of users and nonusers revealed that males were 

more likely to use the recreational facilities as opposed to females. Students participating were more likely to be 

lower-standing students (freshman and sophomores), and more likely to live on campus. Fraternity and sorority 

members used the facilities more than non-Greek students. Users had overall lower BMIs than non-users, and 

students reporting consuming alcohol within the past month were more likely to use the recreational facilities 

than students who did not consume this amount. A logistic regression model was also used to determine certain 

predictors of usage, including, “sex, class standing, living situation, belonging to a fraternity or sorority, and the 

desire to change one’s weight” (Miller et al., 2008, p.93).  

Perceived benefits to participation also play a significant role in fitness and recreation center initial involvement 

and continued use. Banta, Bradley & Bryant (1991) evaluated the significance of campus recreation programs at 

six different universities. Results from their data collection using NIRSA’s QIRS instrument revealed the most 

frequent responses to benefits of recreational sports. These responses included “stress reduction, feeling of 

physical well-being, sense of accomplishment, weight control, sport skills, physical strength, fitness, and 

friendship. 

Methodology 

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influenced fitness and recreation center usage or non-

usage within undergraduate students at a university located in western Pennsylvania. Specifically, this study 

aimed to evaluate the rationale behind students’ use or lack of use of the recreational facilities and programs 

provided to them on campus through their activity fee. The primary objectives in this study were to (a) determine 

and comprehend the factors that influenced fitness and recreation center usage and non-usage (b) investigate 

whether specific demographic factors had an effect on fitness and recreation center participation and to (c) 

determine usage in relation to location of living situation at college.  

Participants   

Participants included a random sample of 1,100 students from the entire undergraduate population at the 

university totaling 12,827 students. The study aimed to analyze factors related to patterns of use in fitness and 

recreation centers within a higher education institution. Students were both male and female enrolled at the 

university for the spring semester and were between the ages of 18-25. The students’ participation was completely 

voluntary.  

Instrumentation   

This study used a quantitative research design, and collected data through a descriptive 26-item adapted online 

questionnaire. The survey was distributed through Qualtrics©to students through their university email account. 

Questions included multiple choice, short-answer, text-box entry, and Likert-type scale questions.   

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Several of the questions included in the survey were adapted and revised from a survey by Zizzi et al. (2004), 

“Assessing the Impact of New Student Recreation Centers.” This study combined user and non-user surveys 

developed by Zizzi et al. (2004), into one 26item online questionnaire.    

For this research, a pilot study was conducted to ensure validity and reliability of the self-developed questionnaire 

used for data collection within the study. A Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient calculated for the 48 variables was .879, 

respectively. A Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient is used to measure internal consistency or reliability, and the 

minimally acceptable objectivity is .70 (Baumgartner & Hensley, 2006, p. 330). The closer the value is to 1.00 

the greater the reliability. The results of the data analysis indicated that the variables had strong internal validity. 

Question 11 of the survey was not included in the Cronbach’s Alpha analysis because of the insufficient number 

of variables reported.  

In addition, the questions were analyzed by a panel of experts within the Health and Physical Education 

Department at the institution, who had significant backgrounds in health and promotion, sport management, and 

exercise science.  

Surveys are frequently used in the sport industry because of their efficiency and effectiveness. The advantages of 

electronic surveys include economic feasibility, timely distribution, and a quicker response rate. Electronic 

surveys can be just as effective as mailed surveys (Andrews, Nonnecke, & Preece, 2003; Taylor, 2000; Yun & 

Trumbo, 2000). According to Andrews, et al. (2000), it is not uncommon when receiving electronic responses to 

get a response rate of 20% or lower. This response rate is actually considered to be significant for online responses. 

The survey was designed to assess the rationale behind student participation in university fitness and recreation 

centers. Demographic factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, status at institution, athlete or non-athlete, and grade 

point average were included. This survey was submitted to both departmental Health and Physical Education and 

university wide Institutional Review Board for human subject approval.  

Procedure and Design Analysis 

Patterns of usage and non-usage of campus recreational facilities were assessed using the 26-item adapted online 

questionnaire. It was explained to the subjects that their participation in the survey and research was voluntary 

and that all information would be kept completely anonymous by the researcher.        

The survey was distributed through the Qualtrics program on March 15, 2011, and the timetable for data collection 

lasted for 5 weeks. The software distributed the survey to a random sample of 1,100 students within the entire 

undergraduate population. The panel was randomly constructed by the applied research laboratory. Once the panel 

was created, the researcher began to send initial emails to the students, which included a brief introductory 

statement of purpose and a link to the survey included within the email. The students had 5 weeks to complete 

the survey. 

During week two, a follow-up email was sent reminding students who had not yet participated that the opportunity 

was still available. A third follow-up email was sent on week three and week four. Within the follow-up emails, 

a brief introduction described the study and informed the students who had not participated that the questionnaire 

was still available. Consent was implied if students opted to take the survey. After the five-week period, the 

survey deactivated and was no longer accessible to the students.   

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The statistical association between motivation and participation was tested using ChiSquare, correlation, and 

frequencies method of data analyses. Motivation in relation to living arrangements and usage of the campus 

recreational facilities was tested using a One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). All variables were tested 

using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 19 software.  

Data and Analysis  

The purpose of this study was to investigate usage patterns of campus fitness and recreation centers by students 

on college campuses. The following questions were addressed:  

1.) What are the factors that influence fitness and recreation center participation?  

2.) Do specific demographic factors such as gender, ethnicity, alcohol and tobacco consumption have an effect 

on fitness and recreation center participation?  

3.) What are the primary factors that contribute to male and female non-usage in college fitness and recreation 

centers?  

4.) What are the primary factors behind male and female motivation to use college fitness and recreation centers?  

5.) Does motivation in relation to on-campus, off-campus, and commuter living situations have an effect on the 

usage of fitness and recreation centers?  

Response Rate 

1,100 male and female undergraduate students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania were emailed the 

questionnaire used in this study. There were 186 responses recorded in Qualtrics as completing the survey in its 

entirety for a response rate of 16.9%. The 95% confidence interval for a true response rate is between 14.7% and 

19.1%. 

Results  

The first part of the questionnaire consisted of demographic information of the respondents and also addressed 

living situation, alcohol use, use of tobacco, grade point average, involvement in extra-curricular activities, and 

if the respondent uses or does not use the recreational facilities provided to them on campus. 

Demographics 

Of the students that participated, 53.2% were females and 22.6% were males (99 females, 42 males). There were 

45 respondents that did not specify either male or female (24.2%).  

There were 76% of females and 83% of males who reported being recreational facility users. Overall, 77.6% of 

the respondents were users, and 22.4% were non-users. The most represented ethnicity of the respondents was 

Caucasian (88%) with the next most represented ethnicity being African American (5.7%). Table one displays 

the respondents’ year in college, which is distributed fairly evenly across the different grade levels.  

Table 1: Year in College of Respondents 

Year in College    Frequency  Percent  

Freshman      45      24.2  

Sophomore      29      15.6  

Junior       34      18.3  

Senior       34      18.3  

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No Response      44      23.7  

Total        186      100.0 

Note: Table 1 illustrates respondents’ year in college, number of variables represented, and percentage from the 

entire sample of students. 

Figure one displays the age of the respondents with a majority of both males and females being age 21 and below.  

 
In regards to living situation, 93% of students reported living either on-campus, or off-campus within one mile of 

the university. In regards to tobacco use and alcohol consumption, 81.7% of the respondents reported that they 

never use any form of tobacco. Figure 3 illustrates the distribution of alcohol consumption on a weekly basis 

reported by the respondents. Thirty-three percent (N= 47) reported that they do not consume alcohol and 26% 

(N= 37) reported drinking more than five drinks per week.  

 
The second portion of the questionnaire assessed factors related to users and nonusers. When respondents were 

asked if they used the recreational facilities provided to them on campus, 77.6% reported that they do use the 

facilities, and 22.4% reported not using the facilities as illustrated in Figure 4.  

Usage 

  

  
  

0  

5  

10  

15  

20  

25  

30  

35  

40  

18 19 20 21 22 23 23  and  
above  Age  of Respondents 

Figure 1. Distribution of Ages of College Students  

Figure 1. Age ranges of both male and female respondents.  

  

  
  

0  

20  

40  

60  

Does not Consume 1 - 2  Drinks 3 - 4  Drinks 5 - 6  Drinks 6+   Drinks  
Number of Drinks  

Figure 3. Alcoholic Drinks Consumed per Week  

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In determining the factors that influence fitness and recreation center participation, including demographic 

factors, a non-parametric chi-square goodness of fit test was calculated comparing the frequency of occurrence 

of each variable that influenced fitness and recreation center usage. It was hypothesized that gender, year in 

college, ethnicity, living situation, having health concerns, who the respondents attend the facilities with, and 

means of transportation would all be significant factors in determining fitness and recreation center 

 
Several variables were found to be statistically significant in influencing fitness and recreation center 

participation. All of these variables were significant at the p<.01 level. The following variables were found to be 

statistically significant factors that influenced fitness and recreation center participation:  

Who students attend the facilities with (sometimes by themselves and sometimes with friends); means of 

transportation the respondents primarily use to get to the facilities (mainly walking); gender; ethnicity; age; living 

arrangement in proximity to the recreational facilities; extra-curricular activities; time of day (most often in 

evening hours); how often respondents used the facility within the last month; length of time spent at the facility; 

tobacco use; and alcohol consumption.  

The different types of activities that the respondents said they performed while at the fitness and recreational 

facilities was also a statistically significant factor that influenced usage at the p<.001 level. Specific time of day 

that students choose to attend the fitness and recreation centers is a statistically significant factor that influences 

usage with 60% of respondents reporting they would use the facilities between 6pm and 10pm. The primary 

activities students engage in at these facilities are cardiovascular and resistance training. Year in college was not 

a significant factor in influencing usage, p<.277. Table two and Figures five through nine provide information on 

factors that affect fitness and recreation center usage.From the information illustrated within the following figures 

the researcher can suggest that since a large majority of participants responded that they indeed use the facility,   

Table 2: Chi-Square Results of Factors that Influence Usage     

Variable        df    X²    P Value  

Time of Day        2    10.400   .006  

Health Concerns      3    54.750   .000  

Transportation       3    205.333   .000  

participation.   
 

  

0  

20  

40  

60  

80  

100  

120  

Usage or Non - usage 

Figure 4. Usage versus Non - Usage  

Figure 4. Illustration of female and male respondents who reported using or not using the  

Users Non - Users  

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Who Respondents Attend With   3    30.741   .000  

Gender         1    23.043   .000  

Ethnicity        4    407.759   .000  

Age          6    49.169   .000  

Living Situation       2    46.420   .000  

Extra-Curricular Activities    5    147.183   .000  

Tobacco Use        3    245.887   .000  

Alcohol Consumption      4    25.077   .000  

Attended Within the Last Month   4    20.056   .000  

Length of Time at Facility    6    47.868   .000  

 

Note: Table 2 illustrates the specific variable that influences usage. Df= Degrees of freedom, X²= chi-square 

value, *P>.01several trends become apparent. Users of the fitness and recreation centers are more likely not to 

have any health concerns. They spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour at the facility where they mainly perform cardio 

and resistance training, and their primary means of transportation to the facilities is walking.  

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0  

20  

40  

60  

80  

100  

120  

Yes No  

Figure 7. Cardiovascular Activity Performed at the Facilities  

Figure 7. Illustration of respondents who reported cardiovascular activity as the primary  
activity they perform while at the recreational facilities.  

0  

10  

20  

30  

40  

50  

60  

70  

80  

90  

100  

Yes No  

Figure 8. Resistance Training Performed at Facilities  

Figure 8. Results of respondents whose primary activity perfromed at the recreational  
facilities is resistance training.  

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Non-Usage  

When conducting a Pearson chi-square test for independence, the researcher observed factors related to male and 

female non-usage. Thirty-one out of 186 respondents reported factors that attributed to their non-usage. A chi-

square test of independence was calculated comparing factors related to non-usage. The only statistically 

significant relation found (x²(4) = 10.571, p<.032) between male and female non-usage was the location of the 

facilities being too far away from the respondents’ living arrangement. The researcher can suggest that proximity 

of the recreational facility to the student’s living arrangement can have an adverse effect on the participation of 

that individual.  

A chi-square test of independence was also calculated comparing factors related to reasons for usage. A Pearson 

chi-square correlation was calculated showing a statistically significant relation (x² (4) = 21.046, p<.000) between 

male and female usage and maintaining their weight as a motivational factor to use the facilities. A statistically 

significant relation was also found between male and female usage and losing weight as a factor in their usage 

(x² (4) = 19.234, p<.001). Increasing self-esteem, overall health and fitness, stress relief, and prevention of health 

problems were not significant factors in respondents’ motivation to use the recreational facilities. Users also 

reported factors that influenced their occasional nonusage. A chi-square test of independence was also calculated 

comparing male and female occasional non-usage. A Pearson chi-square correlation revealed that a statistically 

significant relation was found between male and female occasional non-usage and lack of time as a motivational 

factor (x² (4) = 13.252, P<.010).  

A statistically significant relation was also found between male and female occasional usage and lack of energy 

as a contributing factor (x² (4) = 11.147, p<.025), as well as too much schoolwork (x² (3) = 10.109, p<.018), 

  
  

0  

10  

20  

30  

40  

50  

60  

70  

80  

90  

100  

Campus Bus Walk Bicycle, Skateboard, Scooter Vehicle  

Types of Transportation  

Figure 9. Means of Transportation  

Figure 9. Distribution of different types of transportation respondents reported using  
to get to the recreational facilities on campus.  

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inadequate facility operational hours suitable to the respondents’ schedule (x² (4) =10.071, p<.039), and 

respondents’ hesitancy to want to invest financially in classes offered at the facilities (x² (4) =21.494, p<.000).  

A Pearson chi-square correlation was calculated comparing the benefits experienced by male and female users. 

Data revealed that both males and females reported perceived strength gains as a benefit of usage (x² (2) = 6.140, 

p<.046). This was the only statistically significant variable found in relation to benefits experienced from using 

the recreational facilities. 

A one-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) was calculated comparing the location of the respondents’ living 

arrangement (on-campus, off-campus, and commuter) and its influence on their usage of the recreational facilities 

on campus.  

For the first question within Table 3, minimum and maximum values one through five represent choices on the 

questionnaire: 1 = never, 2 = 1-5 times, 3 = 5-10 times, 4 = 1020 times, and 5 = 20-30 times. There were 108 

respondents who answered the question, 103 of them live either on-campus or off-campus within one mile of the 

university. The respondents reported using thefacility between five and 20 times within the last month. The mean 

for on-campus was m= 3.97 and the mean for off-campus within one mile was m= 3.71. For the second question, 

minimum and maximum values two through seven represent successively greater lengths of time  

Table 3: Living Arrangement and Influence on Usage  

How often has the respondent usedthe facilities within the last month?  

                  

N  Mean    Std. DeviationStd. Error         Min.         Max. 

   

 ______  

On-Campus    58  3.97  1.633    .214             

Off-Campus,   

1               5  

Within 1 Mile    45  3.71  1.590  .237    1  

Off-Campus,   

5   

Greater than 1 Mile  5  3.60  1.673  .748    2  

TOTAL  108  3.84  1.607  .155    1  5  

  

How long does the respondent spend at the facilities?  

5   

                  

N  Mean   Std. Deviation    Std. Error      Min.        Max.___  

On-Campus    58  4.90  1.495  .196  2           7  

Off-Campus,   

Within 1 Mile    43  4.53  1.453  .222  2  7  

Off-Campus,   

Greater than 1 Mile  5  5.40  1.673  .748  4  7  

TOTAL               106  4.77  1.488  .145  2  7  

  ______  

 

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Note: N= number of respondents, Std. deviation = standard deviation from the mean, Std. error = standard error 

of the mean, Min = minimum value respondents chose on the question, Max = max value respondents chose on 

questionnaire. That student spends at the recreational facilities. Respondents who live on-campus or off-campus 

within one mile reported spending between one hour to one and one half hours at the facilities. Respondents who 

live off-campus greater than one mile reported spending between one and one quarter hours to one and three 

quarter hours at the facilities. 

No statistically significant difference was found (F (2,105) = .373, p>.05), (F (2,103) = 1.198, p>.05) between 

both variables (how often have respondents’ used the recreational facilities provided to them within the last 

month, and how long do they spend at the recreation center when they are there) and their living arrangement 

while attending college.   

Respondents were also asked their opinion on how college and university directors and administrators can recruit 

more students to take advantage of the facilities, what they believe prevents students from using the facilities on 

campus, and their overall opinion on the facilities and programs located on their campus. Using a Pearson chi-

square test for independence, the researcher found that to recruit more students to use the facilities, respondents 

said that fitness and recreation center managers should offer promotional deals such as a percentage off of a user’s 

membership if he or she gets a friend to join      (x² (4) = 12.159, p<.016) as well as having personal trainers 

available (x²(4) = 10.857, P<.028). 

Table 4: ANOVA Results 

How often has the respondent usedthe facilities within the last month?  

                      

Sum of Squares df  Mean Square             F  Sig.    

Between Groups  1.949    2          .974           .373  .690  

Within Groups   274.375 105         2.613    

TOTAL  276.324   107  

  

How long does the respondent spend at the facilities?  

                      

  Sum of Squares df  Mean Square             F  Sig.    

Between Groups  5.289    2         2.645          1.198  .306  

Within Groups   227.277 103         2.207    

TOTAL  232.566 105  

Note: Analysis of variance of variables associated with how often respondents use the facilities. Df = degrees of 

freedom, F = ratio of explained to unexplained variance, Sig. = Significance level.  

A chi-square was also calculated when analyzing what the respondents’ felt was the reason behind students’ non-

usage on campus. A Pearson chi-square test for independence revealed that respondents believed that being too 

lazy was a statistically significant factor related to student non-usage (x²(4) = 13.318, P<.010) as well as not 

knowing how to properly use the machines in the facilities (x²(4) = 9.630, p<.047).  

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Even though a vast majority of the participants reported being users of the campus recreational facilities, a 

significant number of students stated that they would still attend a university even if it did not provide them with 

a campus fitness and/or recreation center (x² (4) = 10.395, p<.034). When asked if the student fitness and/or 

recreation centers on campus were a factor in their decision to attend the university, 86 out of 108 (79.6%) 

respondents stated that the facilities were ultimately not a factor in their decision to attend the university.  

Summary, Conclusion and Future Directions 

Findings from this research suggest that there are specific factors that significantly influence fitness and recreation 

center participation by students on college campuses. 

According to the data obtained from this research, males are more likely to use their recreational facilities on 

campus than females, and there are an overwhelmingly larger number of users as opposed to non-users. However, 

as the research has shown, students still are not exercising as much as they should be. Approximately 87.9% of 

respondents were Caucasian, so this data cannot be generalized to represent all ethnicities and races of college 

students as a whole. However, this did represent well over three quarters of the ethnicities at the institution as a 

university with 11,746 being Caucasian out of a total 12,827 undergraduate students. Comparisons should only 

be made to institutions with similar recreational opportunities and facilities with students of a much similar 

demographic. 

Further research in the area of fitness and recreation center usage should look at the college population as a whole 

and over time, perhaps a longitudinal study across the students’ entire collegiate career. Most students reported 

living either on-campus or off-campus within one mile of the university. The data from this research is fairly 

consistent with results from prior studies (Watson et al., [2006]; Zizzi et al., [2004]; Miller et al.,[2008]). We can 

suggest that users are more likely to be male, Caucasian, non-smokers, live on-campus or off-campus within a 

mile of the college or university, age 21 and under, not involved in any type of extracurricular activity, and have 

no health concerns. Users’ primary means of transportation to the recreational facilities on-campus is walking, 

and the main activities they perform at the facilities are resistance training and cardiovascular training. Factors 

related to motivation to use include maintaining and losing weight. The most statistically significant factor related 

to benefits from usage was reported to be perceived strength gains. Factors related to occasional non-usage within 

the user population included lack of time within the respondents’ schedule to allot to utilizing the fitness and 

recreational facilities, lack of energy, too much schoolwork, and inadequate operational hours that do not suit the 

respondent’s schedule. 

The most statistically significant factor found to influence non-usage was living arrangement and how far in 

comparison the respondent was located to the recreational facilities. The farther away the respondent lived from 

the facilities, the less likely they were to attend. The data showed that females were less likely to use the fitness 

and recreational facilities as opposed to their male counterparts. When asked what universities can do to increase 

student recruitment and retention efforts of the fitness and recreational facilities on campus, respondents stated 

that offering promotional deals such as discounts off of membership prices and having certified personal trainers 

available would assist in providing incentives for students to participate.   

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Although a large majority of the respondents were users, a significant number of students reported that they would 

still attend a university that did not provide them adequate recreational facilities.   

Future Directions  

Further research is necessary to evaluate the importance of campus fitness and recreation centers. Understanding 

factors related to usage and the patterns of use within each student demographic will be paramount in 

understanding how to target different populations to successfully increase physical activity through fitness and 

recreation center participation. The main demographic that colleges and universities should focus on targeting is 

the female population, students age 21 and above, as well as different minority races and ethnicities. It would be 

beneficial for future research to focus solely on non-user demographic groups assessing their rationale for non-

usage. If colleges and universities can successfully implement an initiative such as an incentive program to 

increase participation, students may be more inclined to use the facilities because of the idea of positive 

reinforcement.  

Understanding perceived barriers to participation such as proximity to the facility, lack of time, and inadequate 

operational hours can assist university administrators and fitness and recreational facility directors in reevaluating 

their efforts to better accommodate the college population to help ensure overall student success and well-being.  

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