title: Physical activity and subjective well-being: the role of time.
abstract: This study examines the role of time in explaining the effect of physical activity on subjective well-being. Specifically, it looks at the composite structure of time needed for participation in a time-efficient fitness programme and how different time components affect satisfaction with health, leisure time, fitness, body and look. This quasi-experimental study consisted of three stages: (i) physical entry test and pre-survey, (ii) training intervention (30 min; performed twice a week over a 4-week period) and (iii) exit test and post-survey. A total of N = 10 481 individuals participated across 316 German fitness centres. Regression results show that total time spent significantly increases satisfaction with health and fitness. Time spent on approach and parking reduces satisfaction with leisure time, while time spent on wellness and showering increases it. Spending time in the bistro increases satisfaction with health and fitness. Time spent on the actual fitness training has no significant effect on either satisfaction measure. The findings indicate that it is important to consider the composite structure of time needed for physical activity because other activities matter more than the actual time spent on exercising. Public health policies and policy makers should therefore support such time-efficient programmes.
authors: 1 Department of Sport Economics and Sport Management, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany p.wicker@dshs-koeln.de.
authors: Pamela
authors: P
authors: Wicker
authors: 2 Department of Economics, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, MD, USA 1 Department of Sport Economics and Sport Management, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors: Dennis
authors: D
authors: Coates
authors: 1 Department of Sport Economics and Sport Management, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
authors: Christoph
authors: C
authors: Breuer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors