Effects of Variety Support on Exercise-Related Well-Being.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to experimentally examine the extent to which variety support in a resistance exercise program influences exercise-related well-being among inactive adults.


METHODS
A sample of 121 inactive university students were randomly assigned and participated in either a high or low variety support 6-week exercise program. Measures of exercise-related perceived variety, positive affect, negative affect, and subjective vitality were completed at baseline, after 3 weeks, and after 6 weeks (i.e. post-test).


RESULTS
Through use of structural equation modelling, the results showed that for those who completed measures at post-test (i.e. n = 55), and for all participants who received variety support (i.e. a modified intention-to-treat analysis; N = 121), exercise-related variety support indirectly explained higher levels of exercise-related positive affect, and subjective vitality, and lower levels of negative affect, through the mediating role of perceived variety.


CONCLUSIONS
The provision of variety support in a resistance exercise program influences exercise-related well-being through perceptions of variety. Results are discussed in relation to the potential utility of providing variety support to promote exercise-related well-being in people who are physically inactive.
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Benjamin D
BD
Sylvester
The University of Newcastle, Australia.
David R
DR
Lubans
The University of Newcastle, Australia.
Narelle
N
Eather
University of Bath, UK.
Martyn
M
Standage
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Svenja A
SA
Wolf
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Desmond
D
McEwan
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Geralyn R
GR
Ruissen
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Megan
M
Kaulius
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Peter R E
PR
Crocker
The University of British Columbia, Canada.
Mark R
MR
Beauchamp
D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006240:Happiness; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
diverse; perceived variety; physical activity; resistance training; well-being