title: The role of social capital and community belongingness for exercise adherence: An exploratory study of the CrossFit gym model.
abstract: This is the first study to measure the 'sense of community' reportedly offered by the CrossFit gym model. A cross-sectional study adapted Social Capital and General Belongingness scales to compare perceptions of a CrossFit gym and a traditional gym. CrossFit gym members reported significantly higher levels of social capital (both bridging and bonding) and community belongingness compared with traditional gym members. However, regression analysis showed neither social capital, community belongingness, nor gym type was an independent predictor of gym attendance. Exercise and health professionals may benefit from evaluating further the 'sense of community' offered by gym-based exercise programmes.
authors.affiliation: 1 Health and Care Research Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Whiteman-Sandland
authors.affiliation: 2 Cardiff University, UK.
authors.forename: Jemma
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: 3 Cardiff Metropolitan University, UK.
authors.forename: Debbie
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Clayton
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057566:Self Report; D066270:Social Capital; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: community health psychology; exercise behaviour; physical activity; social capital; social support