Características sociodemográficas, objetivos e motivos para a adesão à prática do treinamento contra resistência relatados por adultos em academias no município de Maceió/AL

Abstract

Rationale: The number of practitioners of both sexes and different ages of resistance training (TCRP), also known as “bodybuilding” has been increasing all over the world. Although this type of training is considered the most important form of training to increase muscle fitness and neuromuscular health levels, little is known about the characteristics of practitioners, goals and expectations, as well as the most important factors of adherence or non-adherence to training, considering both genders. Methodology: Field research, of a mixed nature (qualitative - quantitative), descriptive and transversal. For the composition of the sample, 150 participants of both sexes, over 18 years old, practitioners of TCRP in gyms in the city of Maceió were selected. Results: men had higher BM, EST and BMI when compared to women. Most participants (82.7%) were classified as eutrophic. Most participants declared themselves single (58.7%), employed (86.7%) and having completed elementary school (72.7%). Two reasons tied in order of importance for the practice of TCRP were: health and aesthetics (84%). About (46.7%) of the participants declared to spend less than 60 minutes of training, practicing the exercise with frequency of four weekly sessions. About (58%) of the participants stated that a better preparation of professionals could help them to achieve their goals. Regarding the absence in training, and exactly (18%) reported that the lack of time is the main responsible for the attendance problems. Final Considerations: Gym goers in the city of Maceió are eutrophic, meet the minimum recommendations of the World Health Organization for the practice of Physical Exercises, in addition to being young adults, single, students and have at least completed elementary school. The main reasons related to the practice of TCRP were health and aesthetics. Factors that may have been influenced, by intensified advertising and social media widely used by the general population in recent years, the times chosen for data collection (morning, and late afternoon/early evening) and, more specifically, the cultural characteristics of the participants and the prevailing climate in the data collection period (in our study, the predominant climate in the data collection period was summer). The results also allowed us to conclude that investing in professional qualification and adopting strategies that can follow the evolution of practitioners is essential to maintain adherence. Thus, it is expected that the results of this study serve as a subsidy for Physical Education professionals and gym owners.