Study of Factors Influencing Participation in Group Fitness Classes at Sports Centers in the West Bank/Palestine

Abstract

The study aimed to understand and examine the factors influencing individuals' participation in group fitness classes at sports centers in the West Bank/Palestine. Additionally, it examined the differences in these factors based on mediating variables (gender, age group, educational level, and level of commitment to participation). To achieve this, the researchers employed a descriptive analytical approach and a questionnaire which the researchers designed, which in its final form consisted of (23) items divided into four axes (personal factors, cultural factors, social factors, motivational factors). as a data collection tool from a random sample of (161) participants who frequented sports centers. The results showed that the impact of factors influencing participation in group fitness classes was very significant, with an average score of 4.27. Personal factors ranked first (4.46), followed by motivational factors (4.31), social factors (4.13), and cultural factors ranked last (3.89). The results indicated no statistically significant differences attributed to variables such as gender, age group, or educational level across all study sections and the overall score, except for the level of commitment to participation. In terms of motivational factors, the significance level was 0.007, with differences favoring individuals with monthly commitment compared to those without. The researchers recommended leveraging positive participation motivations in group fitness classes at sports centers in the West Bank to increase participation rates.