Perceptions and the role of group exercise among New York City adults, 2010–2011: An examination of interpersonal factors and leisure-time physical activity

• We examine interpersonal factors and leisure-time physical activity.
• Descriptive norms were associated with increased leisure-time physical activity.
• Group exercise was associated with more leisure-time physical activity.
• Strategies to increase physical activity should consider interpersonal factors.

ObjectiveTo examine associations of descriptive norms (i.e., behaviors of social group members) and exercising ‘with a partner’ or ‘as a part of a group’ on weekly leisure-time physical activity.MethodsT-tests and adjusted multivariable linear models were used to test the associations between descriptive norms and exercising with a partner or as a part of a group with self-reported leisure-time physical activity using the cross-sectional, population-based New York City Physical Activity and Transit (PAT) Survey 2010–2011 (n = 3806).ResultsOverall, 70.6% of adult New Yorkers reported having physically active friends. Having active friends was associated with increased leisure-time physical activity; however, the effect varied by sex. Compared to those who did not have active friends, males with active friends reported two times more activity (56 min/week) and women reported two and a half times more activity (35 min/week) (both p-values < 0.001). Physically active males and females who usually engaged in leisure-time activities as a part of a group reported 1.4 times more activity than those who exercised alone (both p-values < 0.03).ConclusionsDescriptive norms and group exercise were associated with leisure-time physical activity among adults. Based on these associations, encouraging group exercise may be an effective strategy for increasing leisure-time physical activity among certain subgroups.