Fitness and stress management motivate exercise

Using a touch screen computer in the lobby of eight YMCA facilities across Montreal, 1,885 participants from teens through older adults answered questions about their motivation to exercise. There were 256 people ages 40-49 years and 172 individuals 50 years and older included in the results. Across all age groups, “toned and fit” was the top motivator, followed by “stress reduction.” As people aged they indicated these categories more frequently, and less frequently cited “mental toughness” (defined as personal challenge and adventure) or “fun and friends.”