Relationship between Exercise Professionals' Behavioral Styles and Clients' Adherence to Exercise

Abstract

Exercise professionals ( n=15) were tested to assess whether specific personal traits or behavioral styles were associated with their clients' adherence to exercise. Assessments with the Personal Profile and the Personal Strengths Profile yielded one trait, “Controlling,” that showed a mean difference ( z = 2.99, p< .01) between the high and low adherence groups of professionals. Controlling was also significantly correlated ( rs = .66, p <.0l) with clients' adherence. This trait may be consistent with the interpersonal delivery requirements of interventions known to support adherence to exercise. Limitations and practical implications across exercise venues and types of participants were discussed.