Strength Training Habits and Awareness of Its Recommendations among 18–63-Year-Old Adults

Abstract

In addition to aerobic physical activity, adults of all ages should engage in muscle-strengthening activities (i.e., strength training). The main aim of this study was to identify the strength training habits and awareness of its recommendations among the study group of 18–64-year-old residents of Pärnu County. The sample consisted of 18–63-year-old residents of Pärnu County, who completed a questionnaire (n = 250) including sociodemographic and lifestyle-related information, strength training habits, and awareness of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on physical activity about muscle strengthening activities (i.e., strength training). The results showed that 42% of the participants engaged in regular strength training on a weekly basis and 36.4% were aware of the WHO recommendations to engage in strength training on a weekly basis. The participants who were younger, at a normal weight, rated their daily physical activity higher and health better, were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of engaging in regular strength training on a weekly basis. The participants of the study who were aware that the WHO recommends engaging in strength training at least twice a week, were more likely to engage in regular strength training on a weekly basis, the majority of them at least twice a week.