Perceived Behavior Analysis to Boost Physical Fitness and Lifestyle Wellness for Sustainability among Gen Z Filipinos

Abstract

The recommended moderate-intensity physical activity per week is 150–300 min for adults and 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for adolescents. However, 81% of adolescents and 23% of adults globally do not meet the recommendations for physical activity. With the increasing business in the fitness industry on the rise, sedentary activities were also seen to be prevalent—especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. This study aimed to identify and evaluate factors affecting the perceived behavior of Filipinos to boost physical fitness and lifestyle wellness by incorporating the Theory of Effort Minimization (TEMPA) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). About 565 Filipinos answered a self-administered questionnaire with 54 adapted questions (45 indicators and 9 latent variables). With the use of a convenience sampling approach, valid responses were evaluated using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results showed that self-efficacy, response efficacy, automatic precursors, and controlled precursors significantly and indirectly affect perceived behavior. It was explained how self-efficacy, or one’s ability to perform a specific behavior, connects with response-efficacy, which covers an individual’s perception of the effectiveness of a task, in this case, health-promoting practices. The influence of others on the individual was presented as conscientiousness, neuroticism, and agreeableness. The effect on other people influences an individual’s positive relationship with adaptable behavior for physical activities. Similarly, the effects of other people may influence individuals to perform healthier lifestyles. These precursors had a direct significance with the intention to adapt, which subsequently led to the perceived behavior of Filipinos in boosting physical fitness and lifestyle wellness. The results of this study could be utilized by the fitness industry, government, local government units (LGUs), and private and public institutions. Further implications were discussed both from a theoretical and practical standpoint, which can help to create successful fitness and wellness programs. Finally, the SEM constructs can be modified and extended to evaluate factors affecting perceived behavior to boost physical fitness and lifestyle wellness among other nationalities.