“If somebody had told me I’d feel like I do now, I wouldn’t have believed them…” Older adults’ experiences of the BELL trial: a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACTObjectivesThis study examined older adults’ experiences of participating in the BELL trial, involving 12-weeks of group-based hardstyle kettlebell training.MethodsIn the BELL trial, 28 insufficiently active older adults (15 women, 13 men, 59-79 years) completed 6 weeks of face-to-face group training, and 6 weeks of home-based training. In-depth semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed, inductively coded, with themes constructed thematically from patterns of shared meaning.ResultsFour higher-order themes were developed that reflect older adults’ experiences participating in a group-exercise program of hardstyle kettlebell training. These included: (1) “It’s one of the best things we’ve done” - enjoying the physical and psychosocial benefits, (2) “It’s improved it tremendously!” - change in a long-term health condition, (3) “It put me on a better course” - overcoming challenges, (4) “I wasn’t just a number” - feeling part of a group/community.DiscussionFindings highlight the perceived physical and psychological benefits of participating in hardstyle group kettlebell training, the value attributed to being part of an age-matched community of like-minded people engaged in group-exercise, as well as the challenges participants faced, and the sense of achievement in overcoming them. Implications for program design and delivery, and future research are discussed.