Abstract

Objectives Exercise rates are low, but perceived support from close others can influence exercise habits. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of perceived support for exercise as well as close others’ exercise habits on own exercise, and to examine the differential effects of friend’s exercise and romantic partner’s exercise.

Design Undergraduates (N = 220) at a northeastern university completed questionnaires on their own exercise habits, their romantic partner’s and best friend’s exercise habits, and perceived support for exercise.

Results Friend’s exercise was associated with own exercise, but only when perceived support was high. Being male, partner’s exercise, and friend’s exercise all independently predicted own exercise.

Conclusions Exercise habits of close others are associated with one’s own exercise habits, though this relationship may vary depending on perceived support. Attention should be paid to women’s exercise habits, since they are less likely to exercise than men.

Exercise increases longevity, prevents obesity, and reduces risk of some chronic illnesses such as coronary heart disease and hypertension (U.S. DHHS, 1996). Exercise also benefits mental health, with positive effects on depressive symptoms (Ross & Hayes, 1998) and anxiety (Sallis & Owen, 1999). Exercise is also related to high self-esteem and overall quality of life (McAuley & Rudolph, 1995). Despite the many benefits of exercise, rates of activity among people who live in the United States are extraordinarily low, with over half not engaging in the recommended amount of physical activity (CDC, 2007). These low rates are troubling given the association between exercise and decreased risk of chronic illness.