Сharacteristics of physical activity of adult male visitors of a health and fitness club

The article addresses studying the characteristics of physical activity regimen in middle-aged men who attend a health and fitness bowling club. The objective of the study was to examine the characteristics of physical activity in middle-aged men, in particular, to assess the time they spend in a sitting position. Methods. To determine the physical activity coefficient, the methodology of the International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association modified by S. V. Nachinska and T. M. Parfenova (2003) was used. The study involved 106 adult-aged men (25-45 years old) who attended bowling clubs in Kyiv. Results. As a result of the study, it was found that the majority (>70%) of visitors of health and fitness clubs have low and below average levels physical activity, i.e. their actual physical activity does not exceed 6 hours per day or 40% of the recommended physical activity. The calculated physical activity coefficient of the study participants was on average 0.36 ± 0.07 points, which corresponds to the below average level and highlights the need to increase the amount of physical activity of middle-aged men. To investigate the characteristics of physical activity regimen, we applied time use approach and observation of the physical activity regimen. The majority of respondents have low and below-average levels of physical activity and a low motivation to participate in recreational health and fitness programs. Most of the study participants have a physical activity deficit despite the daily activity they engage in. The above necessitate the development and implementation of accessible health-enhancing and recreational programs aimed at increasing the level of involvement of middle-aged men.