VIDBE-Q 2025 Volume 70 Issue 4
summarizes the relative frequencies of responses obtained from the pre-camp
surveys.
Reasons for Fitness
The pre-camp survey prompted participants to explain why they wanted to
be physically fit. Themes that arose from the responses included health/ fitness (19
athletes, 55.9%), having fun (5 athletes, 14.7%), and appearance (2 athletes, 5.9%),
with 3 athletes (8.8%) stating unknown reasons. Becoming stronger (8 athletes,
23.5%) arose as a sub-theme to health/ fitness. Athletes responded they desired to
be physically fit, using statements like "because I want to be healthy and not lazy,
" "need to be physically fit to do what I do," and "I want to be strong and have
muscles." Participants who indicated they wanted to be physically fit for fun wrote
statements such as "cuz [sic] it's fun" and "I just do it to have fun." Although
appearance-related items were removed from the MPAM-R, two athletes still
referenced appearance in their responses. These athletes wrote they participated in
fitness activities "because I don't like my weight" and "so dad will stop calling
[me] fat."
Current Activities
In addition to reporting their motivations for physical fitness, participants
were asked to identify activities they engaged in with friends or family. Swimming
was reported most frequently (13 athletes, 38.2%), followed by soccer (10 athletes,
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