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Physique Attitudes and Self-Presentational Concerns: Exploratory Interviews with Female Group Aerobic Exercisers and Instructors

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore physique attitudes and self-presentational concerns among women who regularly participate in or instruct group aerobic classes. We were interested in conceptualizations of the ideal body, self-presentational concerns, and the influence of instructors in the group aerobics context. Five instructors and 6 exercisers participated in semi-structured interviews. Two higher order themes were identified from the interview data: (a) perceived body ideals and (b) body image experiences in the group aerobics context. Participants described the ideal body as lean and toned and attainable, but cautioned that being too muscular was unattractive and should be avoided. Exercisers experienced heightened self-presentation during aerobics more than the instructors did. Both exercisers and instructors thought that instructors should serve as body role models.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas

    Christy Greenleaf & Heather Parham

  2. YMCA, Alief, Texas

    Rosemary McGreer

  3. KHPR Department, University of North Texas, P.O. Box 310769, Denton, Texas, 76203-0769

    Christy Greenleaf

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  1. Christy Greenleaf
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  2. Rosemary McGreer
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  3. Heather Parham
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Correspondence to Christy Greenleaf.

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Greenleaf, C., McGreer, R. & Parham, H. Physique Attitudes and Self-Presentational Concerns: Exploratory Interviews with Female Group Aerobic Exercisers and Instructors. Sex Roles 54, 189–199 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-006-9337-4

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