Effect of weekly group motivational sessions on participation to aerobic classes

Students from Algoma University College who were interested in being involved in an aerobic exercise program were randomly assigned to either a control group or a motivational group. A journal was provided to all 30 participants to record aerobic attendance and exercise goals. Attendance was taken at the beginning of every aerobic class. The control group was not given any further encouragement over the next four weeks. The motivational group members were required to attend a weekly group meeting for four weeks. During the weekly meetings, personal goals were set and the progress and strategies of exercise were discussed. Each week, a sports drink was given to the members who attended at least three aerobic classes that week. A free aquabics pass was given to the member who went to the most classes that week. A chi-squared analysis indicated that there was no significant difference in attendance between the control and motivational group.