Physical Activities

                                                        The burden of non-communicable diseases is increasing globally and poses a major public health concern, a large part of which is preventable. These diseases have been strongly associated with unhealthy lifestyle habits, including inappropriate nutrition and lack of physical activities.

                                                        Although behaviors of students are considered a temporary part of college life. College Life is an important stage for individuals as at this time their behaviors are conducive to change. University and college arenas, therefore, represent an important opportunity for health. According to Physical Activity among Adults: United States, 2000 one in five adults engage in high levels of activity, but one in four are largely inactive (United States Department of Health and Human Services, [USDHHS], 2003). This report, along with many others including the Surgeon General’s Report (USDHHS, 1996) that identified physical inactivity as a major health risk factor, document the magnitude of health problems that are mounded by the lack of physical activity. Daily physical activity on a moderate basis is recommended for people of all ages especially for students.
However, a student’s motives for physical activity are also important. The most common motives identified are to improve or maintain health, improve physical appearance and enjoy a social experience (Ryan, Fredrick, Lepes, Rubio, & Sheldon, 1997). Improve physical appearance is the most common motive among students.

                                                         To understand, one must identify the type of motivation the student possesses that will influence the activities selected.

                                                        This is a report measure that the students reported how many times during a 7-day period they participated in strenuous (running, jogging, heart beat rapidly), moderate (fast walking, tennis, not exhausting), and mild (yoga, golf, minimal effort) physical activity for more than 15 minutes (Godin & Shephard, 1985). An exercise index score is calculated by multiplying each reported exercise session by its metabolic equivalent tasks (METS) and summing the results. The formula is as follows: Weekly leisure activity score = (9 x Strenuous) + (5 x Moderate) + (3 x Light).

                                                          This report procedure was done by questionnaires via a web-based design for students to be able to access it their ease. In this way students were able to complete the survey in just fifteen minutes. The responses were confidential and anonymous.