As cultural expectations of an ideal physique become more and more unrealistic, women face increasing pressures to achieve perfection. Exercise is one way that women may attempt to come closer to the ideal. Research has consistently demonstrated that women feel pressure to be thin (Fallon & Rozin, 1985) and exercise for appearance and weight management reasons (Davis et al. 1995; Frederick & Shaw 1995; Imm & Pruitt 1991). Yet, we know little about how exercisers feel about their bodies within the exercise environment. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore experiences of female group aerobic exercisers. Six females, ranging in age from 21 to 25, participated in semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The interviewer and a second researcher independently read and re-read the transcripts, identified and labeled quotes and paraphrased quotes, and subsequently collaborated to identify higher order themes. Participant profiles were sent to each woman for confirmation that the researchers’ interpretations of the interview were accurate.
Results indicated that participants felt ambivalent about their body image. Five participants did not considered themselves close to their ideal body image, however, they did feel that the ideal was obtainable and were currently working towards the ideal. When asked about their body image, five participants reported issues related to competence. Interestingly, mirrors and onlookers influenced how participants felt about their competence and ability. Four participants reported feeling self-conscious about their own bodies compared to other exercisers’ bodies. Although these participants reported decreased enjoyment when they felt self-conscious, several thought that aerobics improved their overall body image. Participants were also asked about the role of the instructor. Five of the six participants believed that an aerobic instructor should serve as a role model for the class. However, one participant felt that the instructor’s physique should not serve as a role model or ideal because it is important to recognize individual differences in body types. Although participants indicated that the attire and attitude of the instructor had little effect on their own body image and satisfaction, instructors should be aware that participants might perceive them as role models. These findings suggest that aerobic coordinators and instructors should be conscious of environmental factors in aerobics classes can impact exercisers’ body image, self-consciousness, and enjoyment.