Factors associated with long-term exercise adherence among women participating in personal training programs at facilities in Japan: A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Problem Statement Regular physical activity plays a vital role in preventing chronic disease and supporting both physical and mental health. However, sustaining exercise participation over the long term is especially difficult for women who often must balance employment, family obligations, and caregiving responsibilities. While personal training has gained popularity as an individualized strategy for encouraging exercise, little is known about the factors associated with sustained exercise adherence among women who attend commercial personal training facilities in Japan. Approach This cross-sectional study analyzed questionnaire data collected from clients attending commercial personal training facilities in Japan. Among an initial cohort of 5,247 clients, 394 adults (316 women and 78 men) with complete data were included in the present analysis. Participants were classified into a long-term adherence group (>1 year of continuous participation; n = 185) and a short-term or inconsistent participation group (<1 year; n = 209). Demographic characteristics, previous sports experience, exercise motivation, perceived barriers, and satisfaction with trainer-related factors were compared using independent-samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and Bonferroni-adjusted analyses. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with long-term exercise adherence among women attending commercial personal training facilities, with particular attention to age-related differences in trainer-related, motivational, and environmental factors. Results Women who maintained long-term exercise participation reported significantly greater satisfaction with trainer personality and communication, particularly among those younger than 40 years (p = 0.001). Among women aged 40 years and older, accessibility of training services demonstrated a stronger association with long-term adherence (p = 0.025). Previous organized sports experience was also associated with sustained exercise participation (p < 0.001). In contrast, appearance-oriented motivation, financial cost, and work–family time constraints were more frequently reported among participants with short-term or inconsistent exercise participation. Conclusions Long-term exercise adherence among women attending commercial personal training facilities was associated with trainer interpersonal characteristics, accessibility of training services, and previous sports experience. These findings suggest that age-sensitive, individualized support, together with strategies that reduce structural barriers such as time and cost, may enhance sustained participation in personal training. Commercial personal training facilities may therefore represent an important setting for promoting long-term physical activity among working-age women.