An investigation of the psychological effects of participating in tower Pilates on women
Keywords:
Psychological affect, tower Pilates, womenAbstract
Aim: The aim of this research was to explore qualitatively the motivations for participation in tower Pilates among females practicing it, psychological meanings of this activity, as well as its psychological, physical and daily life related outcomes. Method: In this study, 26 women attending tower Pilates courses at private and chain fitness clubs in Ankara, Turkey were selected as a sample. The average age of participants varied from 20 to 55 with a mean age of 32.27. Purposive sampling procedure was utilized in this study. The research data were gathered via open ended and semi structured interview questions developed by the researcher. Inductive thematic analysis technique was chosen as a method of data analysis. Within this framework, initially all answers were analyzed several times; then significant statements about participants' experiences of tower Pilates were identified, coded and categorized depending on similarities between their codes. Results: As for the results of this study, it was found out that females had various motivations for engaging in tower Pilates. These included health, postural improvement, pain management, shaping body, flexibility training, need for movement, psychological well-being, spending time on themselves, as well as environmental factors. Furthermore, it became evident that females considered tower Pilates as an activity related to managing stress, relaxing mind, developing body awareness, feeling physically competent, increasing self confidence, feeling accomplished, gaining more energy, as well as improving daily life organization. Conclusion: It should be concluded that tower Pilates gives a chance to women to take part not only in physical activity, but in multidimensional physical leisure activity connected with psychological relaxation and self-care.
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