cise available to them in health clubs and centers throughout the nation (Keeton, 1992; Stone, 1987; Sanford, 1998).
What are the factors that have contributed to the creation of this health and fitness movement, and in the process spawned a huge financial operation that includes everything from health institutions to running shoes? In order to begin to answer this question it is necessary to look at the notion of fitness -- the surprising variety of definitions with which people identify this seemingly simple concept.
For some, being in shape means being able to run a marathon, for others it signifies being able to play three sets of tennis in the midday sun, to yet others it involves attaining a certain speed in a sprinting race. Not all of these definitions refer to the same level or state of physical acumen. As Reid and Thomson point out, one must "consider the athletic spectrum: the sprinter, the Olympic weight lifter, the elite marathon runner, and the everyday jogger. All may well be in shape, but only for their specific athletic pursuit" (1985, p. 1). Yet each of these pursuers of health and wellness believes him or herself to be fit.
This points out the vagueness that pervades general perceptions about the nature of fitness and its role in the attainment of personal health. Indeed the majority of the populace believe that they are basically healthy, if not necessarily highly fit, if they do not suffer from a disease or illness (Reid & Thomson, 1985; Singer, 1988). However, several studies, conducted primarily in the corporate sector, are giving the lie to this misperception and providing even more incentive for people to join in the fitness movement (OÆReilly, 1989).
There may be myriad reasons that inspire individuals to take the step to begin and maintain a health and wellness regime, however several of these motivating factors stand out.
Perhaps the longest standing motivator for exercise has been, an...