Exploring subjective responses in high-intensity multimodal training: an online cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate exercise enjoyment in high-intensity multimodal training (HIMT) in current and previous HIMT participants and identify factors associated with HIMT that mediate exercise enjoyment and motivation. DESIGN AND SETTING: A 124-item web-based survey was distributed to a cross-sectional voluntary convenience sample from August to the end of September 2021. PARTICIPANTS: Global current and previous HIMT participants. RESULTS: The final sample included 469 responses (completion rate: 61.6%). Among eligible respondents (n=434), 379 were current HIMT participants, 55 were previous HIMT participants. Current participants demonstrated high enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale). The most frequently reported reasons for increased enjoyment and motivation to continue HIMT in current participants included (1) it keeps me fit, (2) training in a group and (3) variety in a session. The most frequently reported reasons for reduced motivation to continue HIMT among previous HIMT participants included (1) other (injury, COVID-19 restrictions, low motivation, personal preferences), (2) work commitments and (3) I started another type of sport, exercise or training. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that HIMT is an enjoyable training method among current participants. The most commonly reported reasons for increased enjoyment and motivation were associated with the combined training method and the group environment. Reasons for reduced motivation to continue HIMT among previous HIMT participants may be related to commonly reported barriers to exercise and personal factors.