Physical activity and perceived wellbeing benefits in users of aquatic leisure and recreation centres
| dc.contributor.author | Heckel, L. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Karg, A. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Eime, R. | |
| dc.contributor.author | McDonald, H. | |
| dc.contributor.author | O’Boyle, I. | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | While a range of health and wellbeing benefits from sport and leisure participation are well understood, the role of aquatic leisure and recreation centres (ARCs) in contributing to health outcomes is less clear. ARCs, as specific venues for leisure and physical activities, have untapped potential in promoting health and wellbeing. Differences in wellbeing benefits across age groups, various activity types and exercise levels performed at these facilities are also under-researched. This study addresses the research gaps through empirical analysis, providing practical guidance for policymakers and facility managers to develop more effective health promotion strategies. Data were collected via an online survey from 908 adult ARC users in Australia. Higher levels of exercise self-efficacy were reported by a group of fitness participants and younger users (18–29 yrs). Significantly greater levels of life satisfaction were found in group class participants (e.g. yoga, pilates), females and those aged >65 years. Greater psychosocial benefits were reported by recreational swimmers and younger users (18–29 yrs). Overall, the reported wellbeing benefits were greater in those who were physically active for >60 min/week. ARCs play a significant role in contributing to individual health and wellbeing outcomes and demonstrate that regular PA and exercising with others are associated with the greatest wellbeing outcomes. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Leisure Studies, online, 2025; online:1-16 | |
| dc.identifier.doi | 10.1080/02614367.2025.2481560 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 0261-4367 | |
| dc.identifier.issn | 1466-4496 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/11541.2/42412 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | Informa UK Limited | |
| dc.relation.funding | ARC LP190100376 | |
| dc.rights | Copyright 2025 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License, which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/) | |
| dc.source.uri | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02614367.2025.2481560 | |
| dc.subject | wellbeing | |
| dc.subject | leisure | |
| dc.subject | physical activity | |
| dc.subject | aquatic and recreation | |
| dc.title | Physical activity and perceived wellbeing benefits in users of aquatic leisure and recreation centres | |
| dc.type | Journal article | |
| pubs.publication-status | Published | |
| ror.mmsid | 9916952818801831 |