Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for many of today’s leading
causes of ill health. In-order to increase physical activity (PA)
participation and information about why people engage in PA is needed.
We interviewed 11 recreational exercise participants to examine their
goals for participating in recreational exercise. Our results revealed 13
first-order themes, which we reduced to seven second-order themes
(personal comparison, extrinsic rewards, social, physical condition,
psychological condition, mastery, and enjoyment), and two general
dimensions (intrinsic and extrinsic goals). We argue that selfdetermination
theory (SDT) of motivation provides a strong foundation for
understanding the goals and motives for recreational exercise. Also,
future research should aim to develop a more comprehensive measure of
motivation in recreational exercise and sport contexts.