An investigation of the relationships between exercise addictionlevels, self- esteem, and quality of life of individuals attending fitness centers

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between exercise addiction levels and self-esteem and quality of life among individuals who go to fitness centers. Another aim of the research is to investigate the relationships between exercise addiction level, self esteem, and quality of life with various demographic variables (gender, age, presence of chronic illness, number of weekly exercise sessions, weekly exercise hours, reason for starting exercise, marital status, education level, physical activity status, type of exercise, and monthly income level). In the study, the relational survey model, which is frequently used among quantitative research designs within descriptive research methods, was employed. The population of the study comprises fitness businesses located in the center of Bursa. The research sample consists of 383 fitness center clients who were randomly selected volunteers. The data collection instruments used were the "Self-Esteem Scale," the "Exercise Addiction Scale," and the "Quality of Life Scale." Arithmetic mean and standard deviation were used to determine the levels of scores obtained from the scales according to the demographic variables of individuals attending fitness centers; independent t-test and One-way ANOVA analysis were conducted to determine whether there were differences in the scores obtained from the scales. SPSS 23.00 software package was used to analyze the research data. Multiple regression analysis and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient technique were utilized. As a result of the study, when examining the relationship between self-esteem and exercise addiction and quality of life among individuals attending fitness centers, it was found that there is a significant positive relationship between self-esteem and excessive focus and mood change, postponement of individual-social needs and conflict, development of tolerance and passion, physical conflict, health, social relations, and environment. It has been determined that the regression equation predicting exercise addiction and quality of life on the self-esteem levels of individuals who go to fitness centers is significant.