Exercise Motivation and Activity among Working Age Men Participating in the Fit for Life Project in Myötätuuli

The purpose of the thesis was to study motivational factors working age men have for physical activity. Furthermore, the thesis had an aspiration to provide means for future development of the Fit for Life project "Liiku Myötätuulta Elämään". This thesis was commissioned by Myötätuuli which is a learning environment at Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. Their aim for the thesis was to assess the project based on the experiences of the participants. The author’s aim was to learn about the activities of the Fit for Life program and to understand motivational factors for exercising in more detail. The social point of view of this thesis was to provide tools for creating, maintaining and enhancing motivation for physical activity. The theoretical foundation for the research was based on existing knowledge of exercise motivation and physical activity in working age. Important theories on exercise motivation are presented, and the significance of physical activity and physical activity programs is discussed. Basic information about the Fit for Life program and the Finnish Man’s Adventures campaign is provided in the theory part. This thesis was accomplished as a qualitative research in which data was collected using individual thematic interviews. Three participants of the Finnish Man’s Adventures campaign in Kajaani took part in the research. Inductive content analysis was used for analysing the data. The thesis process started in January 2016 and was finalized in November 2016. The findings showed that multiple factors influenced exercise behaviour. Participants in the Fit for Life program had mainly positive experiences and the program had succeeded in supporting the positive formation of exercise motivation. The results of this thesis can be used by Myötätuuli in order to provide services that meet customers’ expectation for the project