Maintaining exercise in fitness centre settings: insights from the physical activity maintenance theory.

Purpose: This study examines factors that influence long-term fitness centre participation, applying the Physical Activity Maintenance Theory to assess psychological and contextual influences on exercise adherence.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 regular fitness centre attendees in Taubaté, São Paulo, Brazil. Data were analysed using Bardin's Content Analysis, exploring the participants' experiences and the factors contributing to their sustained activity.