Motriz: Revista de Educacao Fisica (Dec 2014)

An examination of intentions of recommending fitness centers by user members

  • Celina Gonçalves,
  • Rui Biscaia,
  • Abel Correia,
  • Ana Diniz

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1980-65742014000400004
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 20, no. 4
pp. 384 – 391

Abstract

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The goal of this study was to examine what experiences members have with fitness centers that influence their intentions for recommendation. After item generation and content validity, as well as a pilot test, a survey was conducted among members of five different clubs (n=1750). The questionnaire included measures of service quality attributes, accessibility, well-being in life, well-being in a club, and intentions to recommend a fitness center. Results using a structural equation model provide evidence that only service quality attributes and well-being in a club have positive effect on intentions of users to recommend it. Well-being in life has a negative effect on the intentions for recommendation, while accessibility shows no predictive effect. These findings suggest implications for the management of a club, such as the need to create a pleasant environment and to provide a personalized service directed towards the members' goals in order to improve well-being in a club and contribute to increase the intentions to recommend the fitness centers to others.

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