Christina Gjestvang

• Gjestvang, Christina; Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Arntzen, Miriam Basma & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2023). How Do Fitness Club Members Differentiate in Background Characteristics, Exercise Motivation, and Social Support? A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. ISSN 1303-2968. 22(2), p. 235–244. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2023.235. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fitness clubs are one of the largest exercise arenas worldwide. Still, membership withdrawal and exercise dropout rates are 40-65% in the first six months. One important approach to retaining members may be to create an environment that feels inclusive, and clusters members with mutual needs and interests. Increased knowledge in this field can provide valuable information that leads to more effective exercise promotion strategies and better retention rates, important to the long-term success of the gym and public health. Thus, we aimed to compare background factors, motivation, and social support between members of multipurpose (wide range of exercise concepts/facilities, middle to high membership fee), fitness-only (low membership fee), and boutique (one or two specialized exercise concepts, high membership fee) fitness clubs. A total of 232 members from multipurpose (n = 107), fitness-only (n = 52), and boutique gyms (n = 73) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Data included background variables (age, gender, body weight and height, smoking, total household income, occupation, education, and general health), exercise behaviour, exercise motivation, and social support. A one-way between-group ANOVA with Bonferroni correction or a chi-square test was used as appropriate. Multipurpose and fitness-only members were older (mean diff: 9.1 years, p = <0.001) and exercised less (mean diff: 1-1.2 sessions/week, p = <0.001) than members from boutique clubs. Compared with multipurpose and fitness-only members, members from boutique clubs reported the highest autonomous motivation (intrinsic regulation: mean diff: 0.3, p = 0.030), and perceived greater social support from family/friends (mean diff: 6.4 to 6.6, p = <0.001). Boutique members were younger, exercised more, and reported higher autonomous motivation and social support than multipurpose and fitness-only members. Our results suggest that exercise enjoyment and a social community, the “philosophy” of boutique gyms, may be important for regular exercise.

• Hayman, Melanie; Keppel, Marian; Stanton, Robert; Thwaite, Tanya L.; Alfrey, Kristie-Lee & Alley, Stephanie [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2023). A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers. BMC Public Health. ISSN 1471-2458. 23. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15457-6. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Exercise during pregnancy is associated with various health benefits for both mother and child. Despite these benefits, most pregnant women do not meet physical activity recommendations. A known barrier to engaging in exercise during pregnancy is a lack of knowledge about appropriate and safe exercise. In our current era of social media, many pregnant women are turning to online information sources for guidance, including social media influencers. Little is known about attitudes towards pregnancy exercise information provided by influencers on social media platforms. This study aimed to explore attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy depicted by social media influencers on Facebook, and user engagement with posted content. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to analyse data from 10 Facebook video posts of social media influencers exercising during pregnancy. Quantitative descriptive analyses were used to report the number of views, shares, comments and emotive reactions. Qualitative analysis of user comments was achieved using an inductive thematic approach. Results: The 10 video posts analysed were viewed a total of 12,117,200 times, shared on 11,181 occasions, included 13,455 user comments and 128,804 emotive icon reactions, with the most frequently used icon being ‘like’ (81.48%). The thematic analysis identified three themes associated with attitudes including [1] exercise during pregnancy [2] influencers and [3] type of exercise. A fourth theme of community was also identified. Most user comments were associated with positive attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy and the influencer. However, attitudes towards the types of exercise the influencer performed were mixed (aerobic and body weight exercises were positive; resistance-based exercise with weights were negative). Finally, the online community perceived by users was mostly positive and recognised for offering social support and guidance. Conclusions: User comments imply resistance-based exercise with weights as unsafe and unnecessary when pregnant, a perception that does not align with current best practice guidelines. Collectively, the findings from this study highlight the need for continued education regarding exercise during pregnancy and the potential for social media influencers to disseminate evidence-based material to pregnant women who are highly receptive to, and in need of reliable health information.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Tangen, Elene Mauseth & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2022). The Coronavirus pandemic and closed fitness clubs negatively affected members exercise habits. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. ISSN 2624-9367. 4. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.985782. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, politicians enacted directions to reduce social interactions, including lockdown of fitness clubs. We aimed to investigate how this changed exercise habits of Norwegian gym members. Method: Based on survey data, men and women (≥18 years, n = 233, data collection from Aug. 2020 to Jan. 2021) were recruited to this study by an email-invitation from their fitness club chain or by Facebook advertisement. The participants reported on background variables (e.g., age, gender, total household income, occupation, and education), and exercise habits pre- and during social lockdown. Data were analyzed using independent or student t-test, chi-squared test, or McNemar's test, as appropriate. Results: Home-based exercise (18.0 vs. 72.5%, p = <0.001), walking (49.8 vs. 65.2%, p = <0.001), and cycling (16.7 vs. 24.5%, p = 0.004) was more common during than pre-lockdown. Also, men (4.33 to 3.68 days/week, p =0.013) and women (4.20 to 3.79 days/week, p = 0.001) reported a lower exercise frequency, and a shorter duration. Exercise frequency was lower in those with a BMI ≥25 than in those with BMI <25 (3.95 vs. 4.48 days/week, p = <0.007) pre-lockdown. High exercise attendees (≥3 sessions/week, 66.5%) reported a smaller decrease in exercise frequency (mean change: 0.06 vs. 1.24 days/week, p = <0.001) and duration (>60 min. per session: 33.0 vs. 3.8%, p = <0.001) than low exercise attendees during lockdown. Discussion: Home-based exercise, walking, and cycling were most frequently reported during lockdown. Participants reported a small decrease in exercise duration and frequency compared with pre-lockdown. Closure of fitness clubs impacted low attendees more than high attendees.

• Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2022). Is there an association between total physical activity level and VO<inf>2max</inf> among fitness club members? A cross-sectional study. BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. ISSN 2052-1847. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00503-4. Full text in Research Archive
• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Stensrud, Trine; Rugseth, Gro & Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Weight Cycling and Dieting Behavior in Fitness Club Members. Frontiers in Endocrinology. ISSN 1664-2392. 13. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.851887. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Along with the rising prevalence of high body-mass index (BMI), there is also increased emphasis on leanness and fitness. Both these trends suggest that many individuals are concerned about weight management and may try to lose weight. Using data from the research project “Fitness clubs - a venue for public health?”, we aimed to describe weight cycling and energy-restricted dieting in men and women at start-up of fitness club membership, and to investigate influencing factors [age, BMI, educational level, self-classified overweight/obesity, compliance with nutritional guidelines, unhealthy weight control strategies and self-perceived health (SPH)]. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 250 men and women from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, reported anthropometrics, self-classified weight group, weight cycling, weight loss/gain, eating habits/dieting, and background/health information. Enrollment was limited to adult (≥18 years) novice exercisers (exercising <60 min/week at a moderate or vigorous intensity or brisk walking <150 min/week, the past six months) with less than four weeks of membership. Factors associated with weight cycling were examined using simple and multiple logistic regression, separated for men and women. Results: In both sexes (mean age: 36.4 ± 11.3, range 18-71 years), a high number reported substantial weight fluctuation (+/-5 kg) the past 12 months (men: 50% and women: 62%, mean difference 12%, 95% CI -0.3 to 23.8, p=0.056) and unhealthy weight control strategies (men: 24.8% and women: 47.2%, mean difference 22.4%, 95% CI 10.5 to 33.4, p<0.001). Weight cyclers had a higher mean BMI compared with non-cyclers (mean difference -1.5, 95% CI -2.6 to - 0.4, p= 0.003). Further, the difference in body weight was 6.7 kg (95% CI 2.2 to 10.8, p=0.004) and 10.8 kg (95% CI 5.8 to 15.8, <0.001) in men and women, respectively. Besides BMI status, self-classified overweight/obesity was the strongest predictor of reporting weight cycling (men: OR 5.54, 95% CI 2.03 to 15.12, p<0.01 and women: OR 7.17, 95% CI 2.48 to 20.68, p<0.001). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, a large proportion reported weight cycling and unhealthy weight control strategies, and both were more prevalent in women than in men. Self-classified overweight was found to be the most important factor influencing weight cycling.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Mathisen, Therese Fostervold (2021). Compulsive exercise and mental health challenges in fitness instructors; presence and interactions. Journal of Eating Disorders. ISSN 2050-2974. 9. doi: 10.1186/s40337-021-00446-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Some physically active people exercise compulsively, which can be associated with several mental health challenges. Fitness instructors are considered important role models for an active, healthy lifestyle; yet little is known about their exercise motives and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of compulsive exercise and mental health challenges, and their interaction, in fitness instructors. Methods: A total of 270 fitness instructors from Norwegian fitness clubs were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were operating as instructors within the current year and understanding Norwegian language. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire and included demographic information, hours of classes instructed and of personal physical activity, Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Symptom Check List – 10 (SCL-10), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)). Results: Females had higher CET scores than males, and 9% of all respondents had CET score above clinical cutoff. Respondents with clinical CET score had higher SCL-10, BDI and EDE-Q global- and subscale scores compared with their counterparts. Although CET was positively and significantly associated with BDI, SCL-10, and EDE-Q, only the latter explained the CET score (ß = 1.23, 99% CI = 0.87, 1.59). Conclusion: About one out of eleven instructors were above clinical CET cut-off, revealing symptoms of compulsive exercise. EDE-Q significantly contributed in a model explaining 43% of the variation of compulsive exercise.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Stensrud, Trine & Gjestvang, Christina (2021). Does Self-Perception Equal the Truth When Judging Own Body Weight and Height? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 18(16). doi: 10.3390/ijerph18168502. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: Data from the research project “Fitness clubs—a venue for public health?” provided an opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported body weight and height, and subsequent Body Mass Index (BMI), as well as the “trueness” of novice exercisers perception of weight status category, which has not been examined in this population. The aims were to examine self-reported body weight, height, and calculated BMI data from an online survey compared with measured data at fitness club start-up, investigate how accurately novice exercisers place themselves within self-classified weight group (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese), and compare this with fitness club attendance at three months follow-up. Methods: Prior to anthropometric measurements, 62 men and 63 women responded to an online questionnaire, including body weight (kilogram, kg) and height (centimeters, cm), and self-classified weight group (“I think I am … underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese”). We used the following statistical analysis: Paired sample t-tests, a Bland–Altman plot kappa statistics, chi-squared tests, and a logistic regression. Results: Mean difference of BMI calculated from self-reported and measured data was 0.06 (95% CI −0.29 to 0.17, p = 0.593) in men, and 0.16 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.09, p = 0.224) in women, with four participants being outliers of the 95% limits of agreement (Bland-Altman plot). Allowing a difference of 0.5 kg between self-reported and measured weight, we found that 16% reported their weight correctly, 31.2% underreported (−1.89 ± 1.59 kg), and 52.8% overreported (1.85 ± 1.23 kg), with no sex differences (p = 0.870). Further, our results suggest that both sexes may have difficulty recognizing overweight/obesity in themselves, and particularly men are likely to underreport their perceived weight group compared with women. More than half (53.3%) of the overweight men perceived themselves to be normal weight (women: 14%), and only 33.3% of obese men and women correctly classified themselves as being obese. We did not find any difference between participants correctly or incorrectly classifying weight group and fitness club attendance (≥2 times a week) at three months follow-up. Conclusion: Both sexes reported body weight and height reasonably accurately, and BMI based on self-report appears to be valid measure. Still, a large proportion of novice exercisers do not recognise their own overweight or obesity status, which may in part explain why public health campaigns do not reach risk populations.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2021). What Makes Individuals Stick to Their Exercise Regime? A One-Year Follow-Up Study Among Novice Exercisers in a Fitness Club Setting. Frontiers in Psychology. ISSN 1664-1078. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638928. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: A fitness club may be an important arena to promote regular exercise. However, authors have reported low attendance rates (10 to 37%) the first months after individuals sign up for membership. It is therefore important to understand the reasons for poor exercise adherence. In this project, we aimed to investigate different psychosocial factors that might increase the likelihood of reporting regular exercise the first year of a fitness club membership, including self-efficacy, motives, social support, life satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. Methods: New members (≤4 weeks membership, n = 250) classified as novice exercisers (exercise < 60 min/week the last 6 months) from 25 multipurpose gyms were followed for 1 year. Data were collected by an electronic survey including background and health factors, self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, motives, customer satisfaction, and exercise attendance, and was answered at start-up and after three (n = 224), six (n = 213), and 12 (n = 187) months. It is well established in the literature that ≥2 exercise sessions/week improve physical fitness in novice exercisers (if adhered to). Hence, we divided the participants into regular exercise attendance (≥2 sessions/week) and non-regular exercise attendance (≤1 session/week, exercise dropout, or membership dropout) in the analysis. Results: A mixed-effects logistic regression model revealed that the strongest predictor for reporting regular exercise attendance was higher levels of the motive “enjoyment” (OR = 1.84, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.35, 2.50), followed by self-efficacy “sticking to it” (OR = 1.73, p = 0.002, 95% CI for OR = 1.22, 2.46) and social support from friends and family (OR = 1.16, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.09, 1.23). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, regular exercise at three, six, and 12 months was associated with higher scores of the motive “enjoyment,” self-efficacy (“sticking to it”), and social support compared with non-regular exercise. Our results show that the majority of new fitness club members do not achieve regular exercise behavior.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine; Paulsen, Gøran & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2021). Stay true to your workout: Does repeated physical testing boost exercise attendance? A one-year follow-up study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine. ISSN 1303-2968. 20(1), p. 35–44. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2021.35. Full text in Research Archive
• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Jakobsen, Charlotte; Solberg, Runar Barstad; Sundgot-Borgen, Christine & Gjestvang, Christina (2021). Mirror, mirror - Does the fitness club industry have a body image problem? Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 53. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101880. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The primary aim of the present study was to report longitudinal data on body image across the first year of gym engagement. Second, we aimed to compare body image among those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 sessions/week) with those who did not (≤1exercise session/week or no exercise/dropout), as well as between genders and Body Mass Index groups (BMI<25 and BMI≥25) at membership start-up. Novice exercisers (n = 250) from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo (Norway) responded to an online questionnaire at start-up, three, six and 12-months follow-up, with a high response rate (100%, 89.6%, 85.2% and 74.8%). The questionnaire covered background/health information and exercise involvement. A modified Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS), comprising five subscales (appearance satisfaction, appearance investment, weight-related attitude, self-classified weight and Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), was used to gather repeated measures of body image. Data were analysed separately for each subscale and as a body image total score, using a linear mixed model adjusted for baseline, gender and BMI. We found differences in body image total score reported at six months when compared with onset (0.04, 95% CI 0.005–0.078, p = 0.024), whereas the subscale appearance satisfaction was different at three (0.08, 95% CI 0.015–0.164, p = 0.018), six (0.11, 95% CI 0.039–0.197, p = 0.003) and twelve (0.10, 95% CI 0.021–0.179, p = 0.013) months when compared with onset. Also the subscale BASS was different at three (0.17, 95% CI 0.009–0.255, p < 0.001), six (0.21, 95% CI 0.127–0.301, p < 0.001) and twelve (0.26, 95% CI 0.143–0.388, p < 0.001). Participants adhering to regular exercise (≥2 times weekly) had better outcomes on total body image than those who exercised less frequently or irregularly (three: 2.94 vs. 2.83, p = 0.027 and 12-months: 2.97 vs. 2.85, p = 0.028). At membership start-up, being male (p < 0.001) and having a BMI<25 (p = 0.003), were the strongest factors associated with reporting a higher score on total body image. In conclusion, we found improved body area and appearance satisfaction in novice exercisers across the first year of fitness club membership.

• Heiestad, Hege; Gjestvang, Christina & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2020). Investigating self-perceived health and quality of life: a longitudinal prospective study among beginner recreational exercisers in a fitness club setting. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 10(6). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036250. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives: This study investigated self-perception of overall health (SPH) and quality of life (QoL) at onset and after 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership. Also, we compared SPH and QoL between those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 exercise sessions/week the last month) with those who did not (one exercise session/week or no exercise the last month). Design: Longitudinal prospective study. Setting: 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway. Participants: In total, 250 newly registered fitness club members (equal numbers of men and women, mean age=36.4±11.3 years, mean body mass index=25.7±4.4) were recruited. At onset (n=250), after 3 (n=224), 6 (n=213) and 12 months (n=187), the participants answered an electronic questionnaire, covering background variables, exercise involvement, perceived SPH and QoL. Outcome measures: SPH was measured by a single-item question, rating health status from poor to excellent on a 5-point scale. High SPH was dichotomised as excellent or good, and low SPH as moderate, fair or poor. QoL was measured on a 7-item scale, rating five statements and dichotomised according to a total max sum score of 35, with low QoL ≤25 and high QoL >25. Results: Repeated measurements did not show any changes in SPH. In QoL, we observed an improvement in QoL sum score and a significant increase in mean scores for two out of five statements at 12 months follow-up: ‘In most ways, my life is close to my ideal’ (p=0.036) and ‘If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing’ (p<0.001). Regular use of the fitness club was associated with high SPH (OR 3.532 (95% CI 1.60–7.82), p=0.002) and high QoL (OR 1.914 (95% CI 0.95–3.86), p=0.069). The results were unchanged after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Regular attendance at a fitness club was associated with high SPH and high QoL at 12 months follow-up.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2020). Motives and barriers to initiation and sustained exercise adherence in a fitness club setting—A one-year follow-up study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(9), p. 1796–1805. doi: 10.1111/sms.13736. Show summary

  No prospective studies have investigated motives and barriers to exercise in new untrained fitness club members. The aims of the present prospective longitudinal study were to 1) examine proportions reporting regular exercise, non‐regular exercise and exercise dropout, 2) identify motives and barriers to exercise, and 3) compare motives between regular and non‐regular exercisers the first year of fitness club membership. New members (n = 250) were followed for one year. A questionnaire including demographics, exercise frequency, motives (EMI‐2) and barriers (18 common reported barriers) was used, and 184 answered at four time‐points (onset, and after three, six and 12 months). Participants were categorized into: regular exercise: ≥two sessions/week or non‐regular exercise: ≤one session/week, exercise relapse or dropout. At three, six and 12 months, 63.4%, 59.6% and 57.2% exercised regularly, whereas 20.1%, 21.1% and 28.3%, dropped out, respectively. Throughout the follow‐up, 37% reported regular exercise. At all time‐points, motives regarding positive health and strength/endurance were rated highest on a six‐point scale. Exercise dropouts rated priority as the greatest barrier. Regular exercisers rated the motives enjoyment (such as “I enjoy the feeling of exerting myself” ) and challenge (such as “To give me goals to work towards” ) higher than non‐regular exercisers (p = ≤0.05). In conclusion, less than half exercised regularly, and most members were motivated by factors such as positive health and physical fitness the first year of fitness club membership. Higher levels of the motives enjoyment and challenge were associated with regular exercise.

• Rustaden, Anne Mette; Gjestvang, Christina; Bø, Kari; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Paulsen, Gøran (2020). Similar Energy Expenditure During BodyPump and Heavy Load Resistance Exercise in Overweight Women. Frontiers in Physiology. ISSN 1664-042X. 11. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00570. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Purpose: High-repetition, low-load resistance exercise in group class settings has gained popularity in recent years, with BodyPump as a prime example. For individuals using exercise for body-weight management, the energy expenditure during exercise is of interest. Therefore, we herein aimed to estimate the energy expenditure during a session of BodyPump and a time-matched session of heavy load resistance training in overweight women (BMI ≥ 25.0). Methods: Eighteen women participated in the study (mean age 35.4 years ± 10.2, BMI 30.4 kg/m2 ± 4.8), 10 exercising BodyPump (50–100 repetitions each muscle group) and eight performed a heavy load session (eight repetition maximum × three sets). The energy expenditure was assessed with indirect calorimetry during the sessions and for two intervals at rest during the recovery phase: 0–20 and 120–140 min after the sessions. Results: The BodyPump group lifted significantly more loads than the heavy load group (19,485 kg ± 2258 vs 15,616 kg ± 2976, p = 0.006), while energy expenditure was similar with 302 kcal ± 67 and 289 kcal ± 69 in BodyPump and heavy load group, respectively (p = 0.69). With no group differences, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) was elevated with 15–22% 2 h after exercise. Conclusion: Overweight women achieved an energy expenditure of approximately 300 kcal (4.7 kcal per min) during a single session of BodyPump, which was similar with the women performing a single session of heavy load resistance exercise.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Gjestvang, Christina; Lamerton, Tayla & Bø, Kari (2020). Urinary incontinence in a fitness club setting?is it a workout problem? International Urogynecology Journal. ISSN 0937-3462. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04253-0. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Introduction: The aims of the present study were to report longitudinal data on the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in a fitness club setting and to investigate whether gym members are educated about and exercise their pelvic floor muscles. Methods: New members (125 women) from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway, filled in a 25-min online questionnaire (SurveyXact) at four time points (onset, 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership). The questionnaire covered background/health information, membership dropout and exercise habits, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). A modified Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC Inventory) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) were used to gather repeated measures of UI. Results: At onset, 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership, 16.8%, 13.8%, 19.6% and 18.7% reported UI, respectively (p = 0.11). Of these, 57.1% to 76.2% reported leakage during exercise and perceived the UI to be slight. Less than 8% had received information about PFMT by the fitness club staff. Adherence to regular exercise and PFMT throughout the follow-up period (minimum two sessions/week) did not show any association with absent or present UI at 12 months (p = 0.48 and p = 0.63) and was reported by 30% and 22.2% of the participants, respectively. Conclusions: About 17% reported UI at onset of fitness club membership, with no changes in proportions throughout the first year. Adherence to regular exercise and PFMT did not show any association with absent or present UI at 12 months. Few had been taught PFMT.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2019). Are fitness club members likely to meet the current physical activity recommendations? Translational Sports Medicine (TSM). ISSN 2573-8488. 3(2), p. 75–83. doi: 10.1002/tsm2.120.
• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2019). Are changes in physical fitness, body composition and weight associated with exercise attendance and dropout among fitness club members? Longitudinal prospective study. BMJ Open. ISSN 2044-6055. 9(4). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027987. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Objectives The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if changes in physical fitness, body composition and weight are associated with exercise attendance and dropout among fitness club members. Secondary, we wanted to identify motives for fitness club membership and exercise. Setting New members at 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway. Participants In total, 125 new fitness club members were recruited. Eligible criteria were <4 weeks of membership, untrained (exercising <60min once a week) and ≥18 years. At inclusion, and after 3 (n=87) and 12 months (n=64), participants answered a questionnaire (including motives for membership and exercise, and attendance) and performed measurements of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), one repetition maximum (bench press and leg press), body composition and weight. In total, 56 participants underwent measurements at all time points. Based on self-reported attendance, participants were divided into three groups: regular attendance (≥2 sessions per week), low attendance (<2 sessions per week) and exercise dropout (no sessions the last month). Results At 3months, regular attendees had significantly higher VO2max than dropout (6.54mL/min/kg, 95%CI 2.00 to 11.07, p=0.003). At 12 months, a difference in VO2max of 5.32mL/min/kg (95%CI −0.08 to 10.72, p=0.054) was found between regular attendees and dropout, and between regular and low exercise attendance (6.17mL/ min/kg, 95%CI 0.19 to 12.15, p=0.042). VO2max was the only factor showing an association with attendance. No differences or associations were observed in maximal muscle strength or body composition between the three groups. Primary motive for fitness club membership and exercise was increase in physical fitness (92.8%). Conclusions VO2max was the only factor associated with exercise attendance at two time points. Increased physical fitness was primary motive for fitness club membership and exercise.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2017). How is rating of perceived capacity related to VO2max and what is VO2max at onset of training? BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. ISSN 2055-7647. 3(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000232. Show summary

  Objective: To evaluate how rating of perceived capacity (RPC) is related to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and examine VO2max at onset of training in healthy adults. Methods: In total, 125 newly registered fitness centre members, equally men and women, answered the RPC scale and performed a treadmill test for measurement of VO2max. Eligible criteria were <4 weeks of fitness centre membership, physically inactive, ≥18 years and not pregnant. The RPC is a one-page scale (1–20) based on metabolic equivalent tasks, where the individual chooses the most strenuous activity that can be sustained for at least 30 min. Results: The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a tendency of overestimation, meaning that the participants ranked their own aerobic capacity 17.5% higher than objectively measured values of VO2max. The mean difference between the two methods were +4.92±1.96 and +6.35±1.96 mL/min/kg VO2 in men and women, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was moderate, with r=0.426 (p<0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that both age and VO2max were significant predictors of RPC (p<0.01). Measured VO2max at onset of fitness centre membership was in men aged 38.7±11.7 and women aged 34.7±9.9, 40.5±7.2 and 35.0±6.0 mL/min/kg, respectively. Estimated VO2max from the RPC scale was 45.7±9.8 and 41.4±10.1 mL/min/kg in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: The RPC seems less accurate at the individual level and may overestimate VO2max. Still, it may be considered useful in large-scale studies.

• Rustaden, Anne Mette; Gjestvang, Christina; Bø, Kari; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Paulsen, Gøran (2017). BodyPump versus traditional heavy load resistance training on changes in resting metabolic rate in overweight untrained women. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. ISSN 0022-4707. 58(9), p. 1304–1311. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07613-7. Show summary

  BACKGROUND: Moderate to heavy load resistance training (RT) is advocated for overweight and obese individuals. One of the beneficial effects of RT is increased resting metabolic rate (RMR), which typically makes up the majority of the total daily energy expenditure. It is, however, unclear if low to moderate load RT affects RMR. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the effects of twelve weeks of BodyPump, on RMR in previous untrained women with BMI ≥25.0, and to compare the results with individual heavy load RT. METHODS: Eighteen overweight women participated in the study (mean age 35.4 years ±10.2, BMI 30.4 kg/m2 ±4.8), ten allocated to BodyPump (high-repetition, low to moderate load RT) and eight to heavy load RT (linear periodization with 3-6, 8-10 and 13-15 repetitions, 2-4 series) Both groups exercised 3 times/week for 12 weeks. RMR was assessed with indirect calorimetry at baseline, midway (after six weeks) and at post-test. RESULTS: Adherence to exercise were 62% and 93% in the BodyPump and heavy load RT group, respectively (p=0.003). RMR in the BodyPump increased with 8.5% (±10.8) from baseline to post-test (p=0.041). The heavy load RT group increased 10.5% (±10.4) from baseline to post-test (p=0.025). There was no significant group difference in RMR from baseline to post-test (p=0.593). CONCLUSIONS: BodyPump and heavy load RT resulted in a similar increase in RMR after 12 weeks of training. Assuming that elevation of RMR is important for combating overweight and obesity, BodyPump appears to have the same potential as heavy load RT.

View all works in Cristin

• Gjestvang, Christina (2024). Lettkledde folk på treningssenteret svekker bransjens omdømme. Aftenposten.
• Tennfjord, Merete Kolberg & Gjestvang, Christina (2024). Hvordan oppmuntre til regelmessig fysisk aktivitet i en hverdag preget av smerter for kvinner med endometriose? . Fysioterapeuten. ISSN 0016-3384.
• Gjestvang, Christina; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Sundgot-Borgen, Christine (2023). Kunnskapen kan være avgjørende. www.tv2.no.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2023). Hvordan komme i gang med trening, og hvordan klare å fortsette? [Radio]. Friskliv med Guro og Petter! Podkast.
• Gjestvang, Christina; Krosshaug, Tron & Haakstad, Lene (2023). Hvorfor vil staten gjøre det dyrere å trene? Aftenposten (morgenutg. : trykt utg.). ISSN 0804-3116.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Treningssentrene: Hvordan klare å trene jevnlig?
• Gjestvang, Christina & Eriksson, Mee Eline (2022). Trivselsregler og kleskoder bidrar til et mer inkluderende treningssenter. Treningsindustrien.no.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Løft på rumpa og ta i bruk verdens beste medisin! NIH-bloggen.
• Gjestvang, Christina & Hjellset, Victoria Telle (2021). Podcast Episode 45: Mestring kan gi bedre helse. [Radio]. NIH-podden.
• Gjestvang, Christina & Mathisen, Therese Fostervold (2021). Vegetarmat: Like bra til trening? [Radio]. Norges Idrettshøgskole.
• Gjestvang, Christina; Klevidal, Morten Skogheim & Bentzen, Marte (2021). Paratreneren (Podcast). [Internet]. nih.no.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2020). Christina Gjestvang (Doktorgradsstipendiat ved NIH) . [Radio]. Sporty Business podcast.
• Gjestvang, Christina; Dahl, Anne-Marit & Amalie, Nord Hagen (2020). Her er ekspertenes app-anbefalinger for styrketrening. [Internet]. Aftenposten.
• Mathisen, Therese Fostervold & Gjestvang, Christina (2020). Hva er helseeffekten av et plantebasert kosthold, og hvordan påvirker dette yteevnen hos idrettsutøvere? [Radio]. NIH podden.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slik holder du på treningsvanene. [Internet]. Nettavisen.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Kvifor er det aldersgrense på treningssenter? [Internet]. Bergens Tidende Junior.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slutter du like fort som du starter? Slik får du treningsvanene til å vare. [Newspaper]. Aftenposten.
• Linn Merete, Rognø & Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slik får du raskt bedre kondis. [Internet]. www.vi.no.
• Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Trebarnsfar Thomas (31) trener over seks timer i uken. Her er tre treningsprogram til deg med en hektisk hverdag. [Newspaper]. Aftenposten.
• Gjestvang, Christina & Lene Anette, Hagen Haakstad (2018). Kom i gang – all bevegelse teller.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Slik kan du planlegge treningsuken. [Internet]. VG Vektklubb.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Ny på trening: Slik kommer du i gang - og klarer å fortsette. [Internet]. www.abcnyheter.no.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Tips for people who want to start training — and stick with it. [Internet]. www.sciencenorway.no.
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Utrente overvurderer egen fysisk form. [Internet]. Finansavisen.
• Anette, Torjusen & Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Du trenger ikke trene så mye som du tror. [Internet]. www.nrk.no.

View all works in Cristin