Start Date
April 2025
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
Purpose: On October 28, 2024, Xavier University implemented a policy change granting free access to the campus recreation center (the HUB) for all university employees, eliminating the previous $120 annual membership fee. This study aimed to examine the impact of this policy on the exercise habits of Xavier employees. Methods: An anonymous online Qualtrics survey was distributed to individuals who had accessed the HUB based on swipe data since August 18, 2024. The survey collected information on physical activity habits, exercise frequency, barriers, and facilitators. Results: A total of 722 participants responded, including faculty (n=30), staff (n=45), administration (n=3), and students (n=644). Prior to the policy change, 77% of Xavier employees reported having access to another fitness facility. Following the implementation of free memberships, employee exercise frequency increased by an average of 1.01 days/week (Faculty 1.5 to 2.5, Staff 1.2 to 2.2, and Administration 1.0 to 2.3 days/week). The average duration of employee recreation center visits was 53.1 minutes. The proportion of employees meeting national physical activity guidelines (>150 min/week) rose by 10.3% (Faculty 30% to 43.3%, Staff 20% to 26.7%, and Administration 0% to 33.3%). Qualitative responses indicated that the policy change positively influenced employee decisions to be physically active on campus, with participants frequently citing cost savings, convenience, and greater opportunity for exercise as key motivators. Conclusion: These findings suggest that removing financial barriers to fitness facility access can significantly improve physical activity behaviors among university employees.
Impact of Free Recreation Center Memberships on Xavier University Employee Physical Activity
3rd floor - Library
Purpose: On October 28, 2024, Xavier University implemented a policy change granting free access to the campus recreation center (the HUB) for all university employees, eliminating the previous $120 annual membership fee. This study aimed to examine the impact of this policy on the exercise habits of Xavier employees. Methods: An anonymous online Qualtrics survey was distributed to individuals who had accessed the HUB based on swipe data since August 18, 2024. The survey collected information on physical activity habits, exercise frequency, barriers, and facilitators. Results: A total of 722 participants responded, including faculty (n=30), staff (n=45), administration (n=3), and students (n=644). Prior to the policy change, 77% of Xavier employees reported having access to another fitness facility. Following the implementation of free memberships, employee exercise frequency increased by an average of 1.01 days/week (Faculty 1.5 to 2.5, Staff 1.2 to 2.2, and Administration 1.0 to 2.3 days/week). The average duration of employee recreation center visits was 53.1 minutes. The proportion of employees meeting national physical activity guidelines (>150 min/week) rose by 10.3% (Faculty 30% to 43.3%, Staff 20% to 26.7%, and Administration 0% to 33.3%). Qualitative responses indicated that the policy change positively influenced employee decisions to be physically active on campus, with participants frequently citing cost savings, convenience, and greater opportunity for exercise as key motivators. Conclusion: These findings suggest that removing financial barriers to fitness facility access can significantly improve physical activity behaviors among university employees.
