Comparative Impact of Home Exercise Equipment on Physical Activity and Well-being among the Saudi Population

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity has emerged as a significant global health concern. It is a known risk factor for several non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Global health guidelines recommend reducing sedentary time and incorporating various intensities of physical activity into daily routines. Home exercise equipment has been identified as a potential solution for reducing sedentary behaviors.
Methods:This study examined the effect of home exercise equipment on physical activity levels among the Saudi adult population and identified barriers to physical activity and potential solutions.A cross-sectional design was employed. Data were collected during a one-month period using a validated questionnaire distributed online throughout the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The estimated sample size was 910 participants at 80% power and a 99.9% confidence interval. The questionnaire asked about sociodemographic data, level of physical activity, ownership of home exercise equipment, and frequency of home exercise.
Results: Women accounted for two-thirds (64.8%) of participants, and the majority (92.8%) of participants were Saudi. Furthermore, 24.3% of participants indicated regular exercise at home, mostly cardio (69.5%) and strengthening (35.2%). Almost half (47.9%) of participants reported that they owned home exercise equipment, mostly treadmills (80.4%). Ownership of home exercise equipment was significantly higher among women (52.4%) than men (39.6%) and among those who had housemaids (53.7%).
Conclusions: A higher frequency of home-based exercise was influenced by a mixture of personal convictions, demographic characteristics, and tangible health outcomes. This changing fitness landscape suggests a need for more tailored interventions that consider culture-, gender-, and age-specific peculiarities.