Exploring motivation with male bodybuilders' participation in local competitions

• Main Author: Lu, Jianrong
• Other Authors: Tan Kwang San, Steven
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2019
• Subjects: DRNTU::Science::General
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/76832
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Resistance training is widely known to bring about a multitude of physiological health and mental health benefits which are common reasons for individuals to take up the activity. However, motivations for resistance training does not necessarily equates to motivations for competitive bodybuilding and few research has looked into the prospective rewards to be gained. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the motivations for competitive bodybuilding and its prospective rewards through the winning or participation of the competition. Nine male bodybuilders who have previously participated in bodybuilding competitions were interviewed with semi-structured, open-ended questions to identify respective motivations and rewards. Bodybuilders are referred to as individuals who have participated in at least one bodybuilding competition. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic analysis. Data that were analysed inductively had uncovered six higher order motivation themes: self-enhancement, passion for bodybuilding, presence of motivating figure, desire to win, experiencing the stage and seeking recognition. The three higher order reward themes were: intrinsic rewards, knowledge about the sport and tangible rewards. Participation in bodybuilding competitions appear to satisfy bodybuilders’ desires based on their initial motivations, with the intangible rewards outweighing tangible ones. The findings of this study can help inform aspiring bodybuilders with their decision to compete, relevant organizers or sporting bodies to review their contest advertisement to attract more contestants by highlighting the rewards found in this study.