Sociological analysis of the determinants of physical activity among university students in the context of integrating fitness practices into the physical education environment of higher education institutions

the article analyzes preferences in fitness directions and investigates the level of physical activity among university students to assess the potential for increasing interest in regular physical education. Based on a survey of 468 students from the Platov South-Russian State Polytechnic University (NPI), key motivational factors, levels of physical activity, barriers, and preferences regarding forms and types of physical activity were examined. The results indicate that 48.9% of respondents engage in sports outside of academic classes. Among all surveyed, 23.9% dedicate 1-2 hours per week to physical education. It was found that the primary motivations are improving health (89.3%) and maintaining physical fitness (57.3%), while the main barriers are low personal motivation (35%) and lack of free time (31.2%). The most preferred format for organizing classes was sectional groups (50%), with strength training (58.8%) and functional training (33.1%) being the most popular directions. The study substantiates the need to introduce diverse fitness programs tailored to the identified preferences to enhance students' physical activity.

physical activity, fitness programs, university students, motivation, physical education, healthy lifestyle, preferences, barriers, fitness directions