ABSTRACT
Introduction:
Gyms are places for the practice of oriented physical activity. Despite that, many professionals working therein have no college education.
Objective:
To verify the level of knowledge about physical activity and health and associated factors of fitness center instructors in the city of Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
Methods:
We carried out a census study with 497 professionals who ministered classes at fitness centers in the city. Data was collected by questionnaire and took place from November 2011 to May 2012. The level of knowledge was analyzed using a score generated as from indicators elaborated for the study.
Results:
The majority of the individuals in the sample were male, mean age 29.7 ± 8.5 years old, single, White, and had college degree. The mean of right answers related to knowledge about physical activity and health was 10.6 ± 3.4 points out of a total of 20. Being male, young and White were associated with higher knowledge scores. Moreover, individuals with higher income and schooling obtained, in average, 2.1 and 3.8 points, respectively, more in the knowledge score when compared to those with lower income and schooling.
Conclusion:
The level of knowledge about physical activity and health showed to be low among gym's professionals and particularly among those without college degree in physical education. It is clear the need for strategies to improve the knowledge of this group of professionals.
Keywords:
teachers; physical education and training; motor activity; censuses
