Women’s resistance training and body-related self-conscious emotions: an integrated theoretical perspective

Physical activity is a promising strategy for improving women's body image. Engaging in resistance training (RT) may lead to unique body-related outcomes when compared to other forms of physical activity (e.g., aerobic activity) yet is less studied in women’s body image research. In an integrative model, the purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between women's RT, positive body image (functionality appreciation and body appreciation), physical self-perceptions (perceived strength and confidence in physical abilities), and body-related self-conscious emotions (appearance- and fitness-related shame, guilt, envy, embarrassment, authentic and hubristic pride). A sample of 400 women (Mage = 25.6 ± 5.3 years) completed an online survey. We used path analysis to test the direct effects of RT minutes/week on body-related self-conscious emotions, controlling for other forms of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and the indirect effects through positive body image and physical self-perceptions. In the models, RT had no direct effects on appearance-related emotions but was associated with lower fitness-related guilt and higher fitness-related pride. Indirectly, higher RT engagement was linked to lower appearance- and fitness-related shame, guilt, envy, and embarrassment, and higher pride through positive body image and physical self-perceptions. Together, the variables accounted for 23-58% of the variance in body-related self-conscious emotions. These findings underscore the need for further longitudinal and intervention studies to explore whether RT may serve as a viable pathway to improving women's positive body image, physical self-perceptions, and body-related self-conscious emotions.