Christina Gjestvang

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Bø, Kari; Kalhovde, John Magne; Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Clemm, Hege Synnøve Havstad & Gjestvang, Christina (2026). Varying In-Person Coaching: Effects on Weight and Urinary Incontinence in Women with Obesity in a 20-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. International Urogynecology Journal. ISSN 0937-3462. doi: 10.1007/s00192-026-06862-7. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Hansson, Siri Elicabeth; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Haakstad, Geir; Gjestvang, Christina; Jørgensen, Rannei Johanne Grimsmo & Brown, Wendy J. [Vis alle 7 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2026). Mind in motion: patients’ experiences with group-based physical activity in psychiatric treatment- a mixed-methods study. BMC Psychiatry. 26(1). doi: 10.1186/s12888-026-08117-7. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Individuals with severe mental illness face significant health challenges, such as cardiovascular diseases and social isolation. Physical activity is increasingly recognized as an integral part of psychiatric treatment, with evidence showing it can prevent and manage somatic diseases, enhance mental health, reduce premature mortality, and support social inclusion. In Oslo, Norway, group-based physical activity is offered as part of routine care at Diakonhjemmet Hospital. Participants attended one to four sessions per week, including endurance- and strengthbased activities such as hiking, swimming, and strength training. In this study, we aimed to explore how adults with severe mental illness experienced this group-based physical activity program during psychiatric treatment. Methods: Participants were receiving psychiatric treatment for severe mental illness, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders and bipolar disorder. This qualitative-driven mixed-methods study combined eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews with questionnaire data from 33 adults, including the interview participants. Three main areas were explored: (1) holistic health benefits (2), addressing barriers, and (3) transition and continuity. Data analyses were organised around the three predefined study areas, using reflexive thematic analysis of the interview data and descriptive statistics from the questionnaire. Quantitative results were integrated at the thematic level to enrich interpretation and understanding. Results: Within each study area, two-three themes were constructed. Combined findings from both methods showed that participants experienced broad health improvements, including fostering well-being, social connectedness, and structured daily routines. Perceived barriers were related to medication side effects, fatigue, and fluctuating motivation. Support from knowledgeable and enthusiastic activity leaders was essential in helping participants overcome barriers and stay active. While most participants intended to remain active after treatment, limited follow-up support and access to similar community programs hindered the prospect of continued engagement. Conclusions: Participants perceived that tailored and well-led physical activity during treatment contributed to improvements in health and social connectedness. However, long-term maintenance was perceived to be hindered by limited access to follow-up programs, highlighting the need for better post-treatment support. These findings underscore the importance of expanding access to physical activity programs within real-world psychiatric care, to ensure that individuals with severe mental illness have genuine opportunities to establish physical activity as a routine part of daily life.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Kalhovde, John Magne; Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Clemm, Hege Synnøve Havstad & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2025). Impact of In-Person and Mobile Exercise Coaching on Psychosocial Factors Affecting Exercise Adherence in Inactive Women With Obesity: 20-Week Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR). ISSN 1439-4456. 27. doi: 10.2196/68462. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Regular exercise may counteract obesity-related health risks, but adherence is low among individuals with obesity. Personal trainers may positively influence exercise behavior by providing motivational support. Individuals who receive regular exercise coaching are more likely to adhere to their exercise routine, compared with those who exercise individually. However, investing in personalized exercise guidance, such as a personal trainer, can be expensive for the individual. Thus, integrating web-based coaching could be a more economically sustainable option, offering both flexibility and reduced costs compared with in-person coaching only. Yet, research is needed to assess the effect of hybrid models in improving psychosocial factors among women with obesity. Objective: This 20-week, pragmatic randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the effect of weekly in-person coaching compared with 2 combinations of in-person and web-based coaching on 5 psychosocial factors in women with obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). Methods: Participants were invited through Facebook and Instagram advertisements posted by various fitness clubs across rural and urban locations in Norway (7 different counties and 12 different municipalities). Women with low activity (n=188; <150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity/week; 42.7, SD 10.5 years; mean BMI of 35.1, SD 6.9 kg/m2) were allocated into 3 groups of in-person coaching—weekly (n=47), twice weekly (n=47), and once monthly (n=47)—and as controls (n=47). Those with twice weekly and once monthly in-person coaching received web-based coaching of 15 minutes during weeks without in-person coaching. Data included background variables, motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2), barriers, self-efficacy (The Self-Efficacy Survey), social support (Social Support Questionnaire), and health-related quality of life (36-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]). Results: A total of 120 (64%) out of 188 participants completed baseline and postintervention assessments. A minor difference was observed in one item of the SF-36, where all intervention groups reported a greater “change in health last year” than the control group (mean difference: 14.2-17.1, 95% CI 2.04-29.5; g=0.79-1.14; P≤.01). No other effects were found on the selected psychosocial factors. It should be noted that controls reported higher intrinsic motivational regulation at baseline than intervention groups (mean difference: 0.43-0.93; P≤.05). All intervention arms exercised more frequently than controls (mean difference: 1.1-1.5; P≤.001), with no differences in weekly exercise frequency between the 3 intervention arms (P=.30). Conclusions: We found no effects on motivation, barriers, self-efficacy, perceived social support, or other health domains compared with controls. All intervention groups reported a slight improvement in self-perceived health in 1 of the 8 subscales of the SF-36. Combined in-person and web-based coaching may give a minor improvement in self-perceived health in women with obesity. However, the lack of impact on motivation, barriers, and self-efficacy warrants further research. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05792657; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05792657 J Med Internet Res 2025;27:e68462

• Gjestvang, Christina & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2024). Navigating Pregnancy: Information Sources and Lifestyle Behavior Choices-A Narrative Review. Journal of Pregnancy. ISSN 2090-2727. 2024. doi: 10.1155/2024/4040825. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Accessible health information during pregnancy is important to positively affect maternal and fetal health. However, the quality and accuracy of health information can greatly vary across numerous sources. This narrative review is aimed at summarizing the literature on pregnant individuals’ information sources and how these sources influence their habits toward GWG, PA, and nutrition. Such data will highlight preferences and needs, reveal challenges, and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: We searched PubMed for studies published in the last decade. Out of 299 studies initially identified, 20 (16 quantitative and four qualitative) met the eligibility criteria (investigating information sources and their influence on health habits toward GWG, PA, nutrition, pregnant participants, adequate data reporting, and being available in full text). Results: Primary sources of health information varied. The Internet (26%–97%) and healthcare providers (HCPs) (14%–74%) predominated, followed by family/friends (12%71%), books/magazines (49%–65%), and guidelines/brochures (25%–53%). Despite the widespread use of the Internet, HCPs were considered the most reliable source. The use of the Internet to retrieve health information was reported to be 2–4 h a week, and ＜ 50% discussed the online information with their HCP. The Internet was also used as a supplementary resource on topics raised by HCPs. Regarding the influence on health habits, the Internet, HCPs, media, and family positively influenced GWG and promoted adherence to recommended guidelines (OR = 0.55–15.5). Only one study showed a positive association between Internet use and PA level. The Internet, media, HCPs, and information brochures were associated with better adherence to nutritional recommendations. Conclusions: Pregnant individuals relied on the Internet and HCP, with a preference for the Internet despite trust in midwives. Several sources of health information were positively associated with adherence to GWG and nutrition recommendations. Improving the quality of online information should be a priority for policymakers and health authorities.

• Brevik-Persson, Sofia; Gjestvang, Christina; Dalhaug, Emilie Frederikke Mass; Sanda, Birgitte; Melau, Jørgen & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2024). Cool mama: Temperature regulation during high-intensity interval running in pregnant elite and recreational athletes. Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness. ISSN 1728-869X. 22(4), s. 429–437. doi: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.09.003. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background/Objective: Regular exercise during pregnancy is beneficial, but athletes often exceed the recommended 150 min of moderate-intensity activity, incorporate high-intensity exercises. The upper limit for exercise intensity and duration on fetal and maternal safety remains uncertain. A concern is a maternal core body temperature of >39.0 °C, potentially increase the risk of heat-related fetal malformations and complications during pregnancy. Blood flow redirection for thermoregulation could compromise fetal cardiovascular function, increasing the risk of miscarriage and preterm labor. This study evaluated whether pregnant women (gestational weeks 25–35) were at risk of exceeding a core body temperature of 39.0 °C during high-intensity running. We also investigated effects on skin temperature, fluid loss, and thermal sensation, comparing pregnant athletes to non-pregnant controls. Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, 30 elite and recreational athletes (pregnant n = 15) completed up to five high-intensity treadmill-intervals. Core and skin temperature were continuously measured. Body weight was utilized to calculate the amount of fluid loss. Results: Highest core body temperature were 38.76 °C and 39.56 °C in one pregnant and non-pregnant participant, respectively. Pregnant participants had lower core body temperatures (mean difference −0.47 °C, p ≤ 0.001) initially and a smaller increase (0.10 °C, p ≤ 0.003) during later intervals compared with the non-pregnant controls. Pregnant participants also showed a greater increase in skin temperature (4.08 ± 0.72 °C vs. 3.25 ± 0.86 °C, p = 0.008) and fluid loss (0.81 ± 0.19 L vs. 0.50 ± 0.12 L, p˂0.001). Conclusion: Physiological changes in pregnancy may enhance thermoregulation, indicating that high-intensity interval runs are unlikely to pose a risk of exceeding a core body temperature of 39 °C for pregnant athletes.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2024). The Risk of Disordered Eating in Fitness Club Members—A Cross-Sectional Study. Sports. 12(12). doi: 10.3390/sports12120343. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Fitness clubs may be environments where abnormal eating behaviors and excessive exercise are socially accepted, potentially putting individuals at risk for disordered eating (DE). This study examined the DE risk prevalence among gym members, comparing body appreciation, exercise motivation, frequency, BMI, and age across DE risk levels, and assessed the associated factors. A sample of 232 gym members (age: 39.6 ± 13.7) completed an online survey measuring DE risk (Eating Disorder Screen for Primary Care (ESP)), body appreciation (Body Appreciation Scale version 2), and exercise motivation (Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-2). One out of five (19.4%) were at risk of DE, while 15.5% and 11.6% reported having secretive eating behaviors and a history of eating disorders, respectively. Body weight impacted self-perception for 62.5% of the respondents. Those at DE risk had a higher mean BMI (26.23 ± 4.36 vs. 24.68 ± 3.61, p = 0.032) with a higher proportion of those with a BMI of 25–29.9 (46.67% vs. 29.41%, p = 0.027) compared to non-at-risk individuals. DE risk was associated with lower body appreciation (3.00 ± 3.60 versus 4.00 ± 3.70, p = ≤0.001), with body appreciation being the only factor associated with DE risk (OR = 0.24, 95% CI = 0.15, 0.39, p = ≤0.001).

• Gjestvang, Christina; Olsen, Malin Landro; Dalhaug, Emilie Frederikke Mass & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2024). Rating of perceived exertion as a tool for managing exercise intensity during pregnancy: a scoping review. BMJ Open. 14(10). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-086682. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objective: During pregnancy, international guidelines recommend ≥150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, with an intensity perceived as fairly light to somewhat hard on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale (ranging from 6 ‘no exertion’ to 20 ‘maximal exertion’, corresponding to 60% to 80% of maximum heart rate). However, the determination and monitoring of exercise intensity seem to be a particular source of confusion, and the most effective method to monitor exercise intensity remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine existing research on the correlation between the Borg RPE scale and maternal heart rate (MHR) for monitoring exercise intensity during pregnancy. Design: Scoping review using the mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. Data sources: PubMed, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus were searched from 16–17 April 2023, with a subsequent search on 1 November 2023. Eligibility criteria: We included studies investigating the correlation between perceived intensity on the Borg RPE scale (6–20) and MHR during exercise in pregnant individuals and written in English/Scandinavian language. There were no restrictions on publication year or study design. Data extraction and synthesis: Two independent reviewers screened the articles based on title and abstract. Selected articles were read in full text and reference lists of screened articles were also checked. Out of 120 studies screened, six articles met the inclusion criteria after removing one duplicate. The results were qualitatively summarised to provide an overview of common themes and variations between studies. MMAT and GRADE assessed the risk of bias and the certainty of the evidence. Results: The six studies involved a total of 260 healthy pregnant individuals (gestational week: from 16 to 38), with various exercise protocols (cycling, walking, running and resistance exercise) and intensities (from light to moderate). Three studies supported the Borg RPE scale to estimate exercise intensity during pregnancy, while three found no correlation between this scale and MHR. The certainty of the evidence was graded as low to moderate, with a potential risk of bias due to small sample sizes, incomplete outcome data and inconsistencies across studies. Conclusion: The mixed results highlight the complexity of monitoring exercise intensity during pregnancy. Using both the Borg RPE scale and MHR might be better than using them separately for monitoring exercise intensity during pregnancy. Due to limited and inconsistent research, more extensive studies are needed.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Arntzen, Miriam Basma & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2023). How Do Fitness Club Members Differentiate in Background Characteristics, Exercise Motivation, and Social Support? A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (JSSM). ISSN 1303-2968. 22(2), s. 235–244. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2023.235. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Fitness clubs are one of the largest exercise arenas worldwide. Still, membership withdrawal and exercise dropout rates are 40-65% in the first six months. One important approach to retaining members may be to create an environment that feels inclusive, and clusters members with mutual needs and interests. Increased knowledge in this field can provide valuable information that leads to more effective exercise promotion strategies and better retention rates, important to the long-term success of the gym and public health. Thus, we aimed to compare background factors, motivation, and social support between members of multipurpose (wide range of exercise concepts/facilities, middle to high membership fee), fitness-only (low membership fee), and boutique (one or two specialized exercise concepts, high membership fee) fitness clubs. A total of 232 members from multipurpose (n = 107), fitness-only (n = 52), and boutique gyms (n = 73) were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Data included background variables (age, gender, body weight and height, smoking, total household income, occupation, education, and general health), exercise behaviour, exercise motivation, and social support. A one-way between-group ANOVA with Bonferroni correction or a chi-square test was used as appropriate. Multipurpose and fitness-only members were older (mean diff: 9.1 years, p = <0.001) and exercised less (mean diff: 1-1.2 sessions/week, p = <0.001) than members from boutique clubs. Compared with multipurpose and fitness-only members, members from boutique clubs reported the highest autonomous motivation (intrinsic regulation: mean diff: 0.3, p = 0.030), and perceived greater social support from family/friends (mean diff: 6.4 to 6.6, p = <0.001). Boutique members were younger, exercised more, and reported higher autonomous motivation and social support than multipurpose and fitness-only members. Our results suggest that exercise enjoyment and a social community, the “philosophy” of boutique gyms, may be important for regular exercise.

• Hayman, Melanie; Keppel, Marian; Stanton, Robert; Thwaite, Tanya L.; Alfrey, Kristie-Lee & Alley, Stephanie [Vis alle 13 forfattere av denne artikkelen] (2023). A mixed-methods exploration of attitudes towards pregnant Facebook fitness influencers. BMC Public Health. 23. doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15457-6. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Exercise during pregnancy is associated with various health benefits for both mother and child. Despite these benefits, most pregnant women do not meet physical activity recommendations. A known barrier to engaging in exercise during pregnancy is a lack of knowledge about appropriate and safe exercise. In our current era of social media, many pregnant women are turning to online information sources for guidance, including social media influencers. Little is known about attitudes towards pregnancy exercise information provided by influencers on social media platforms. This study aimed to explore attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy depicted by social media influencers on Facebook, and user engagement with posted content. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to analyse data from 10 Facebook video posts of social media influencers exercising during pregnancy. Quantitative descriptive analyses were used to report the number of views, shares, comments and emotive reactions. Qualitative analysis of user comments was achieved using an inductive thematic approach. Results: The 10 video posts analysed were viewed a total of 12,117,200 times, shared on 11,181 occasions, included 13,455 user comments and 128,804 emotive icon reactions, with the most frequently used icon being ‘like’ (81.48%). The thematic analysis identified three themes associated with attitudes including [1] exercise during pregnancy [2] influencers and [3] type of exercise. A fourth theme of community was also identified. Most user comments were associated with positive attitudes towards exercise during pregnancy and the influencer. However, attitudes towards the types of exercise the influencer performed were mixed (aerobic and body weight exercises were positive; resistance-based exercise with weights were negative). Finally, the online community perceived by users was mostly positive and recognised for offering social support and guidance. Conclusions: User comments imply resistance-based exercise with weights as unsafe and unnecessary when pregnant, a perception that does not align with current best practice guidelines. Collectively, the findings from this study highlight the need for continued education regarding exercise during pregnancy and the potential for social media influencers to disseminate evidence-based material to pregnant women who are highly receptive to, and in need of reliable health information.

• Tangen, Elene Mauseth; Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2022). Is there an association between total physical activity level and VO<inf>2max</inf> among fitness club members? A cross-sectional study. BMC sports science, medicine and rehabilitation. 14(1). doi: 10.1186/s13102-022-00503-4. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Since cardiorespiratory fitness is an important predictor for all-cause mortality, it is of interest to know if meeting the physical activity (PA) recommendations is associated with higher levels of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). We aimed to investigate the association between total PA level given as counts per minute (cpm) and minutes in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and VO2max in new fitness club members. Methods: A total of 62 men and 63 women (≥ 18 years), defined as healthy (no disease considered to hinder PA) participated in this study. VO2max (mL kg−1 min−1) was measured with a cardiopulmonary exercise (modified Balke protocol), and total PA level was measured with ActiGraph GT1M for seven consecutive days. All participants accumulating ≥ 10 h of activity recordings ≥ 4 days were included in the data analysis. To examine associations between PA level and VO2max, a Pearson correlation and a multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for covariates were used. Results: VO2max (mL kg−1 min−1) was 40.5 ± 7.2 in men and 35.1 ± 6.0 in women. Total PA level (cpm) and MVPA (min) were 352.4 ± 123.4 and 260.0 ± 132.6 in men and 361.4 ± 103.8 and 273.2 ± 137.0 in women. Total PA level (men: r = 0.346, p < 0.01, women: r = 0.267 p < 0.01) and MVPA (men: r = 0.359, p =  < 0.01, women: r = 0.236, p = 0.03) was associated with VO2max. When adjusting for age and body fat percentage, total PA level and MVPA were no longer associated with VO2max (men: p = 0.11 and p = 0.79, women: p = 0.40 and p = 0.61). In men, age (β = − 0.469 p < 0.01) and body fat percentage (β = − 0.483, p < 0.01) were the strongest predictor for VO2max. For women, body fat percentage was the strongest predictor for VO2max (β = − 0.483, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Total PA level and MVPA were associated with VO2max, but the association was low and diminished when adjusted for age and body fat percentage. Body fat percentage (men and women) and age (men) were more strongly associated with VO2max than total PA level and MVPA.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Tangen, Elene Mauseth & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2022). The Coronavirus pandemic and closed fitness clubs negatively affected members exercise habits. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. 4. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2022.985782. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, politicians enacted directions to reduce social interactions, including lockdown of fitness clubs. We aimed to investigate how this changed exercise habits of Norwegian gym members. Method: Based on survey data, men and women (≥18 years, n = 233, data collection from Aug. 2020 to Jan. 2021) were recruited to this study by an email-invitation from their fitness club chain or by Facebook advertisement. The participants reported on background variables (e.g., age, gender, total household income, occupation, and education), and exercise habits pre- and during social lockdown. Data were analyzed using independent or student t-test, chi-squared test, or McNemar's test, as appropriate. Results: Home-based exercise (18.0 vs. 72.5%, p = <0.001), walking (49.8 vs. 65.2%, p = <0.001), and cycling (16.7 vs. 24.5%, p = 0.004) was more common during than pre-lockdown. Also, men (4.33 to 3.68 days/week, p =0.013) and women (4.20 to 3.79 days/week, p = 0.001) reported a lower exercise frequency, and a shorter duration. Exercise frequency was lower in those with a BMI ≥25 than in those with BMI <25 (3.95 vs. 4.48 days/week, p = <0.007) pre-lockdown. High exercise attendees (≥3 sessions/week, 66.5%) reported a smaller decrease in exercise frequency (mean change: 0.06 vs. 1.24 days/week, p = <0.001) and duration (>60 min. per session: 33.0 vs. 3.8%, p = <0.001) than low exercise attendees during lockdown. Discussion: Home-based exercise, walking, and cycling were most frequently reported during lockdown. Participants reported a small decrease in exercise duration and frequency compared with pre-lockdown. Closure of fitness clubs impacted low attendees more than high attendees.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Stensrud, Trine; Rugseth, Gro & Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Weight Cycling and Dieting Behavior in Fitness Club Members. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 13. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.851887. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Along with the rising prevalence of high body-mass index (BMI), there is also increased emphasis on leanness and fitness. Both these trends suggest that many individuals are concerned about weight management and may try to lose weight. Using data from the research project “Fitness clubs - a venue for public health?”, we aimed to describe weight cycling and energy-restricted dieting in men and women at start-up of fitness club membership, and to investigate influencing factors [age, BMI, educational level, self-classified overweight/obesity, compliance with nutritional guidelines, unhealthy weight control strategies and self-perceived health (SPH)]. Methods: In a cross-sectional online survey, 250 men and women from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, reported anthropometrics, self-classified weight group, weight cycling, weight loss/gain, eating habits/dieting, and background/health information. Enrollment was limited to adult (≥18 years) novice exercisers (exercising <60 min/week at a moderate or vigorous intensity or brisk walking <150 min/week, the past six months) with less than four weeks of membership. Factors associated with weight cycling were examined using simple and multiple logistic regression, separated for men and women. Results: In both sexes (mean age: 36.4 ± 11.3, range 18-71 years), a high number reported substantial weight fluctuation (+/-5 kg) the past 12 months (men: 50% and women: 62%, mean difference 12%, 95% CI -0.3 to 23.8, p=0.056) and unhealthy weight control strategies (men: 24.8% and women: 47.2%, mean difference 22.4%, 95% CI 10.5 to 33.4, p<0.001). Weight cyclers had a higher mean BMI compared with non-cyclers (mean difference -1.5, 95% CI -2.6 to - 0.4, p= 0.003). Further, the difference in body weight was 6.7 kg (95% CI 2.2 to 10.8, p=0.004) and 10.8 kg (95% CI 5.8 to 15.8, <0.001) in men and women, respectively. Besides BMI status, self-classified overweight/obesity was the strongest predictor of reporting weight cycling (men: OR 5.54, 95% CI 2.03 to 15.12, p<0.01 and women: OR 7.17, 95% CI 2.48 to 20.68, p<0.001). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, a large proportion reported weight cycling and unhealthy weight control strategies, and both were more prevalent in women than in men. Self-classified overweight was found to be the most important factor influencing weight cycling.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Jakobsen, Charlotte; Solberg, Runar Barstad; Sundgot-Borgen, Christine & Gjestvang, Christina (2021). Mirror, mirror - Does the fitness club industry have a body image problem? Psychology of Sport And Exercise. ISSN 1469-0292. 53. doi: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2020.101880. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  The primary aim of the present study was to report longitudinal data on body image across the first year of gym engagement. Second, we aimed to compare body image among those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 sessions/week) with those who did not (≤1exercise session/week or no exercise/dropout), as well as between genders and Body Mass Index groups (BMI<25 and BMI≥25) at membership start-up. Novice exercisers (n = 250) from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo (Norway) responded to an online questionnaire at start-up, three, six and 12-months follow-up, with a high response rate (100%, 89.6%, 85.2% and 74.8%). The questionnaire covered background/health information and exercise involvement. A modified Multidimensional Body Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scales (MBSRQ-AS), comprising five subscales (appearance satisfaction, appearance investment, weight-related attitude, self-classified weight and Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS), was used to gather repeated measures of body image. Data were analysed separately for each subscale and as a body image total score, using a linear mixed model adjusted for baseline, gender and BMI. We found differences in body image total score reported at six months when compared with onset (0.04, 95% CI 0.005–0.078, p = 0.024), whereas the subscale appearance satisfaction was different at three (0.08, 95% CI 0.015–0.164, p = 0.018), six (0.11, 95% CI 0.039–0.197, p = 0.003) and twelve (0.10, 95% CI 0.021–0.179, p = 0.013) months when compared with onset. Also the subscale BASS was different at three (0.17, 95% CI 0.009–0.255, p < 0.001), six (0.21, 95% CI 0.127–0.301, p < 0.001) and twelve (0.26, 95% CI 0.143–0.388, p < 0.001). Participants adhering to regular exercise (≥2 times weekly) had better outcomes on total body image than those who exercised less frequently or irregularly (three: 2.94 vs. 2.83, p = 0.027 and 12-months: 2.97 vs. 2.85, p = 0.028). At membership start-up, being male (p < 0.001) and having a BMI<25 (p = 0.003), were the strongest factors associated with reporting a higher score on total body image. In conclusion, we found improved body area and appearance satisfaction in novice exercisers across the first year of fitness club membership.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine; Paulsen, Gøran & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2021). Stay true to your workout: Does repeated physical testing boost exercise attendance? A one-year follow-up study. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (JSSM). ISSN 1303-2968. 20(1), s. 35–44. doi: 10.52082/jssm.2021.35. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  No prospective studies have investigated if repeated testing of physical performance and body composition are associated with exercise attendance or patterns in fitness club members. This study aimed to investigate if repeated physical testing was associated with exercise attendance and patterns in gym members and to report prospective data on use of the fitness club’s facilities and products. Untrained new members were recruited and divided into a test group (n = 125) and as controls (n = 125). All participants answered a survey including exercise involvement, at onset, and after 3, 6, and 12 months follow-up. The test group also measured body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, and maximal muscle strength (onset, and after 3 and 12 months). In total 73.6% answered all surveys, and in the test group, 44.8% completed all physical tests. Regular exercise attendance was defined as ≥2 sessions/week. Repeated testing showed no association with long-term regular exercise attendance (test group: 19.6%, controls: 19.8%; p = 0.638). At 3 months, a lower proportion in the test group reported engagement in resistance exercise (35.3% and 60.2%; p = 0.003) and had lower exercise frequency (2.0 and 2.6 days/week; p = 0.008) than controls. The test group had higher participation in group exercise classes (28.0% and 13.6%; p = 0.040). Exercise frequency decreased from onset to 12 months (from 2.6 to 2.2 days/week; p = 0.025) At 3, 6, and 12 months, 51.8%, 37.6%, and 37.4% reported regular exercise attendance, and 16.9% at all follow-ups. At all time-points, most common workout mode was individual resistance exercise (43.8% to 46.3%). Few attended group exercise classes (7.5% to 13.8%) or used a personal trainer (22.5% to 27.5%). Repeated physical testing did not improve exercise attendance, and we found no changes in members` use of the fitness club’s facilities and products. Only 16.9% reported regular exercise attendance throughout the first year of membership.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Stensrud, Trine & Gjestvang, Christina (2021). Does Self-Perception Equal the Truth When Judging Own Body Weight and Height? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (IJERPH). ISSN 1661-7827. 18(16). doi: 10.3390/ijerph18168502. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Data from the research project “Fitness clubs—a venue for public health?” provided an opportunity to evaluate the accuracy of self-reported body weight and height, and subsequent Body Mass Index (BMI), as well as the “trueness” of novice exercisers perception of weight status category, which has not been examined in this population. The aims were to examine self-reported body weight, height, and calculated BMI data from an online survey compared with measured data at fitness club start-up, investigate how accurately novice exercisers place themselves within self-classified weight group (underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese), and compare this with fitness club attendance at three months follow-up. Methods: Prior to anthropometric measurements, 62 men and 63 women responded to an online questionnaire, including body weight (kilogram, kg) and height (centimeters, cm), and self-classified weight group (“I think I am … underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese”). We used the following statistical analysis: Paired sample t-tests, a Bland–Altman plot kappa statistics, chi-squared tests, and a logistic regression. Results: Mean difference of BMI calculated from self-reported and measured data was 0.06 (95% CI −0.29 to 0.17, p = 0.593) in men, and 0.16 (95% CI −0.40 to 0.09, p = 0.224) in women, with four participants being outliers of the 95% limits of agreement (Bland-Altman plot). Allowing a difference of 0.5 kg between self-reported and measured weight, we found that 16% reported their weight correctly, 31.2% underreported (−1.89 ± 1.59 kg), and 52.8% overreported (1.85 ± 1.23 kg), with no sex differences (p = 0.870). Further, our results suggest that both sexes may have difficulty recognizing overweight/obesity in themselves, and particularly men are likely to underreport their perceived weight group compared with women. More than half (53.3%) of the overweight men perceived themselves to be normal weight (women: 14%), and only 33.3% of obese men and women correctly classified themselves as being obese. We did not find any difference between participants correctly or incorrectly classifying weight group and fitness club attendance (≥2 times a week) at three months follow-up. Conclusion: Both sexes reported body weight and height reasonably accurately, and BMI based on self-report appears to be valid measure. Still, a large proportion of novice exercisers do not recognise their own overweight or obesity status, which may in part explain why public health campaigns do not reach risk populations.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2021). What Makes Individuals Stick to Their Exercise Regime? A One-Year Follow-Up Study Among Novice Exercisers in a Fitness Club Setting. Frontiers in Psychology. 12. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.638928. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objectives: A fitness club may be an important arena to promote regular exercise. However, authors have reported low attendance rates (10 to 37%) the first months after individuals sign up for membership. It is therefore important to understand the reasons for poor exercise adherence. In this project, we aimed to investigate different psychosocial factors that might increase the likelihood of reporting regular exercise the first year of a fitness club membership, including self-efficacy, motives, social support, life satisfaction, and customer satisfaction. Methods: New members (≤4 weeks membership, n = 250) classified as novice exercisers (exercise < 60 min/week the last 6 months) from 25 multipurpose gyms were followed for 1 year. Data were collected by an electronic survey including background and health factors, self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, motives, customer satisfaction, and exercise attendance, and was answered at start-up and after three (n = 224), six (n = 213), and 12 (n = 187) months. It is well established in the literature that ≥2 exercise sessions/week improve physical fitness in novice exercisers (if adhered to). Hence, we divided the participants into regular exercise attendance (≥2 sessions/week) and non-regular exercise attendance (≤1 session/week, exercise dropout, or membership dropout) in the analysis. Results: A mixed-effects logistic regression model revealed that the strongest predictor for reporting regular exercise attendance was higher levels of the motive “enjoyment” (OR = 1.84, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.35, 2.50), followed by self-efficacy “sticking to it” (OR = 1.73, p = 0.002, 95% CI for OR = 1.22, 2.46) and social support from friends and family (OR = 1.16, p ≤ 0.001, 95% CI for OR = 1.09, 1.23). Conclusion: In novice exercisers, regular exercise at three, six, and 12 months was associated with higher scores of the motive “enjoyment,” self-efficacy (“sticking to it”), and social support compared with non-regular exercise. Our results show that the majority of new fitness club members do not achieve regular exercise behavior.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Mathisen, Therese Fostervold (2021). Compulsive exercise and mental health challenges in fitness instructors; presence and interactions. Journal of Eating Disorders. 9. doi: 10.1186/s40337-021-00446-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: Some physically active people exercise compulsively, which can be associated with several mental health challenges. Fitness instructors are considered important role models for an active, healthy lifestyle; yet little is known about their exercise motives and mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of compulsive exercise and mental health challenges, and their interaction, in fitness instructors. Methods: A total of 270 fitness instructors from Norwegian fitness clubs were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Inclusion criteria were operating as instructors within the current year and understanding Norwegian language. Data were collected by an electronic questionnaire and included demographic information, hours of classes instructed and of personal physical activity, Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), Symptom Check List – 10 (SCL-10), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q)). Results: Females had higher CET scores than males, and 9% of all respondents had CET score above clinical cutoff. Respondents with clinical CET score had higher SCL-10, BDI and EDE-Q global- and subscale scores compared with their counterparts. Although CET was positively and significantly associated with BDI, SCL-10, and EDE-Q, only the latter explained the CET score (ß = 1.23, 99% CI = 0.87, 1.59). Conclusion: About one out of eleven instructors were above clinical CET cut-off, revealing symptoms of compulsive exercise. EDE-Q significantly contributed in a model explaining 43% of the variation of compulsive exercise.

• Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen; Gjestvang, Christina; Lamerton, Tayla & Bø, Kari (2020). Urinary incontinence in a fitness club setting?is it a workout problem? International Urogynecology Journal. ISSN 0937-3462. doi: 10.1007/s00192-020-04253-0. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Introduction: The aims of the present study were to report longitudinal data on the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) in a fitness club setting and to investigate whether gym members are educated about and exercise their pelvic floor muscles. Methods: New members (125 women) from 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway, filled in a 25-min online questionnaire (SurveyXact) at four time points (onset, 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership). The questionnaire covered background/health information, membership dropout and exercise habits, including pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT). A modified Subjective Health Complaints Inventory (SHC Inventory) and the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) were used to gather repeated measures of UI. Results: At onset, 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership, 16.8%, 13.8%, 19.6% and 18.7% reported UI, respectively (p = 0.11). Of these, 57.1% to 76.2% reported leakage during exercise and perceived the UI to be slight. Less than 8% had received information about PFMT by the fitness club staff. Adherence to regular exercise and PFMT throughout the follow-up period (minimum two sessions/week) did not show any association with absent or present UI at 12 months (p = 0.48 and p = 0.63) and was reported by 30% and 22.2% of the participants, respectively. Conclusions: About 17% reported UI at onset of fitness club membership, with no changes in proportions throughout the first year. Adherence to regular exercise and PFMT did not show any association with absent or present UI at 12 months. Few had been taught PFMT.

• Rustaden, Anne Mette; Gjestvang, Christina; Bø, Kari; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Paulsen, Gøran (2020). Similar Energy Expenditure During BodyPump and Heavy Load Resistance Exercise in Overweight Women. Frontiers in Physiology. 11. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00570. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Purpose: High-repetition, low-load resistance exercise in group class settings has gained popularity in recent years, with BodyPump as a prime example. For individuals using exercise for body-weight management, the energy expenditure during exercise is of interest. Therefore, we herein aimed to estimate the energy expenditure during a session of BodyPump and a time-matched session of heavy load resistance training in overweight women (BMI ≥ 25.0). Methods: Eighteen women participated in the study (mean age 35.4 years ± 10.2, BMI 30.4 kg/m2 ± 4.8), 10 exercising BodyPump (50–100 repetitions each muscle group) and eight performed a heavy load session (eight repetition maximum × three sets). The energy expenditure was assessed with indirect calorimetry during the sessions and for two intervals at rest during the recovery phase: 0–20 and 120–140 min after the sessions. Results: The BodyPump group lifted significantly more loads than the heavy load group (19,485 kg ± 2258 vs 15,616 kg ± 2976, p = 0.006), while energy expenditure was similar with 302 kcal ± 67 and 289 kcal ± 69 in BodyPump and heavy load group, respectively (p = 0.69). With no group differences, the resting metabolic rate (RMR) was elevated with 15–22% 2 h after exercise. Conclusion: Overweight women achieved an energy expenditure of approximately 300 kcal (4.7 kcal per min) during a single session of BodyPump, which was similar with the women performing a single session of heavy load resistance exercise.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Abrahamsen, Frank Eirik; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2020). Motives and barriers to initiation and sustained exercise adherence in a fitness club setting—A one-year follow-up study. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports. ISSN 0905-7188. 30(9), s. 1796–1805. doi: 10.1111/sms.13736. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  No prospective studies have investigated motives and barriers to exercise in new untrained fitness club members. The aims of the present prospective longitudinal study were to 1) examine proportions reporting regular exercise, non‐regular exercise and exercise dropout, 2) identify motives and barriers to exercise, and 3) compare motives between regular and non‐regular exercisers the first year of fitness club membership. New members (n = 250) were followed for one year. A questionnaire including demographics, exercise frequency, motives (EMI‐2) and barriers (18 common reported barriers) was used, and 184 answered at four time‐points (onset, and after three, six and 12 months). Participants were categorized into: regular exercise: ≥two sessions/week or non‐regular exercise: ≤one session/week, exercise relapse or dropout. At three, six and 12 months, 63.4%, 59.6% and 57.2% exercised regularly, whereas 20.1%, 21.1% and 28.3%, dropped out, respectively. Throughout the follow‐up, 37% reported regular exercise. At all time‐points, motives regarding positive health and strength/endurance were rated highest on a six‐point scale. Exercise dropouts rated priority as the greatest barrier. Regular exercisers rated the motives enjoyment (such as “I enjoy the feeling of exerting myself” ) and challenge (such as “To give me goals to work towards” ) higher than non‐regular exercisers (p = ≤0.05). In conclusion, less than half exercised regularly, and most members were motivated by factors such as positive health and physical fitness the first year of fitness club membership. Higher levels of the motives enjoyment and challenge were associated with regular exercise.

• Heiestad, Hege; Gjestvang, Christina & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2020). Investigating self-perceived health and quality of life: a longitudinal prospective study among beginner recreational exercisers in a fitness club setting. BMJ Open. 10(6). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036250. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objectives: This study investigated self-perception of overall health (SPH) and quality of life (QoL) at onset and after 3, 6 and 12 months of fitness club membership. Also, we compared SPH and QoL between those who reported regular use of the fitness club (≥2 exercise sessions/week the last month) with those who did not (one exercise session/week or no exercise the last month). Design: Longitudinal prospective study. Setting: 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway. Participants: In total, 250 newly registered fitness club members (equal numbers of men and women, mean age=36.4±11.3 years, mean body mass index=25.7±4.4) were recruited. At onset (n=250), after 3 (n=224), 6 (n=213) and 12 months (n=187), the participants answered an electronic questionnaire, covering background variables, exercise involvement, perceived SPH and QoL. Outcome measures: SPH was measured by a single-item question, rating health status from poor to excellent on a 5-point scale. High SPH was dichotomised as excellent or good, and low SPH as moderate, fair or poor. QoL was measured on a 7-item scale, rating five statements and dichotomised according to a total max sum score of 35, with low QoL ≤25 and high QoL >25. Results: Repeated measurements did not show any changes in SPH. In QoL, we observed an improvement in QoL sum score and a significant increase in mean scores for two out of five statements at 12 months follow-up: ‘In most ways, my life is close to my ideal’ (p=0.036) and ‘If I could live my life over, I would change almost nothing’ (p<0.001). Regular use of the fitness club was associated with high SPH (OR 3.532 (95% CI 1.60–7.82), p=0.002) and high QoL (OR 1.914 (95% CI 0.95–3.86), p=0.069). The results were unchanged after adjusting for confounders. Conclusion: Regular attendance at a fitness club was associated with high SPH and high QoL at 12 months follow-up.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine; Hansen, Bjørge Hermann; Kolle, Elin & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2019). Are fitness club members likely to meet the current physical activity recommendations? Translational Sports Medicine (TSM). 3(2), s. 75–83. doi: 10.1002/tsm2.120. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2019). Are changes in physical fitness, body composition and weight associated with exercise attendance and dropout among fitness club members? Longitudinal prospective study. BMJ Open. 9(4). doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027987. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objectives The primary aim of the present study was to investigate if changes in physical fitness, body composition and weight are associated with exercise attendance and dropout among fitness club members. Secondary, we wanted to identify motives for fitness club membership and exercise. Setting New members at 25 fitness clubs in Oslo, Norway. Participants In total, 125 new fitness club members were recruited. Eligible criteria were <4 weeks of membership, untrained (exercising <60min once a week) and ≥18 years. At inclusion, and after 3 (n=87) and 12 months (n=64), participants answered a questionnaire (including motives for membership and exercise, and attendance) and performed measurements of maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), one repetition maximum (bench press and leg press), body composition and weight. In total, 56 participants underwent measurements at all time points. Based on self-reported attendance, participants were divided into three groups: regular attendance (≥2 sessions per week), low attendance (<2 sessions per week) and exercise dropout (no sessions the last month). Results At 3months, regular attendees had significantly higher VO2max than dropout (6.54mL/min/kg, 95%CI 2.00 to 11.07, p=0.003). At 12 months, a difference in VO2max of 5.32mL/min/kg (95%CI −0.08 to 10.72, p=0.054) was found between regular attendees and dropout, and between regular and low exercise attendance (6.17mL/ min/kg, 95%CI 0.19 to 12.15, p=0.042). VO2max was the only factor showing an association with attendance. No differences or associations were observed in maximal muscle strength or body composition between the three groups. Primary motive for fitness club membership and exercise was increase in physical fitness (92.8%). Conclusions VO2max was the only factor associated with exercise attendance at two time points. Increased physical fitness was primary motive for fitness club membership and exercise.

• Rustaden, Anne Mette; Gjestvang, Christina; Bø, Kari; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Paulsen, Gøran (2017). BodyPump versus traditional heavy load resistance training on changes in resting metabolic rate in overweight untrained women. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. ISSN 0022-4707. 58(9), s. 1304–1311. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07613-7. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  BACKGROUND: Moderate to heavy load resistance training (RT) is advocated for overweight and obese individuals. One of the beneficial effects of RT is increased resting metabolic rate (RMR), which typically makes up the majority of the total daily energy expenditure. It is, however, unclear if low to moderate load RT affects RMR. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the effects of twelve weeks of BodyPump, on RMR in previous untrained women with BMI ≥25.0, and to compare the results with individual heavy load RT. METHODS: Eighteen overweight women participated in the study (mean age 35.4 years ±10.2, BMI 30.4 kg/m2 ±4.8), ten allocated to BodyPump (high-repetition, low to moderate load RT) and eight to heavy load RT (linear periodization with 3-6, 8-10 and 13-15 repetitions, 2-4 series) Both groups exercised 3 times/week for 12 weeks. RMR was assessed with indirect calorimetry at baseline, midway (after six weeks) and at post-test. RESULTS: Adherence to exercise were 62% and 93% in the BodyPump and heavy load RT group, respectively (p=0.003). RMR in the BodyPump increased with 8.5% (±10.8) from baseline to post-test (p=0.041). The heavy load RT group increased 10.5% (±10.4) from baseline to post-test (p=0.025). There was no significant group difference in RMR from baseline to post-test (p=0.593). CONCLUSIONS: BodyPump and heavy load RT resulted in a similar increase in RMR after 12 weeks of training. Assuming that elevation of RMR is important for combating overweight and obesity, BodyPump appears to have the same potential as heavy load RT.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Stensrud, Trine & Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen (2017). How is rating of perceived capacity related to VO2max and what is VO2max at onset of training? BMJ Open sport & exercise medicine. 3(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjsem-2017-000232. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Objective: To evaluate how rating of perceived capacity (RPC) is related to maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and examine VO2max at onset of training in healthy adults. Methods: In total, 125 newly registered fitness centre members, equally men and women, answered the RPC scale and performed a treadmill test for measurement of VO2max. Eligible criteria were <4 weeks of fitness centre membership, physically inactive, ≥18 years and not pregnant. The RPC is a one-page scale (1–20) based on metabolic equivalent tasks, where the individual chooses the most strenuous activity that can be sustained for at least 30 min. Results: The Bland-Altman plot demonstrated a tendency of overestimation, meaning that the participants ranked their own aerobic capacity 17.5% higher than objectively measured values of VO2max. The mean difference between the two methods were +4.92±1.96 and +6.35±1.96 mL/min/kg VO2 in men and women, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient was moderate, with r=0.426 (p<0.01). A linear regression analysis showed that both age and VO2max were significant predictors of RPC (p<0.01). Measured VO2max at onset of fitness centre membership was in men aged 38.7±11.7 and women aged 34.7±9.9, 40.5±7.2 and 35.0±6.0 mL/min/kg, respectively. Estimated VO2max from the RPC scale was 45.7±9.8 and 41.4±10.1 mL/min/kg in men and women, respectively. Conclusions: The RPC seems less accurate at the individual level and may overestimate VO2max. Still, it may be considered useful in large-scale studies.

Se alle arbeider i NVA

• Gjestvang, Christina; Erikstein-Midtbø, Gjermund; Hansson, Siri Elicabeth; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Henningsen, Preben Sævartveit (2026). Mind in Motion i NIH-podden. doi: https:/www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xcnuj-1b53934. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Invitert til å snakke om "Mind in Motion" prosjektet i en episode av NIH-podden

• Nilsen, Dag André; Kulstad-Torneus, Eline; Gjestvang, Christina & Erikstein-Midtbø, Gjermund (2026). Trenerens mentalitet: Hvordan påvirker den læring, trivsel og utvikling i norsk idrett? | NIH-podden. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hva slags mentalitet har norske trenere – og hvorfor kan den ta livet av motivasjonen til ungdom i idretten? Gjester: Eline Kulstad-Tornéus, landslagstrenar Norges fotballforbund og Dag André Nilsen, førsteamanuensis ved INN og tidligere NIH-stipendiat. Ny forskning fra NIH viser at én av fem norske trenere har en statisk mentalitet – altså et tankesett der man i stor grad mener at talent er medfødt og kan identifiseres tidlig. Dette kan bidra til et mer resultatorientert treningsmiljø, der utøvere blir redde for å gjøre feil og mindre villige til å prøve og lære. Konsekvensene kan være redusert læring, trivsel og motivasjon – særlig blant barn og unge. I denne episoden av NIH-podden snakkes det om: - Hva som kjennetegner statisk og vekstorientert mentalitet hos trenere - Hvordan treneres holdninger og språk former treningskultur og læringsmiljø - Hvilken rolle trenere, ledere og foreldre spiller i å skape trygge og utviklende idrettsmiljøer - Hva forskningen sier om hvordan trenermentalitet faktisk kan endres Episoden er spesielt relevant for trenere, ledere i idretten, foreldre – og alle som er opptatt av utvikling, læring og trivsel i idretten.

• Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Gjestvang, Christina (2026). Professor: Én ting gjør at mange mislykkes med å endre livsstil. [Journal]. Aftenposten. doi: https:/www.aftenposten.no/sprek/i/0pnlJ2/hun-har-endret-syn-paa-fysisk-aktivitet-professor-mener-en-ting-gjoer-at-mange-mislykkes-med-aa-endre-livsstil. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Erikstein-Midtbø, Gjermund; Gjestvang, Christina; Strömberg, Julius Zackarias & Sofienlund, Lage (2025). Hvordan bygge et godt idrettslag? Med Lage Sofienlund, Konnerud IL og Julius Strömberg. doi: https:/www.nih.no/om/aktuelt/podden/2025/vi-treng-meir-aktivitet-for-barn-som-berre-skjer.html. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hva trenger vi mer av i norsk idrett? Lage Sofienlund er både trener for Kristine Stavås Skistad som jakter VM-gull i Granåsen, og den yngste gruppa i Konnerud IL Ski. Sofienlund mener for mange barn og ungdom driver med aktivitet fordi voksne har en plan om hvor gode de skal bli eller hva de skal oppnå. Han vi se mer av aktiviteten der barn bare kommer på trening fordi treninga i seg selv er morsom og ikke skal noe sted. I episoden forteller han om filosofien til Konnerud IL. Om hvordan de jobber for å bety noe i lokalsamfunnet, hvordan de fordeler trenerressurser og hvorfor de ikke vil at barna skal bestemme seg for en idrett før i 2.klasse. Du hører også stipendiat Julius Strömberg som forsker på styresett og organisering i idrettslag og klubber.

• Ulvevadet, Maria; Mathisen, Therese Fostervold; Gjestvang, Christina; Stensvold, Dorthe Berg & Kristiansen, Ingrid (2025). - Det er skummelt. [Journal]. Internett. doi: https:/www.dagbladet.no/sport/det-er-skummelt/83776109?fbclid=IwY2xjawN18SlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHp0Ga4CqB8sdjlOOT_FykCEX4Mh_zPJ5rzFg_z2hpYK0OAMjiTZ3xMNyu3dy_aem_jPSKKocHIQv4zBN3tNZ5Xw. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Fire fagpersoner kommenterer treningstrender for 2025, lansert av ACSM.

• Fon, Karl Petter Nygaard; Hordvik, Mats Melvold; Gjestvang, Christina & Erikstein-Midtbø, Gjermund (2025). Hvordan ser framtidas kroppsøving ut? | NIH-podden. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hvordan ser egentlig gymtimene ut på norske skoler rundt om i landet i dag? Og hva kan og bør skjer med kroppsøvingsfaget i åra som kommer? Hvordan blir faget om man bruker opp mot 20 timer på et tema eller en modell som for eksempel meningsfull idrett? Eller en pedagogisk tilnærming der elevene får ulike roller som trener, kaptein eller journalist. Modellbasert praksis kan være med å endre faget, tror forskere på NIH.  I denne episoden møter du førsteamanuensis Mats Hordvik som har forska på denne modellen.  Du møter også Karl Petter Fon, som er lærer ved Stokke ungdomsskole i Sandefjord og har testa ut modellbasert i praksis med stor suksess i sin undervisning. Han fulgte en ungdomsskoleklasse over tre år og testa dette ut i praksis.  Her er det mye inspirasjon og tips å hente om du er lærer i kroppsøving eller bare er interessert i fysisk aktivitet med barn og unge.  Programleder er Christina Gjestvang og Gjermund Erikstein-Midtbø.  Redigerer: Eskil Byrkjeland.     

• Tennfjord, Merete Kolberg & Gjestvang, Christina (2024). Hvordan oppmuntre til regelmessig fysisk aktivitet i en hverdag preget av smerter for kvinner med endometriose? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
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• Gjestvang, Christina (2024). Lettkledde folk på treningssenteret svekker bransjens omdømme. Aftenposten. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
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• Erikstein-Midtbø, Gjermund; Gjestvang, Christina; Radmann, Aage & Eide, Lars Harald (2023). NIH-podden Podcast - VR-briller og Nintendo Switch i gymtimen: Hvordan bruke digitale verktøy som kroppsøvingslærer? | Free Listening on Podbean App. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hva med en styrkeøkt med VR-briller? Lære volleyballteknikk gjennom Nintendo Switch? Bruke YouTube for å lære dans? Det finnes mange muligheter til å bruke digitale verktøy i kroppsøving. Men hvordan bruke det best? Lars Harald Eide er universitetslektor på NIH og har testa mange forskjellige måter både med ungdomsskoleelever, lærere og studenter. Professor Aage Radmann gir deg innsikt i hva som finnes av forskning på området.  Han har flere gode tips til deg som lærer eller bare er interessert i digitale verktøy og aktivitet. Vi kommer også innom skjermens påvirkning på skolen og unge, og både mulighetene og ulempene som kommer med. Vi svarer også på lytterspørsmål. Følg oss på @nihpodden på Instagram! Programledere er Christina Gjestvang og Gjermund Erikstein-Midtbø.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Haakstad, Lene Annette Hagen & Sundgot-Borgen, Christine (2023). Kunnskapen kan være avgjørende. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina; Krosshaug, Tron & Haakstad, Lene (2023). Hvorfor vil staten gjøre det dyrere å trene? Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Løft på rumpa og ta i bruk verdens beste medisin! NIH-bloggen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina & Eriksson, Mee Eline (2022). Trivselsregler og kleskoder bidrar til et mer inkluderende treningssenter. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina; Leirhaug, Petter Erik & Eide, Lars Harald (2021). Episode 48: Vurderinger i kroppsøving – hvorfor og hvordan? | NIH-podden. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Hvorfor og hvordan elever skal vurderes i faget kroppsøving er en diskusjon som gjennom flere læreplanreformer har vist seg å vekke stort engasjement, både fra lærere, elever og andre interesserte. Hva som skal vektlegges i vurderingen har endret seg i takt med utviklingen av kunnskapsløftet og nye læreplaner. I dagens episode har vi besøk av førsteamanuensis ved NIH, Petter Erik Leirhaug, og universitetslektor ved NIH, Lars Harald Eide. De snakker om hvordan vurderingen vektlegges i dag, sammenlignet med tidligere.

• Gjestvang, Christina; Leirhaug, Petter Erik & Eide, Lars Harald (2021). NIH-podden Podcast - Episode 35: Kroppsøving som valgfag | Free Listening on Podbean App. doi: https:/www.podbean.com/ep/pb-e6iu4-101dba1. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Konsekvensene for folkehelsen ved å fjerne kroppsøving som obligatorisk fag i videregående kan bli svært uheldige, både psykisk og fysisk. NIHs Lars Harald Eide og Petter Erik Leirhaug, er bekymret for fremtiden for norsk ungdom om regjeringen gjør alvor av å gjøre kroppsøving til valgfag. – Kroppsøvingsfaget er svært viktig for at elevene skal lære om kroppen og ta gode valg for egen helse videre i livet, sier de. – Kroppsøving handler ikke om løpetester, stikkball og, som mange tror, det å bli svett hver time. Det handler om å utvikle grunnleggende bevegelsesferdigheter og bli kjent med seg selv som kropp i verden. Faget skal motivere til livslang bevegelsesglede og ruste oss for det vi møter i livet, sier de. Universitetslektor Lars Harald Eide og førsteamanuensis Petter Erik Leirhaug er gjester i denne episoden av NIH-podden.

• Gjestvang, Christina & Hjellset, Victoria Telle (2021). Podcast Episode 45: Mestring kan gi bedre helse. [Radio]. NIH-podden. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina & Mathisen, Therese Fostervold (2021). Vegetarmat: Like bra til trening? [Radio]. Norges Idrettshøgskole. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina; Klevidal, Morten Skogheim & Bentzen, Marte (2021). Paratreneren (Podcast). [Internet]. nih.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina; Dahl, Anne-Marit & Amalie, Nord Hagen (2020). Her er ekspertenes app-anbefalinger for styrketrening. [Internet]. Aftenposten. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Mathisen, Therese Fostervold & Gjestvang, Christina (2020). Hva er helseeffekten av et plantebasert kosthold, og hvordan påvirker dette yteevnen hos idrettsutøvere? [Radio]. NIH podden. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Bratland-Sanda, Solfrid & Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Trebarnsfar Thomas (31) trener over seks timer i uken. Her er tre treningsprogram til deg med en hektisk hverdag. [Journal]. Aftenposten. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slutter du like fort som du starter? Slik får du treningsvanene til å vare. [Journal]. Aftenposten. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Kvifor er det aldersgrense på treningssenter? [Internet]. Bergens Tidende Junior. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Merete, Rognø Linn & Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slik får du raskt bedre kondis. [Internet]. www.vi.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2019). Slik holder du på treningsvanene. [Internet]. Nettavisen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Slik kan du planlegge treningsuken. [Internet]. VG Vektklubb. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Anette, Torjusen & Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Du trenger ikke trene så mye som du tror. [Internet]. www.nrk.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Utrente overvurderer egen fysisk form. [Internet]. Finansavisen. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Tips for people who want to start training — and stick with it. [Internet]. www.sciencenorway.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2018). Ny på trening: Slik kommer du i gang - og klarer å fortsette. [Internet]. www.abcnyheter.no. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv
• Gjestvang, Christina (2022). Fitness clubs: A venue for public health? Norges idrettshøgskole. ISSN 9788250205994. Fulltekst i vitenarkiv Vis sammendrag

  Background: The health benefits of regular physical activity (PA) are well known. Still, about 70% of European adults are insufficiently physically active. Thus, a further understanding of how modifiable factors such as socioeconomic status and psychosocial variables (e.g. body image, selfefficacy, social support, perceived motives and barriers) differ between those who choose to participate in PA and those who do not is warranted. This is essential for successful PA promotion and to enhance public health. Also, it is not only important to understand the differences between active and inactive individuals, but also the settings where PA occurs, which may make PA participation more or less likely. A fitness club represents one PA setting. Yet, <40% of members exercise at the fitness club regularly and the dropout rates are high. Despite this, research on exercise participation, especially of new members (at a high risk of dropout) is limited in quantity and quality. Thus, it is important to gain in-depth knowledge of those adults who choose to be fitness club members and are able to exercise regularly. Aims: The principal aim of the present PhD-project was to gain an increased understanding of those individuals who choose to join a fitness club, and are able to stay active, and continue with, regular exercise in a group of novice exercisers in their first year of a fitness club membership. Methods: This thesis is based on the research project “Fitness clubs. A venue for public health?”, a 12 months prospective study with four follow-ups conducted from October 2015 to November 2018. Participants were 250 fitness club members (<4 weeks of membership) classified as novice exercisers (structured exercise <60 min./week the last six months). All participants responded to an electronic questionnaire, including body image, motives and barriers, self-efficacy, social support, life satisfaction, exercise attendance, use of the fitness club, and customer satisfaction. Half of the participants (n = 125) underwent repeated measures of total PA level (two follow-ups), body composition, maximal oxygen uptake, and maximal muscle strength (three follow-ups). Main results: I) Total PA level or numbers meeting PA recommendations did not change from start-up to 12 months (38% versus 46%). Socioeconomic status was not associated with regular use of the fitness club. II) Body area evaluation and appearance satisfaction improved in all members, and regular exercise was associated with a more positive body image, appearance and body area satisfaction across the follow-up. At start-up, being male and having a BMI<25 was associated with reporting a more positive body image. III) Repeated physical testing was not associated with regular exercise attendance. Across the year, only 17% reported regular exercise attendance at the fitness club. The most common workout mode was individual resistance Introduction exercise (50%). Few attended group exercise classes (23%) or used a personal trainer (4%). IV) Less than half (37%) exercised regularly (at both the fitness club and in other settings) across the follow-up. Most members were motivated by factors such as “positive health”, “increase in physical fitness” and “mobility”, and the most common barrier was “priority” (such as lack of time). Regular exercisers rated the motives “enjoyment” and “challenge” as more important than non-regular exercisers. V) Those exercising regularly at each follow-up had higher scores of “enjoyment” and self-efficacy (“sticking to it”). Social support from family and friends was also greater in those reporting regular exercise. Conclusions: A fitness club membership was not associated with increase in total PA level or numbers meeting PA recommendations. Regular exercise attendance was associated with higher scores in body image total score, appearance and body area satisfaction, “enjoyment” and “challenge”, self-efficacy “sticking to it”, and social support from family/friends. Most new members use the fitness club intermittently and do not achieve regular exercise behavior. With only 17% exercising two days or more weekly across the first year of membership, there is a need to develop strategies to improve exercise attendance among novice exercisers.

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