Abstract

The motivation and habits of rock climbers were investigated using mixed methodology in order to better understand exercise participation. Forty-one patrons of a south eastern United States climbing gym completed a demographics form and adapted Sports Motivation Scale II (SMS-II), while thirty-six participants completed the Rock Climbing Motivation Survey (RCMS). Those with higher climbing frequency reported significantly higher levels of identified regulation than individuals who climbed less often (p=0.011). According to a thematic analysis, exercise balance and personal growth and challenges were the most commonly reported themes of motivation for rock climbing. The most frequently cited barriers were injury and time. Participants reported external motivators to climb upon initiation of the sport, but appeared to rely more on internal motivators to continue climbing. These findings, which are supported by current literature on physical activity, may be applicable to promoting exercise participation and maintenance.

Keywords: Rock wall climbing; Motivation; Participation; Habits