Exercise stages of change and barriers among undergraduates at a historically black university.

Objective: To investigate exercise stages of change (SOC) and physical barriers among undergraduates at an Historically Black University (HBCU) and quantify their relationship. Participants: A total of 326 undergraduate HBCU students; 198 were females (body mass index (BMI) range 16.5-87.9; M  = 26.5 ± 6.8) and 127 were males (BMI range 18.0-49.3; M  = 26.4 ± 5.7). Methods: Students voluntarily completed a three-section survey: demographic questions, Exercise SOC, and Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ). Results: An ANOVA determined significant differences ( p  < . 001) between the means for each SOC for lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of willpower, and lack of skill. Significant differences ( p  < . 001) existed between SOC and BBAQ score, as well as number of important barriers. Conclusions: HBCU interventions should address time management, energy, motivation, social support, and skill development to promote exercise and reduce barriers, especially among Black women.