A Study of Exercise Behaviors of Residents in Ban Uppo Community Nong Mek Sub-district Na Chueak District Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

This research consists purposes were to study the exercise behaviors of residents in Ban Uppo Community Nong Mek Sub-district Na Chueak District Maha Sarakham Province. This study employed a qualitative research approach. The research instrument was an interview guide. The target group consisted of 45 residents of Ban Uppo Village No. 4, Nong Mek Sub-district Na Chueak District Maha Sarakham Province selected through purposive sampling. Data collected from relevant documents and interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study revealed that It consisted of 1) Exercise behavior in daily life, which indicated that most residents engaged in physical activities on a daily basis as part of their routine exercise. Common activities included walking to run errands within the village, visiting relatives or neighbors, performing household chores such as sweeping, mopping, washing clothes, and hanging laundry, as well as engaging in agricultural work such as rice farming, gardening, animal husbandry, and other forms of manual labor. These activities were perceived by villagers as formal forms of exercise. Continuous engagement in such activities contributed to improvements in the circulatory system, muscular strength, and overall physical fitness. These routines were considered important forms of physical activity that promote health, reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, and reflect the rural lifestyle, which largely depends on physical labor and movement, even though these activities did not follow a fixed structure or duration and 2) Irregular exercise behavior, which referred to exercise patterns that were inconsistent and dependent on opportunity, available time, and physical readiness. Some individuals exercised infrequently, typically engaging in physical activity only when they had free time, participated in community activities, or experienced health-related concerns. Exercise was often discontinued or neglected when social, occupational, or household responsibilities increased. In addition, some individuals lacked awareness of the importance of regular exercise and believed that daily activities alone were sufficient. This resulted in inadequate frequency and duration of exercise. Limitations related to time, motivation and health knowledge were reflected in such behaviors, which may ultimately affect the effectiveness of disease prevention and health promotion.