Multidimensional Determinants of Health Behaviors among Fitness Club Members: A One Health Perspective on Physical Activity, Nutrition, and Psychosocial Well-being

Abstract

Introduction: The One Health paradigm recognizes the intricate interdependencies between human health, environmental factors, and behavioral patterns. Within this framework, lifestyle is a multidimensional construct encompassing physical activity, dietary practices, stress management strategies, and substance use behaviors. Despite the global proliferation of fitness facilities, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the comprehensive lifestyle profiles of fitness club members.
This cross-sectional observational study sought to characterize the multifaceted lifestyle determinants of adults engaged in structured fitness club activities in northwestern Poland, with specific emphasis on physical activity patterns, nutritional behaviors, stress coping mechanisms, and substance use.
Methods: A convenience sample of 40 adult participants (32 women, 8 men; mean age range 31–40 years) attending a multi-purpose fitness facility in Police, West Pomeranian Voivodeship, completed a structured 30-item questionnaire in May 2018. The instrument assessed sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity engagement (frequency, duration, and modality preference), dietary patterns (meal frequency, hydration, and fruit/vegetable consumption), perceived stress and coping strategies, and substance use behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and passive smoke exposure).
Results: The majority of participants (60%) self-identified as physically active, with 42.5% engaging in exercise 2–3 times weekly and 40% training at the facility 3–4 times weekly. Notably, 72.5% supplemented club-based activities with additional recreational physical activity. Regarding nutrition, 60% consumed 4–5 meals daily, though only 42.5% achieved adequate hydration (1.0–1.5 L/day). Stress was experienced several times weekly by 30% of respondents; however, 50% perceived stress as a mobilizing force rather than a debilitating one. Social support, particularly from close relationships, emerged as the primary stress-management resource (35% of participants). Substance use was minimal: 60% reported no regular substance use, 67.5% were non-smokers, and 90% denied recent illicit drug use. 
Conclusions: The cohort demonstrated a predominantly health-promoting lifestyle profile characterized by regular physical activity, relatively balanced nutrition, adaptive stress responses, and low substance use. However, residual suboptimal behaviors (passive smoking exposure, snacking between meals, and inadequate hydration among subgroups) suggest targets for tailored health promotion interventions within fitness settings. These findings align with the One Health conceptual framework by demonstrating how structured community environments can facilitate positive health behaviors across multiple domains.