Towards an explanatory model of the enjoyment of physical activity based on physical self-concept

Due to the sedentary lifestyle prevalent between young, it is crucial to implement strategies that promote an increase in physical activity hours. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the following variables: physical self-concept, enjoyment of physical activity, physical fitness levels, fitness tests and BMI among adolescents. A total of 1020 adolescents aged 12–19 years old participated in the study. The EUROFIT battery test was administered to assess physical fitness, and questionnaires were used to measure physical self-concept and enjoyment of physical activity. The results indicate that enjoyment of physical activity is related with maximal aerobic capacity (p < 0.01) and self-concept (p < 0.01), specifically in the dimensions of Physical Self-Concept (PSC), Ability and Condition, for males, and PSC Ability for females. Our results also show that enjoyment PA was related with Course Navette, PSC Ablity and with PSC Condition for male (p < 0.01) while for female, Enjoyment PA was related with Course Navette and with PSC Ability (p < 0.001). Multiple factors contribute to the enjoyment of physical activity, and these factors vary among genders. It is crucial to consider these differences when developing physical activity programmes for adolescents in school and community settings.