Development of an exercise identity scale.

This study examined an instrument measuring the salience of an individual's identification with exercise as an integral part of the concept of self. The 9-item Exercise Identity Scale was given to 51 college students. Test-retest reliability (1 wk.) was .93 and Cronbach alpha. 94. Assessment of the relationship between exercise identity scores and other variables related to participation in exercise documents evidence for validity. A measure of exercise identity may help identify persons least likely and most likely to maintain an exercise program and so may assist in the development of effective intervention strategies.