How on-demand agency of anonymous group exercise membership supports emergence-based social identity transition in mid-life

Richards, T., Easterbrook, M. J., Slater, M. J., Day, M. and Figgins, S. G. (2025) How on-demand agency of anonymous group exercise membership supports emergence-based social identity transition in mid-life. British Journal of Social Psychology. pp. 1-21. ISSN 2044-8309

[thumbnail of Richards, T. et al, How on-demand agency of anonymous group exercise membership supports emergence-based social identity transition in mid-life, B. J. of Soc. Psych. 2025, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.70022.] Text (Richards, T. et al, How on-demand agency of anonymous group exercise membership supports emergence-based social identity transition in mid-life, B. J. of Soc. Psych. 2025, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.70022.)
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Text (Richards, T. et al, How on-demand agency of anonymous group exercise membership supports emergence-based social identity transition in mid-life, B. J. of Soc. Psych. 2025, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/bjso.70022.)
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Abstract

Midlife's challenges, changes, and demands can create barriers to maintaining groups, activities, which, for some, include attending in-person group exercise classes. As a potential solution, on-demand group exercise platforms (e.g., Les Mills+) offer agency over participation, anonymity, and community interaction. This research explores how social identification processes shape participation in Les Mills+. Twenty Les Mills+ participants aged 40-64 were recruited for three data collection stages: (1) an initial semi-structured interview on exercise history and Les Mills+ usage; (2) a two-week post-exercise diary capturing social identification experiences; and (3) a follow-up interview to discuss topics from the first two stages. Results highlight how, through anonymous participation in on-demand group exercise, participants experienced a sense of agency, inclusion, and community while feeling socially supported both during and after participation. Findings from this study suggest four factors that can impact social identification within on-demand exercise platforms, namely (a) creating a collective event to foster unity, (b) providing anonymity and agency to enable increased exercise trial, (c) enabling exercise participation from self-excluded groups, and (d) amplify life-stage similarity and support on-screen and via social media.

Publication Type: Articles
Additional Information: © 2025 The Author(s).
Uncontrolled Keywords: anonymity, midlife, online exercise groups, social identity deconstruction, social identity model of identity change (SIMIC)
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV201 Physical education and training
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Sport > Research Theme > Health and Well-Being
Research Entities > Centre for Health and Allied Sport and Exercise Science Research (CHASER)
Research Entities > Qualitative Research Hub
Depositing User: Melissa Day
Date Deposited: 18 Nov 2025 11:21
Last Modified: 18 Nov 2025 11:21
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/8356

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