Statement of the problem. Better understanding what motivates individuals to approach or avoid exercise can help in designing more motivating environments. Results could lead to maximized exercise performance and enjoyment potentially leading to higher levels of activity. The 2x2 achievement goal theory is one framework that has the potential to inform exercise motivation but is currently underutilized despite the strength of the theoretical framework in other domains. Therefore the purpose of this study was to use the 2x2 Achievement Goal framework to examine the causes and consequences of goals toward a cardiorespiratory exercise test.

Methods. This investigation incorporated a mixed methods design. Quantitative data were collected from 224 undergraduate students enrolled in a personal fitness class. Surveys concerning motives, goals, and performance were implemented. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses relevant to achievement goal theory in this exercise context. Furthermore, 20 students were identified as exercise avoiders and completed a semi-structured interview reporting on the causes and consequences of exercise avoidance goals.

Results. Quantitative results suggested that exercise motives, goals, and performance have both similarities and differences in comparison to previous studies in academic and sport settings. Qualitative results revealed that exercise avoiders reported negative emotions to be the greatest source of exercise avoidance goals while having avoidance goals can result in both inspirational and apathetic exercise outcomes.

Conclusions. Context plays a critical role within achievement goal theory and more research testing the 2x2 framework within exercise settings is needed to determine if aspects of theory within academic settings do not transfer to exercise settings as the results of this study suggest. Reports by the participants highlight the need to limit the public and competitive nature that exercise tests are normally conducting thereby creating an environment with less negative exercise emotions.