Factors Influencing Physical Activity and Sports Practice among Young People by Gender: Challenges and Barriers

Abstract

Young people aged 11 to 17 often fail to meet global recommendations for weekly physical activity and sports (PAS), despite its numerous benefits. In Spain, challenges such as excessive technology use and disinterest in PAS are prominent among youths. This study aimed to analyse the interest in PAS during leisure time and identify the factors influencing young people in a Spanish municipality towards this practice, as well as establish differences according to age and gender. Involving 891 adolescents (429 girls, 432 boys, and 30 other genders), this study found a significant association between gender and PAS participation. Boys are mainly motivated by fun and fitness, girls by health and fun, and other genders by perceived sports competence and health, with these motivations increasing with age. Deterring factors include fatigue, laziness, and lack of enthusiasm across all groups. Lack of free time is the most cited reason for quitting PAS, particularly for girls and other genders. For boys, disinterest, especially between ages 13 and 15, is a primary reason. These findings suggest that promoting PAS with a focus on health and leisure, and tailoring programmes to gender and age-specific needs, are essential to maintain motivation and ensure a healthier, more active population.

1. Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) [1] warns of high sedentary rates in today’s society, with nearly 80% of adolescents aged 11 to 17 not meeting global PAS recommendations. These are alarming data, as adolescence is a critical period for developing a lifestyle that may extend into adulthood [2]. In Spain, the Spanish Association of Paediatrics [3] states that 45% of young people aged 15 to 24 do little to no PAS, depriving a large part of the adolescent population of the multiple benefits of continuous PAS [4]. These benefits are globally recognised and include reducing the risk of various pathologies, improving mental health, and enhancing overall quality of life [5]. However, the current society is marked by sedentarism, leading the Spanish Nutrition Foundation (FEN) to pose challenges related to sedentary lifestyles [6]. The primary challenge is excessive exposure to technology. By 2018, 95% of adolescents had access to a smartphone, and 88% had access to a desktop or laptop at home [7]. Excessive technology use affects 60.6% of boys and 56.8% of girls aged 13 to 17, with an average daily use of 6 h and 12 min, surpassing the two hours recommended by specialists [8,9,10].

Another challenge for institutions to consider is the eating habits of adolescents [11]. Many children are growing up in environments that promote obesity, influenced by various factors including commercial aspects, the built environment (such as the availability of healthy foods, infrastructure, schools, and opportunities for physical activity), social norms related to body weight and image, cultural norms, socioeconomic status, and the family environment [12].

It is also essential to address and tackle the challenge related to the practice of physical activity and sports (PAS), as previously mentioned. The motivations and interests of contemporary society have evolved and changed over time. Focusing on young people, there has been a significant decline in PAS participation in recent decades [13]. Notably, adolescence is a period characterised by excessive indifference and disinterest in various aspects of life, including sports [14]. The decline in sports participation intensifies with age, with differences in PAS frequency observed between genders [15]. Boraita et al. [16] argue that age is a significant predictor of PAS practice and adherence, with late adolescence showing the lowest levels. Older adolescents tend to spend more time on sedentary leisure activities, such as using the internet and playing video games. They also face greater pressure in sports environments, increased social interaction with peers, and heightened academic responsibilities [17].

In terms of gender, males engage more in PAS during leisure, recess, and physical education (PE) classes [18,19]. Most young people practice some form of PAS until around age 11 [15]. Reasons for disengaging from PAS include laziness, the need for free time for social interaction, and technology use [20]. Girls perceive more barriers to PAS, such as lack of energy or companionship [21]. Both genders share reasons for physical inactivity, including laziness, dislike of adherence, time constraints, low self-perception, economic limitations, or lack of sports offerings [22,23,24].

It may be prudent to consider the time management of adolescents, as authors such as Vasquez et al. [25] and Vignoli [26] suggest that lack of time is a significant barrier to participation in PAS. This limitation is attributed to numerous school and domestic responsibilities, as well as the limited availability of parental time. Consequently, it is crucial to prioritise physical activity in children’s development, which would facilitate more consistent participation and contribute to the formation of healthy habits [27].

Several studies indicate that, regardless of gender, adolescents who engage in physical activities, either within or outside the school environment, experience better physical self-image compared to less active peers. This observation reveals a direct connection, suggesting that PAS is positively associated with physical self-perception among adolescents [28,29,30].

Psychosocial factors such as predisposition, environment, personality, and beliefs towards physical activity and sports [31] must also be considered in relation to PAS and its connection with gender. Temple et al. [32] and Field and Temple [33] note significant differences in preferences between males and females, with males tending to prefer team sports such as football, while females lean towards rhythmic activities such as dance. Other studies support these findings, showing that girls tend to prefer activities related to body shape and health with a more aesthetic orientation, being more motivated by weight control, appearance, agility, positive health, and stress management, and preferring individual sports [23,34]. On the other hand, boys tend to opt for collective sports focused on competition [23,24,35], motivated by performance and ego-oriented factors such as challenge, strength, and endurance, as well as affiliation and social recognition [34].

Gender stereotypes associated with PAS due to its masculinised image have been observed [34]. However, there are also gender stereotypes related to typically “feminine” sports when practised by males. Nevertheless, this distinction is becoming increasingly narrow and less perceptible with the inclusive values of contemporary society [36]. In this context, a masculinised/feminised model of sport, wherein the offerings may not meet the needs of girls and other genders, could lead to disinterest in sports during leisure time.

The family is a key source of influence on lifestyle behaviours, including participation in organised sports [37,38]. Several studies have highlighted the influence of the family environment, including parents’ beliefs, skills, and behaviours, as key factors mediating PAS levels [39,40]. Attention to modelling behaviour is crucial, given the significant role of parents in the pre-adolescent stage in fostering healthy habits in their children [37]. During adolescence, the influence of family as a key social reference diminishes compared to that of the peer group [41]. Additionally, these social relationships can act as important mediators that facilitate motivated behaviours towards PAS in some instances, while in others, they can inhibit such behaviours depending on the type of relationship and activities undertaken [42,43].

In light of the above, this research aims to analyse the interest in PAS during leisure time and identify the factors influencing young people in a Spanish municipality towards this practice, as well as establish differences according to age and gender.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Methodology

This descriptive research has an exploratory nature, and it is developed with a quantitative approach.

2.2. Sample

To address the proposed objective, all students enrolled in public and subsidised secondary schools in a municipality of the Valencian Community (Spain) were invited to participate. Out of a total study population of 1267 students, 891 youths ultimately participated (429 girls, 432 boys, and 30 identifying as other genders), ranging in age from 11 to 18 years (mean age 14.24; SD 1.663). These students were from the three educational centres in the analysed municipality, representing 70.32% of the total sample. Participation was voluntary, with the requisite permissions obtained from legal guardians, the municipality’s Educational Council, and the Ethics Committee of the University of Alicante (UA-2020-09-01).

2.3. Instrument

Part of the data collected in this research are from the project “Diagnosis and Analysis of Adherence to Physical Activity and Sports among Young People (DAFDACAMP)” conducted in a municipality of the Valencian Community (Spain) during the 2022–2023 academic year. To gather the information, an adapted version of the “Questionnaire for the Analysis of Motivation and Practice of Physical Activity and Sports (CAMPAFD)” developed by Hellín et al. [44] was used. This questionnaire initially comprised 39 items, of which the ones relevant to the objectives of this research were selected. These included questions related to the interests and current practice of physical activity and sports among young people, as well as questions addressing the potential determinants of motivation, demotivation, and abandonment of physical activity and sports practices.

2.4. Procedure

After obtaining the necessary permissions to administer the questionnaire to the target population, all questions were digitalised using Google Forms. The questionnaire was designed to ensure that each participant could only respond once. The link to the questionnaire was then sent to the educational centres’ representatives, who verified its proper functioning. Once consent was obtained from all involved parties (families and institutions), the researchers administered the questionnaire to the participants between September and October of the 2022–2023 academic year. Although the questionnaire was accessible digitally, the researchers were present during its completion. Data collection took place in the classrooms of the educational institutes. School directors facilitated access during various times throughout the school day and to the various classes involved. Completing the questionnaire took approximately 20 min.

2.5. Data Analysis

Data were analysed using SPSS v.26. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were conducted, including cross-tabulations and Pearson’s chi-squared test for significant differences between variables.

3. Results

The main results indicate a general interest in PAS among students, with boys showing the highest interest (59.5%), followed by other genders (46.7%), and girls the least (33.6%) with significant gender differences (X²(8) = 75.660, p < 0.001). Younger students (aged 11–12) show slightly higher interest than older students (

Table 1. Interest in PAS by age and gender.

	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Much	47.8	46.4	46.1	59.5	33.6	46.7	46.6
Enough	33.5	31.7	37.0	27.5	40.1	20.0	33.3
Little	15.5	15.3	14.6	8.8	21.4	16.7	15.2
None	1.9	4.5	1.8	3.3	13.3	3.4	3.4
No answer	1.2	2.2	0.1	1.6	3.3		1.6
							100

).

As shown in

Table 2. Current PAS Participation by age and gender.

	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Yes	82.0	76.3	74.4	83.1	71.3	66.7	76.9
No	18.0	23.7	25.6	16.9	28.7	33.3	23.1

, the majority of students (76.9%) currently engage in some form of extracurricular physical activity and sports (PAS) at least once a week. Age and gender are significant determinants of this practice. Younger students participate more frequently in sports activities, and male students show significantly higher participation rates compared to other genders (X²(2) = 18.607, p < 0.001).

The data also provide information about the immediate environment of adolescents who engage in PAS. In this context, 85.2% of their friends and 54.2% of their family members participate in some form of PAS.

3.1. Factors Influencing Motivation in the Practice of PAS

The following analysis presents data regarding the primary motivations indicated by students currently engaged in PAS. Fun and health benefits are the main factors driving young people’s participation in these activities, followed by the desire to stay fit and personal improvement. Additionally, competition and escapism are important reasons, though to a lesser extent. The influence of friends, family, and the proximity of facilities play a less significant role in motivating the practice of PAS (Figure 1).

Gender and age are significant variables that determine the practice of PAS. For girls, the primary motivations for engaging in PAS are health (49.4%), fun and spending time (48.3%), and staying fit (36.1%), among others. For boys, the main reasons include fun and spending time (56.5%), health benefits (53.0%), enjoying being fit (51.4%), feeling competent in sports (50%), enjoying competition (46.3%), and personal improvement (44.2%). For other genders, the leading motivations are feeling competent in sports (53.3%), health benefits (46.7%), and fun and spending time (40%).

Regarding age, motivations for engaging in PAS vary as young people grow older (

Table 3. Motivational factors for PAS by Age.

Motivation	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Feeling competent	34.8	43.4	39.3	50.0	30.8	53.3	40.9
Friends	8.7	11.7	8.2	12.3	8.2	13.3	10.3
Competition	29.8	34.8	33.8	46.3	21.2	30.0	33.7
Fun	53.4	50.5	54.3	56.5	48.3	40.0	52.0
Staying fit	31.1	43.6	52.1	51.4	36.1	33.3	43.4
Family	9.3	8.2	10.0	9.5	8.2	10.0	8.9
Personal improvement	32.9	37.6	37.0	44.2	28.9	36.7	36.6
Health	39.8	51.7	58.0	53.0	49.4	46.7	51.1
Proximity of facilities	5.6	5.1	8.7	7.9	4.0	10.0	6.1
Escapism	18.0	25.8	38.8	25.0	30.3	26.7	27.6
Other reasons	15.5	15.3	9.6	13.4	14.2	16.7	13.9

).

Another factor that may influence young people’s practice of physical activity and sports (PAS) is their perception of physical education (PE) classes received during their schooling. For the majority of students, these classes are perceived as easy (54.2%), useful (30.1%), and sufficient (29.3%). The least valued option by participants is considering PE classes more important than other subjects (10.5%). Male students have a more positive view of PE classes compared to female students and other genders. Age differences also exist as younger students (11–12 years) find PE classes easy, useful, and motivating, but these perceptions decrease as students grow older (

Table 4. Perceptions of PE classes by age and gender.

	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Easy	59.6	53.7	51.6	63.0	45.5	53.3	54.2
Motivating	32.9	21.5	21.9	25.2	22.6	16.7	23.7
Useful	38.5	28.4	27.9	33.3	26.8	30.0	30.1
Promotes Extracurriculars	25.5	21.9	18.7	21.8	21.0	33.3	21.8
More Important	10.6	11.2	9.1	14.4	6.5	13.3	10.5
Less Important	16.8	22.1	26.0	16.9	27.0	26.7	22.1
Sufficient	23.6	29.9	32.0	27.5	30.5	36.7	29.3
Insufficient	8.1	12.1	18.7	14.6	11.2	16.7	13.0

).

3.2. Factors Influencing Demotivation and Abandonment of Physical Activity and Sports (PAS)

For the analysis of this section, only young people who reported not participating in any PAS at this time in their lives were considered. The main reasons for not engaging in PAS include fatigue from studies (34.1%), laziness and lack of enthusiasm (31.3%), lack of affinity with sports as they never excelled in them (24.0%), and lack of free time (21.2%), among other reasons (Figure 2).

As shown in

Table 5. Factors influencing physical and sports inactivity by age and gender.

	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Lack of aptitude	24.1	28.1	16.1	19.2	27.6	20.0	24.3
Friends not practising	3.4	3.3	5.4	2.7	3.3	20.0	3.9
Lack of financial means	3.1	3.4	8.3	10.7	12.2	10.0	8.3
Laziness	34.5	33.1	26.8	31.5	30.9	40.0	31.6
Fatigue	27.6	34.7	37.5	27.4	39.0	30.0	34.5
Lack of support	6.9	6.6	3.6	1.4	8.1	10.0	5.8
Age	3.4	1.7	5.4	4.1	1.6	10.0	2.9
Health	3.4	3.3	5.4	4.1	3.3	10.0	3.9
Distance to facilities	6.9	10.7	17.9	5.5	14.6	30.0	12.1
Inadequate facilities	3.4	4.1	10.7	5.5	5.7	10.0	5.8
Lack of free time	13.8	19.0	30.4	8.2	30.1	10.0	21.4
Incompatible schedules	13.9	9.9	8.9	6.8	12.2	10.0	10.2
Other reasons	17.2	15.7	21.4	20.5	17.1	0.0	17.5

, when analysing the data by age group, we observe that the factors leading to demotivation towards PAS change over the course of their lives. Fatigue as a reason for not engaging in PAS starts at 27.6% for those aged 11–12 years and increases to 37.5% for those aged 16–18 years. Conversely, laziness as a barrier to PAS has a representation of 34.5% at ages 11–12, decreasing to 26.8% at ages 16–18.

Moreover, analysing the data by gender reveals some differences. For girls, the main demotivating factors towards PAS are fatigue (39.0%), laziness and lack of enthusiasm (30.9%), and lack of free time (30.1%), along with the perception of lacking aptitude for sports (27.6%). For boys, the primary reasons are laziness and lack of enthusiasm (31.5%), followed by fatigue (27.4%). For other genders, the demotivating factors towards PAS are also laziness and lack of enthusiasm (40%), fatigue (30%), and the distance to sports facilities (30%).

3.3. Factors Influencing the Abandonment of Physical Activity and Sports (PAS)

For this analysis, we considered the 206 students who currently do not engage in PAS, specifically those who had previously participated in physical activities (95.1%).

Figure 3 presents the results related to the factors that influenced the decision to stop practicing PAS. Key reasons for dropping out include lack of time (32.5%), loss of interest (28.6%), and unspecified other reasons (26.2%) (Figure 3).

As observed in

Table 6. Reasons for dropping out of PAS by age and gender.

	11–12	13–15	16–18	Male	Female	Other Genders	Total
Health	0.0	5.8	3.6	5.5	4.1	0.0	4.4
Financial problems	3.4	8.3	8.9	2.7	9.8	20.0	7.8
Age	0.0	2.5	3.6	1.4	3.3	0.0	2.4
Friends not participating	6.9	7.4	7.1	8.2	7.3	0.0	7.3
Loss of interest	24.1	31.4	25.0	27.4	28.5	40.0	28.6
Lack of support	0.0	5.8	5.4	2.7	4.9	20.0	4.9
Lack of free time	13.8	32.2	42.9	24.7	36.6	40.0	32.5
Lack of facilities	0.0	3.3	5.4	1.4	4.1	10.0	3.4
Distance to facilities	3.4	8.3	7.1	4.1	7.3	30.0	7.3
Inconvenient schedules	13.8	10.7	10.7	9.6	10.6	30.0	11.2
Other reasons	34.5	26.4	21.4	28.8	26.0	10.0	26.2

, when the sample is segmented by age group, we find that younger students cite other reasons (34.5%) presented in the questionnaire, although they do not specify which ones. As age increases, reasons associated with disinterest in PAS and lack of free time also appear, with the latter becoming the primary reason from ages 16 to 18. For students aged 13 and above, their reasons are mainly associated with lack of free time, followed by disinterest in PAS and other reasons.

Regarding gender, differences are also evident. For girls, the main reasons for abandoning PAS are lack of free time (36.6%), loss of interest (28.5%), and other reasons (26%). For boys, the primary reasons are other reasons (28.8%), loss of interest (27.4%), and lack of free time (24.7%). Finally, for other genders, the main reasons for abandoning PAS are lack of free time (40%) and loss of interest (40%).

4. Discussion

This research was conducted to analyse the interest in PAS during leisure time and identify the factors influencing young people in a Spanish municipality towards this practice, as well as establish differences according to age and gender.

4.1. Interests and Influencing Factors in Youth Participation in PAS

The main results of this study show a high interest in PAS among young people, especially males. This interest is reflected in actual practice, with a high percentage of adolescents engaging in PAS at least once a week. Our findings indicate a significant association between gender and the practice of PAS, with males participating more than females and other genders. These results partially align with previous studies indicating that females are less active [1,16,45]. The situation regarding the interests of other genders in PAS is somewhat unknown, as there are no in-depth studies on this aspect in Spain. Most existing studies focus on homophobia towards LGBT athletes, such as those by Moscoso and Piedra [46], Piedra [47], or Ramírez-Díaz and Cabeza-Ruíz [48]. Our research reveals that this group’s interest in PAS is higher than that of females but does not reach the levels of males.

Another significant found association relates to age and interest in PAS, with younger students showing more interest. This trend may be related to the gradual definition of adolescents’ personalities, leading to increased decision-making capacity and decreased influence from others [49].

Various studies [2,4] have highlighted the importance of being physically active and the attitudes needed to maintain PAS over time. However, occasional practice of PAS does not guarantee long-term engagement or adherence [50]. As mentioned earlier, PAS during adolescence is crucial for physical and mental development, strengthening bones and muscles, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing obesity risk. Additionally, it promotes emotional well-being, reduces stress, and enhances self-esteem and social skills. Therefore, promoting exercise habits during this stage fosters a healthy lifestyle into adulthood [5,45]. However, 27.5% of adults and 81% of young people do not meet the WHO recommendations of at least 60 min of moderate to vigorous PAS daily. In our study, young people’s intention towards PAS is high, indicating that, in the analysed municipality, the intention to be physically active could be a significant predictor of long-term PAS participation. Additionally, factors such as intrinsic motivation and social support also influence this relationship. Therefore, fostering positive attitudes and environments that promote the intention to be active seems crucial for increasing PAS among students [45]. In this context, our data show that young people practice PAS with friends, and more than half live in families that engage in PAS. Family and friends could play fundamental roles in healthy behaviour habits, such as diet and adherence to physical activity. A supportive sports family environment is associated with higher frequency and adherence to PAS [38].

Regarding the main factors influencing PAS practice among young people, fun is the primary reason males engage in PAS. These findings align with the work by Romanova and Sollar [51], who consider enjoyment of PAS as one of the main factors for adherence, describing it as a positive affective reaction to the sports experience, regardless of the practitioners’ age. From the self-determination theory perspective, intrinsic motivation towards PAS, driven by enjoyment, ensures high-quality sports experiences. In contrast, PAS motivated by external factors, such as avoiding punishment or seeking rewards, is less effective for long-term participation [52]. Overall, fostering a sports environment that prioritises enjoyment and personal development is crucial for keeping young people active and committed to PAS [53,54]. Athletes focusing on personal improvement, enhancing their skills, and enjoying the process experience greater satisfaction and long-term commitment to PAS [52].

Another factor influencing PAS practice is achieving a healthy state, which is the main motivation for females in our research. Biddle and Gorely [55] provide a comprehensive review of the literature on this topic, highlighting health as a key motivator in physical activity programmes for adolescents. They emphasise how perceptions of health and well-being significantly influence young people’s motivation to be physically active. For middle-aged women, health perception remains a key motivator for physical activity [34,56], suggesting that this influential factor persists into adulthood.

The third identified factor influencing young people’s PAS practice was the intention to stay fit, with women mentioning this factor at a slightly higher level than the rest. Women tend to prefer practices with a healthier and more aesthetic approach [23,34].

Other studies, such as the one by Pedersen [57], compared motivation for PAS among young people from different socioeconomic levels, finding that the desire to stay fit was an important motivator regardless of socioeconomic status, highlighting the importance of addressing internal motivation to promote physical activity in this population. These findings underscore the importance of promoting health and well-being in this population. Another factor behind this motivation could be the significant physical changes adolescents undergo during puberty, which can affect their self-perception. Additionally, social media is filled with edited and filtered images that can lead young people to feel dissatisfied with their own bodies, potentially having a more significant impact on young women and increasing body dissatisfaction [58].

Another factor influencing PAS practice analysed in our study is young people’s perception of PE during their academic training. PE should help students adopt healthy and lasting habits and promote comprehensive and multifaceted development, positively impacting their health [59]. Our data indicate that, as students age, they find PE classes less easy, less motivating, and less useful. Similarly, García-Vélez and Jiménez-Parra [59] and Muñoz-González et al. [60] found that older students show less interest and enjoyment in PE, perceiving the classes as more boring and less motivating. Additionally, our data reflect that male students generally have more positive perceptions of PE classes compared to female students and other genders. These findings align with other studies [60,61], which mention that females have less favourable perceptions of this subject than males. This analysis reveals important differences in how different student groups perceive PE classes, which could be useful for adjusting the pedagogical approach and improving the educational experience in this area. Satisfaction in PE classes is a positive predictor of the importance given to, and a negative predictor of boredom in, this subject [14]. Therefore, positive experiences in this subject could ensure that young people develop an affinity for PAS outside the school context.

4.2. Factors Influencing Demotivation and Abandonment of PAS

As mentioned in our study, girls and other genders generally participate in PAS less than boys, which is consistent with recent research showing this persistent trend [16,45]. Fatigue, laziness, lack of aptitude for sports, and limited available time seem to be the main demotivating factors for young people. These findings align with various studies conducted in the Spanish context with young populations in recent years [14,34,62]. Girls and other genders primarily cite fatigue and laziness as the main barriers, while for boys, overcoming laziness is the primary challenge. Additionally, as young people age, these demotivating factors become more pronounced. All these identified factors could be associated with personal aspects. Participants of other genders and females perceive themselves more negatively than males. Similar studies also highlight fears and insecurities, along with a lack of tenacity and effort, as significant demotivating reasons [14,63].

Regarding the abandonment of PAS, unspecified reasons, lack of time, and disinterest in PAS are recurring arguments over the years. Concerning lack of time, young people seem to struggle with time management and with balancing various tasks. These results align with those of authors such as Baena-Extremera et al. [64], who conclude that lack of free time due to academic reasons and students’ attitudes, such as laziness and insecurities, are also the main causes of PAS abandonment, especially among women [63]. In this context, interests in more sedentary leisure activities appear to be winning over healthier options. Regarding gender, the demotivating factors and abandonment reasons are similar to varying degrees in all analysed cases, as in other studies where gender does not seem to be a determining factor among these causes of dropout [23,24]. As young people approach adulthood, lack of time becomes the main factor influencing the abandonment of PAS. Conversely, younger ages justify their abandonment and loss of interest in PAS they had pursued since childhood with unspecified reasons. Loss of interest is considered a factor that favours abandonment when the individual no longer finds satisfaction in the activity, and if this lack of satisfaction is not addressed or redirected, it leads to abandonment. Therefore, young people with higher levels of intrinsic motivation show greater interest and short- and long-term intention to be physically active during their leisure time [65].

However, interest in technological leisure has increased among the general population and particularly among young people. Technology use exceeds the recommended two hours per day by experts [8,10]. As a society, we need to focus on the various interests occupying leisure time. Identifying the most effective strategies to optimise positive affect during exercise is a challenge for researchers. For example, Cox et al. [66] analysed the use of dissociative strategies like music and associative strategies like mindfulness during exercise on affect-related variables in women who currently do not meet physical activity guidelines. The results showed that using mindfulness as an associative attention strategy during exercise could support positive affective responses similar in magnitude to music. Therefore, these strategies could be considered to promote satisfaction with PAS among young people.

5. Conclusions

The following conclusions can be drawn from our study:

The young population analysed exhibits a high overall interest in physical activity and sports (PAS), with interest and participation being particularly notable among males and those aged 11 to 12 years. However, it is important to address the disinterest observed in the 13 to 18 age group. Gender and age are critical variables to consider in the design of sports programmes to foster participation in PAS aligned with the practitioners’ interests, aiming to cultivate a constructive use of leisure time and promote a healthy lifestyle from an early age.

The primary positive factors driving young people’s participation in PAS are enjoyment, health benefits, and the fitness that exercise provides. Specifically, health is the main motivation for females, fun and spending time for males, and good sports competence for other genders. These motivations focus on having fun and staying healthy according to the age group analysed, with those aged 16 to 18 clearly identifying health as a fundamental driver for interest in PAS.

The main barriers and challenges to sustaining long-term PAS include personal factors such as fatigue, laziness, lack of enthusiasm, lack of aptitude, and limited available time among young people. For females and other genders, fatigue and laziness are the primary blockers, while for males, laziness is the main barrier.

Despite a population that predominantly engages in PAS with friends and where at least half live in an active family environment, the influence of friends, family, and proximity to facilities plays a less significant role in PAS participation. Consequently, motivation for participation and reasons for abandonment are not strongly associated with the influence of social support, which is considered a significant factor in adolescence for adherence to PAS.

To promote positive attitudes towards PAS and mitigate abandonment, leveraging the socialisation opportunities that sport and physical activity provide could be beneficial. A more social approach to sports practice, enhancing positive peer relationships and group belonging, could encourage adherence to PAS among young people.

Transferring meaningful and positive PAS experiences to community contexts such as the home, neighbourhood, or educational centres could be crucial for preventing the abandonment of daily physical activity.

In summary, creating a motivational climate and fostering the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of young people from both family and institutional contexts are essential factors for promoting and adhering to PAS. Addressing typical adolescent attitudes such as laziness, lack of enthusiasm, or fatigue through PAS programmes that consider their interests and preferences is necessary. Conducting surveys wherein young people can express their interests or promoting healthy leisure campaigns that include PAS of interest to the entire family and social context is recommended. Additionally, involving parents in promoting healthy habits related to physical activity and diet through knowledge exchange at educational centres could significantly benefit their children.