Previous support exists for interventions designed to support participant basic needs in group fitness settings, as well as the development of self-determined motivation (Chatzisarantis &Hagger;, 2008; Edmunds et al., 2008; Standage et al., 2008). An area of research recently studied is the impact of perceived variety in relation to basic needs satisfaction, motivation, and physical activity participation. Perceived variety has been shown to impact exercise related well-being and psychological needs satisfaction (Sylvester et al., 2014a) as well as exercise adherence (Sylvester et al., 2016). The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of perceived variety and experience seeking with basic psychological needs satisfaction, motivation, and intentions to adhere to a future program. A secondary purpose of this study was to conduct an exploratory analysis examining the relationship of perceived variety and physical activity participation on basic needs satisfaction, motivation, and intention to adhere to a future program. Seven Basic Instructional Program courses were selected for participant recruitment. Data was collected at one time point, 7 weeks into the academic semester. It is predicted that higher perceptions of variety and experience seeking would predict enhanced basic needs satisfaction, more self-determined forms of motivation, and greater intention to adhere to a future exercise program. Overall, the majority of our predictions were supported. Results revealed that perceived variety predicted basic needs satisfaction, and self-determined motivation, but not intentions to continue exercising. Experience seeking did not predict any of the outcome variables. PA level and perceived variety predicted basic needs satisfaction and self-determined motivation.
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