Previous research suggested former athletes exhibit no differences in exercise habits as the general population. However, the extent of knowledge of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) exercise recommendations as an influence of exercise habits is not fully demonstrated. The purpose of this study was to determine the exercise behaviors and level of exercise knowledge or former athletes compared to members of the general population. Additionally, the potential influences a health education course provided in maintaining health and exercise habits once community college athletes terminate their competitive career was examined. A total of 454 participants consisting of former community college athletes of various sports, as well as non-athlete graduates submitted a brief survey that assessed level of knowledge regarding current exercise recommendations, as well as comparing current aerobic exercise habits. Athletes and non-athletes were then separated into groups based on their previous enrollment in a freshmen level health education course. Chi-square analyses were utilized to assess comparisons of accuracy of the ACSM exercise recommendations, while a one-way Aanlysis of Covariance assessed differences in current exercise behaviors. Results indicated no differences in accuracy of the ACSM recommendations regardless of athletes or health education background. Significant differences in exercise frequency were demonstrated between former athletes with health education and non-athletes with no health education. Significant differences in exercise duration were shown between former athletes with no health education background and both non-athletes with health education and no health education. An a posteriori t-test revealed accurate responders had higher exercise volumes than inaccurate responders. In conclusion, the health education course had no apparent long-term impact on exercise behaviors. Athletic background had a statistically significant impact on current exercise habhits more so than educational background. However, future reseearch is warranted to evaluate the impact of other educational opportunities as well as trends in declining exercise habits over time among all groups.
