The exploratory study on physical fitness benefits of outdoor recreation activities among students in UiTM Puncak Alam / Fiqrul Izzat Faidrul Iqmar, Mohd Noorazam Abd Razak and Zaharul Azwan Abdul Razak

The study explored the physical fitness benefits of outdoor recreational activities among students at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Puncak Alam, focusing on how often they participated, the benefits they perceived, and the obstacles they faced. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed to 100 randomly chosen students, covering demographics, activity frequency, perceived benefits, and barriers. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including t-tests and ANOVA. The results showed that 70% of students engaged in outdoor activities 2-4 times per month, mainly on weekends (73%), with an average frequency (f = 3.19). Significant physical benefits included maintaining health (p = 4.42), improving appearance (p = 4.26), staying slim (p = 4.23), and building strength (p = 4.17). Additional benefits included avoiding ill-health (p = 4.15), increasing endurance (p = 4.20), and enhancing agility (p = 3.95). High p-values indicated strong correlations between regular participation and enhanced physical health. Barriers to participating in outdoor recreational activities included the cleanliness and condition of recreation facilities (p = 4.35), lack of knowledge or skills (p = 4.14), safety concerns (p = 4.19), and logistical issues like travel time and distance (p = 4.24). The study concluded that outdoor recreational activities significantly benefit physical fitness and health, but barriers need to be addressed. Recommendations included improving facility conditions, increasing safety measures, and enhancing students’ knowledge and skills to encourage participation, stressing the importance of supportive university policies to promote regular physical activity and reduce sedentary lifestyles, ultimately fostering a healthier student community.