Mindset theory has attracted significant attention across many fields of learning, including motivation for physical activity. However, no scale exists to measure mindsets regarding fitness. Drawing on theory and scales from other domains, we develop a two-dimensional scale of mindset for fitness. In a sample of Norwegian university students (N = 297), exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a two-factor solution comprising six items. The scale demonstrated good reliability and convergent validity through unique relations with theoretically related variables, such as learned helplessness, personality mindset, and implicit beliefs about intelligence. More frequent workouts were associated with a higher growth mindset and a lower fixed mindset. We conclude that the Mindset in Fitness Scale (MiFS) is a valid instrument in the physical activity and fitness domain; however, given the restricted sample in this validation study, psychometric evaluations in larger, more diverse samples are needed.
Dybendal et al. (2026) studied this question.