WHY WOMEN TEND TO EXER-SKIVE
Many blame time & cash for reasons to leave the gym
MORE women are not happy with their exercise levels with over half of them dropping out blaming time, confidence and money.
A worldwide study, which spoke to over 1,000 adults, found 61 per cent of mothers polled cited their parenting responsibilities as a reason for not being physically active.
But just 34 per cent of men perceived a lack of time as a barrier to exercise for women, compared to 80 per cent of women reporting this.
Instead, men thought body insecurities were the leading problem with 58 per cent citing this as the main obstacle.
The ASICS research was part of its study on the gender exercise gap, which saw the sportswear brand survey 25,000 people in 40 countries and conduct 26 focus groups.
Dr Dee Dlugonski, of the University of Kentucky, said: “Our study showed that the gender exercise gap is a complex challenge which did not develop overnight. Given it has no sole cause, it will not be solved with one single solution.”
He said to encourage more females to exercise programmes should be “centred around women and their needs”.
Work
Dr Dee added: “From providing childcare and catering for all activity levels, to fitting around work, being fun, affordable, safe, welcoming, and judgement-free.
“All these solutions, while small, can have a significant impact and through this study we identified thousands of individuals and organisations around the world who are already driving change.”
The study uncovered the impact of organisations and individuals in supporting women to move.
Trainer Karen Guttridge from Hampshire said: “As a woman over the age of 50, I faced challenges such as embarrassment, a lack of representation in media, and concerns about engaging in certain vigorous activities.
“By spotlighting women over 50, providing accurate information on aging and fitness, and creating niche-specific groups, we can empower women to confidently and inclusively embrace exercise.”
ASICS launched their new online platform ‘Move Her Mind’ which hopes, according to executive vice-president Gary Raucher, to “connect and inspire others” so everyone can achieve a “sound mind in a sound body”.