The Facts
Women’s health and exercise
Barriers to women and exercise
Barriers to women and exercise
- By the age of 16 or 17 64% of girls have quit sport (Sport England 2022)
- 75% of women don’t take the recommended amount of exercise (Sport England)
Women are twice as likely to die of coronary heart disease, the main cause of heart attack, as breast cancer in the UK (British Heart Foundation).
NHS INFORMATION
It can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% and lower your risk of early death by up to 30%.
It's free, easy to take, has an immediate effect and you don't need a GP to get some. Its name? Exercise.
Exercise is the miracle cure we've always had, but for too long we've neglected to take our recommended dose. Our health is now suffering as a consequence.
This is no snake oil. Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON NHS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY GUIDELINES CLICK THE LINK:
Barriers to women and exercise
Barriers to women and exercise
Barriers to women and exercise
There are many barriers to women and girls taking part in physical activities including sports – here are some of them:
1. Fear of being judged
2. Cost
3. Time
4. Peer pressure
5. Lack of physical confidence
6. Negative social perceptions of women and sport
7. Pregnancy
8. Fear of meeting new people
9. The menopause
10. Menstruation
11. Sexism
12. Religion and cultural restrictions – the right to exercise
13. Lack of information
Benefits of physical exercise
Barriers to women and exercise
Benefits of physical exercise
The fact is that whether it’s walking/rambling or cycling in the outdoors; taking part in a dance, yoga or Pilates class; swimming; playing tennis, badminton or playing a team sport such as netball, basketball, football or hockey, participation in sport and physical activities provide a range of physical and mental health benefits for women of all ages – these may include:
- Higher levels of physical fitness including: cardiovascular, muscle strengths and flexibility
- Improved mental health - reduction in stress, depression and other mental health problems and increased resilience
- Reduction in the risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer by up to 50% (NHS)
- Socialisation - meeting and making friends
- Skills learning - inc. cognitive skills
- Feelings of confidence and empowerment
- Lower levels of obesity
- Lower levels of physical issues such as back problems
- Reduced social media time.
Having fun!